Prince Leo entered the study, eyes scanning the papers on his desk. A soft knock interrupted him. "Enter."

The door opened, and his advisor led Ana in. "Your Highness, this is Ana, the new maid."

Leo's gaze landed on Ana. She kept her eyes down, heart racing as she felt his intense stare. He saw the slight tremble in her hands.

" Aide Kim, so she's the new maid"

" yeah, I thought to come and introduce her to you for your approval"

Ever since Chef Yeo, the oldest chef in the royal house was executed for poisoning the late king, Leo has always been stern to every maid

Aide Kim set to take his leave " I'll leave her to your judgement, your majesty" he finally left.

Ana looked up, and their eyes locked. Leo's breath hitched. Who was this beauty?

Her dark hair was tied in a messy bun, and a smudge of soot marked her cheek.

" what's your intro" he said firmly

" uhm---- I'm 24 and I..."

Leo cut in fiercely " do you stammer" and she shook her head.

" then speak or you'll be send out, what made you want to serve at the royal house and what's your intention" he fired as she quiver in fear.

" I live with my sick... mum and I took this job to be able to pay for her hospital bills" she stated

"What's your experience?" Leo said, his tone flat

Ana swallowed. "I... I've worked in the kitchens before, sir. Cleaning, serving..."

Leo's eyes narrowed, studying her. " you get the job, but you'll have to be under supervision by aide Kim for two months" she nodded.

" leave" the guards escorted her out.

Leo's gaze lingered on the door Ana exited. Aide Kim re-entered, clearing his throat. "Your Highness?"

Leo turned, his expression hard. "Keep an eye on her. I want to know everything about Ana."

Aide Kim bowed. "As you wish, your highness"

Leo's jaw clenched. He didn't need distractions. Yet, Ana's words lingered: "sick mum, hospital bills".

Later that night, Leo strolled into the garden. A soft melody drifted from the courtyard. He followed the sound to find Ana, scrubbing the floor.

Their eyes met. Ana's breath caught. Leo stopped in front of her. "What are you doing here?"

Ana's cheeks flushed. "Cleaning, sir."

Leo's gaze narrowed. "At night?"

Ana looked down. "Couldn't sleep, sir."

Leo's expression didn't change, but he took a step closer. "Don't let me hear you singing again. It's... unprofessional."

Ana's eyes widened. She nodded, her voice barely audible. "Yes, your highness."

Leo turned to leave. "And Ana?"

"Sir?"

"Your singing. It was... adequate."

Leo walked off, leaving Ana confused. Was that a compliment?

Aide Kim approached Ana, who was scrubbing the floor with determination. "Anna, you can go rest. It's okay for today."

Ana didn't look up, her hands moving mechanically. "Let me be done with this."

Aide Kim's eyes lingered on her for a moment still watching her scrub the floor. Silence fell between them, but Ana broke it, curiosity creeping into her voice. "Does His Majesty have trouble sleeping?"

Aide Kim paused, his expression unreadable. "More like insomnia."

Ana's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind working. "Umm... please, can you show me where the valerian root is planted?"

Aide Kim turned back, his brow raised. "What for?"

Ana's hands stilled on the cloth. "I can make something to... treat his insomnia."

Aide Kim's expression turned skeptical. "Valerian roots? No one has used it since it was planted in this royal house. Are you sure of what you're saying?"

Ana nodded, a quiet confidence in her eyes. "Yeah."

Aide Kim studied her for a moment before nodding curtly. "Okay then. Follow me."

He led her to the valerian roots farm, tucked away in a quiet corner of the palace gardens. As they walked, Ana's mind was already on the blend she'd create...

Aide Kim approached Leo's study as they sight him busy with paper works, Ana trailing behind with a tray. "Your Highness, Anna made a special tea blend. She insists it'll help with... your insomnia."

Leo's gaze lifted from the papers, skeptical. "A tea?"

Aide Kim nodded. "She used valerian root, your highness. Says it'll promote sleep. And there's no need to be afraid your highness, I watched her prepare it"

Leo's expression turned unreadable. "Bring it."

Ana stepped forward, her hands steady as she poured the tea. The aroma wafted up – earthy, calming. Leo's eyes narrowed.

"Drink it," he commanded Aide Kim.

Aide Kim hesitated, then took a sip. "It's... pleasant, sir."

Leo took the cup from Ana, his fingers brushing hers. He downed the tea in one gulp.

The room fell silent. Ana watched, her heart racing. Would it work?

A minute passed. Leo's gaze softened, just a fraction. "Aide Kim... leave us."

Aide Kim bowed and exited. Leo's eyes locked on Ana. "You made this."

Ana nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, sir."

" leave" he commanded as Ana left

Leo peeled open his eyes to the warmth of his room. He checked his wall clock: 7am. He'd slept from 11pm to 7am – his first time sleeping more than three hours in years.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. "Enter."

