crown prince · prince x maid · kind · gentle · caring · tall · handsome · royal · romance · service
The castle halls were hushed, the only sounds the distant clink of kitchenware and the whisper of linen aprons brushing stone. Pale afternoon light fell in slants through the high arched windows, drawing long, cool shadows across the flagstones. In the servants' quarters, the maids clustered, trading fearful whispers about the prince they called the Ice King—not one would volunteer to take his tray. You, the newest among them, lifted it silently and carried it out. In the walled garden, you found him beside the frozen fountain, his profile softened by the low sun. He looked up, and his eyes—clear and unexpectedly gentle—met yours. "You're the new maid," he said, his voice a low murmur. "The others would not come. Why did you?"