ears L

s and well-lit room. The decoration catches my eye, and I wonder

ressed and elegant, ignore me as they always do when they don't want anything being offered. So smug and snobbish, it

by adults dancing, along with a few teenagers brave enough to dance in a funny way. I keep my focus on

e place is in a bit of chaos-plates being assembled, cooks shouting at ea

ower back starting to ache, slowing me down as I carry trays around the hall. When

ound?" he asks impatiently, crossi

reather before heading back, my ap

head, glares at me disapprovingly, and I immediately grab the

r all the plates and cutlery left by the guests. My colleague, N

excitedly, and I nod. "Want to do some side work? I can get you a gig

always need more money. Not out of greed or to spend on unnecessary

This will be a blessing, thank God! Thank y

ost important bills. With unexpected expenses popping up cons

Soon we're back to cleaning up the hall, and a wave of joy runs through my body.

otice that the kitchen light is on. I try to enter

my mother sitting at the dining tab

mother, lifts her eyes from her phone screen, an

ids' babysitter. I missed casino night with my frie

y. It gives me extra hours, and with that, more m

your kids' babysitter if you'd stayed with their f

t I drank too many hours after being with Alexander and ended up in another m

to him in years, okay? He disappeared from the map before I even kn

nted expression and shakes her h

e. Now look at you, twenty-five, no education, being everyone's doormat. This is not wh

w. I'm going to bed

ht of their small night lamp, I watch my two little angels' peaceful faces as they sleep. My mot

g exactly who their father is. But I know I have two wonderful children who brighten every one o

re body. As soon as I settle into bed, my heart tightens with the memory of Alexander.

ing's castle, Nicole!" I exclaim, shocked,

fall. I've never been this close to the noble district, and I've always imagine

lack of heirs, the royal family decided to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Caelum and Seraphina have been marrie

nd red roses, with hedges sculpted into massive wolves and other magnificen

hitting my account. And who knows, maybe I'll meet my future husband here tonight!" Ni

cans or enchantresses. To them, we're incomplete, the scu

Nicole. With all the attacks happening lately, being human doesn't

ers anymore. I want to be the one being served for a c

. Because if you do, I will have to deduct from your pay as punishment, understood

itchen was three times the size of the kitchen at my regular job, and the

e of serving the king and queen at all times. Take this tray of drinks. Be polite

mbling. I pick up the tray and ba

is refined, elegant, and magnificent. I notice small signs of magic being used, like projections of colorful anima

ark blonde hair, which is combed back in thick waves. On his head, a golden crown blends with his hair. The king's beauty is

w her ears, adorned with stunning ruby earrings that match the color of her copper-red hair. Her golden eye

ay and offer them to the royal couple. The king accepts a drink, and I place the glass on

. Remove her from my sight and my husband's, immediatel

tanding what I did wrong, and q