CHAPTER 1

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...

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