Aide Kim stepped in, a hint of a smile on his face. "Your Majesty, seems like you slept well."

Leo's expression was unreadable, but a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "Aide Kim... I'm amazed as you're."

Aide Kim chuckled low. "That Ana girl is really something else."

Leo's gaze narrowed slightly. "Uhm."

Aide Kim cleared his throat. "Well, Your Highness, you have a meeting by 8am. You have to freshen up and prepare"

The council chamber was filled with dignitaries and royal advisors, discussing Leo's impending marriage to Princess Emily of a neighboring kingdom. The alliance would secure trade benefits and strengthen borders.

Duke Harris spoke, "The wedding would solidify our position against the northern threats. Princess Emily is well-educated, poised—"

Leo shifted, trying to speak up. "But—"

Queen Dowager Elena, Leo's mother, turned to him. "Prince Leo, let Duke Harris speak."

Leo's words tumbled as he tried again. "I... I don't..."

Suddenly, Leo's vision blurred. He gripped the armrest, losing balance. Aide Kim rushed to his side.

"your highness!"

The room froze. Queen Dowager Elena's voice was sharp. "Prince Leo, what's happening?"

Leo's eyes fluttered. He slumped back, Aide Kim catching him.

Ana scrubbed the dishes, her ears tuning into the hushed whispers of the other maids.

"The prince fainted during the meeting with his uncle and the dignitaries."

"What could've caused that?"

"They've called the Royal Medical Specialist, I heard."

Curiosity piqued, Ana rinsed her hands and slipped out of the kitchen.

She sought out Aide Kim outside Leo's chambers. "Aide Kim, is it true? Did His Majesty really faint?"

Aide Kim's expression was stern. "Yeah. Why do you care, Ana? You're supposed to be in the kitchen, not poking around."

Ana's face flushed as Aide Kim brushed past her. She muttered under her breath, "Gosh, why am I so restless?"

Pacing back to the kitchen, Ana decided, "I have to check on him. That way, I'll stop worrying."

She hurried back to Leo's room, but the guards blocked her path. She listened from outside.

The queen's voice was laced with concern. "He's been vomiting, abdominal cramps, and losing balance sometimes."

The doctor's reply was measured. "That's bad. I'll prescribe some drugs."

"Okay, please rush the results. We need to know what's wrong with the prince," the queen urged.

The doctor nodded. "I'll get it ASAP."

Ana turned away from the door, determination etched on her face. She hurried to the kitchen, her mind racing. "I can make something to ease that.., symptoms..."

She ruffled through the kitchen stores, gathering herbs and spices. "Ginger, chamomile... that should help settle his stomach."

Aide Kim walked in, frowning. "What are you doing, Ana? You shouldn't be making anything for the prince."

Ana didn't look up, focused on her concoction. "I'm making something to ease his cramps. What's the point of being a kitchen maid if I can't help?"

Aide Kim sighed. "Ana, you're gonna get in trouble. The queen's orders were strict – no one gets near the prince without permission."

Ana's hands didn't stop moving. "I'll take the risk. Besides, I just want to help."

Aide Kim watched, a hint of concern on his face. "Fine. But if anything happens, I'm not covering for you."

Ana nodded, a small smile on her lips. "I'll be careful."

She finished the brew, pouring it into a wooden mug. "Aide Kim, can you make sure the prince gets this?"

Aide Kim took the mug, his expression unreadable. "I'll try."

Head Chef Ryu stormed into the kitchen, her eyes scanning the room. "What's that smell?" she asked, sniffing the air.

Ana stood by the counter, tidying up. "I made some herb soup for His Majesty," she replied calmly.

Chef Ryu's expression turned stern. "You did what? The queen won't accept it. You wanna lose your job?"

Ana's voice remained steady. "I care about His Majesty. I don't want him to be in pain."

Chef Ryu scoffed. "Despite losing your job?"

Ana rinsed her hands. "I asked Aide Kim to help me. If they're hesitant, I'll be fine with it. I've done my best."

Chef Ryu huffed. "Get me the condiments from the fridge. I want to prepare the prince a meal."

Ana hurried to the fridge, fetching the ingredients.

In Leo's chambers, Queen Elena's anger simmered as she learned about the soup. "How dare she? Aide Kim, why did you bring this to the prince?"

Aide Kim stood firm. "It's hygienic, my queen. Besides, she made a tea yesterday that helped His Majesty sleep well."

Leo spoke up, his voice weak. "Aide Kim is right... Maid Ana seems to have a skill in medicine."

The queen's gaze narrowed. "Did you watch her make this?"

Aide Kim nodded. "I also made her taste it."

The queen's expression softened slightly. "Give it to him."

A guard interrupted, delivering a message to Aide Kim. "Your Highness, Harrison is here."

Leo's eyes lit up. "Aide Kim, show him in."