"Oh.. Dear, you have been promoted as his personal maid and that is a great honour. Now you will live in a room near his chamber and not in slave quarter. Go and pack your stuff" She said smiling.

I did as told and moved to the room next to Prince's chamber. But this move was a blow to my original plan of escaping this slave life and be away from this palace. In one single day I became from a nobody to somebody.

Prince Randolph POV

It was nice to have her near me. She took great care of the tasks assigned. I didn't need to point out anything. Moreover it seemed functioning without her would be too much. I have been observing her and yes she is different among all the beautiful ladies I have seen. She would do her job and leave me. 

But I would not leave her for I kept watching her through the secret window I have in my chamber. Yes I watch every night how beautiful she looks when she sleeps tired after her day's work.Even though I gave myself the reason that I am protecting my King and its people, I knew that was not true. When I had seen her venturing in gardens at odd hours the first time we met, I thought she was a whore or might be a spy who was working with some people who are against the King.

Initially it was a challenge for me to be near her as I didn't trust her. I thought she would use her charms to get money like others. I was in denial of my feelings that I tried to gather anything that would make me hate her or even slightly dislike her so I forged a plan to test if the woman to whom I feel attracted is greedy and vile like I expected her to be.

So to test her, One day I brought a gold necklace with diamond studded on it and while she was cleaning the mirror I stood behind her and held the necklace in front of her. The expression I expected was anything but confusion which I saw when she saw it. She turned to face me and looked at me as she got comfortable with me by  now "Sir, Do you want me to keep it safe" . 

I tilted my head and said "It's for you. I want to gift you this".

"Sir, I don' t need this" She said looking down.

I was amazed that she could act like innocent so still to further test her I said "You know if you don't like it then I would offer you a better one". I did it hoping she would agree and I would get a reason to hate her.

"I don't need this or any other necklace Sir.. and I don't understand why you are even offering me one" She asked once again looking at me.

I felt something evoke in me which I didn't like so I replied "Well you took great care of me when I was ill and have been doing a stupendous job as my personal maid". I thought now that she knows I think so good about her she would accept it.

"Thanks for your Kind words sir that is enough for me but you don't need to mention it or gift me, it is my duty to take care of you being your personal maid" She replied with a small smile and was about to return to her chore of cleaning the mirror.  I have never heard of anyone so innocent or foolish that they would not understand the importance of gold and reject it. 

I observed her and thinking how to get her to accept the necklace because if she didn't then I would have nothing to feel hate and it was not sitting well with me and  so I asked"Should I take this as an insult Aria".

She stiffened and turned and replied "No Sir I mean no offence but if you feel offended then you can punish me as I am at your mercy".

This really made me feel go ballistic, damn woman was telling me to punish her when all I want was to kiss her senseless, but still I wanted to continue so I asked "Do you want to go in dungeons for disobeying your prince".

"Oh.. Sir I never disobeyed you... All I did was not take a gift that is so expensive and  I am not worth of because this necklace deserves to be on the neck of a princess not a maid like me" She said with small smile and then look down "But if you feel I have disrespected you or offended you then I beg your pardon sir rest is your wish sir".

I thought might be she is cunning and trying to use sympathy to make me feel bad so I called the soldiers and asked them to put her in darkest cell. Soon she was thrown in the dungeon and I made sure to keep her there overnight without feeding her or provide water to drink. Next Morning I went to see her and I asked her "So now are you ready to accept the necklace".

"No sir... but If you still not satisfied with me being in cell then you can punish me till you feel I have paid for offending you" She replied.

"Well I will be satisfied if you did one thing for me and then I will not ask you to take the necklace or keep you in dungeon" I said.

"What is it sir..." She asked frowning.

"I want to bed you  and once you do that you will be free from dungeon or any other obligations to me" I said smiling she would give in now and I would have a perfect reason to hate her. I had no plan to bed her but I felt if she accepts then I can rate her as a whore and I will not be having any feelings for her.

"I would rather be here or kill myself before I agree to that" She replied angrily and turned her back to me.

Her rejection did not sit well with me so I pulled her to me and asked "You think you are mighty high for a prince huh...".

"Sir... I am not worth your time, please leave I beg you. If it makes you happy I am ready to spend all my life in this cell. But please don't ask me to do whatever you asked before" she said while tears rolling her eyes.

 I have seen so many crocodile tears that I could tell the difference between real ones and the fake ones and I realised she was deeply hurt by my words. I hated myself to cause her pain. I hated myself for denying my feelings and being a coward. I understood this is not the woman I could hate. This is the one I want to spend my life with. I freed her from dungeons and even apologised and she being the kind hearted forgave me but I could feel the distance which was there now. The experience did tainted my image in her mind. I didn't like her being so formal and I didn't like us being so formal. I don't know but I am feeling I am not myself now a days. She has captured not only my eyes but my heart too and without even realising it.

I did my jobs as usual with Aria in my mind. Soon it was time of neighbouring King and Princess to visit us. Father has told me that Princess Sarah will be visiting us soon and he is counting on me to win her heart with my charm. But what could I do when I am really not interested in marriage or woman other than the one who is just a wall away from me. I felt like telling her my feelings and then I stop myself. I had a battle running inside me and sometimes I felt like visiting her at night, but I know if she caught me she will hate me more and though she doesn't have power to make me leave she would be totally uncomfortable around me than how she is already.

I kept doing my usual work and soon it was time for the guests. Princess Sarah has arrived and she was indeed beautiful and she was graceful in whatever she did but I was not interested and shocking thing was neither was she. She came on the bidding of her father who was so much interested in making her to like me and when she knew that we both are not interested she told me we can be friends but I told her that I don't want our elders to even think there is a slight amount of chance of us being husband and wife so we would remain formal. It was a great relief and now that the situation with the princess was cleared I made up my mind that I will tell my King about my feelings for Aria and propose that I wanted to marry her. So I went to my dad and told him I want to talk in private.

"Son what is it you want to talk about" He asked.

"Dad I don't want to marry Princess Sarah. Also she is not interested herself" I replied.

"Son.. I already told you that all I want is strengthen the bonds with neighbouring Kingdom and If she is not interested then make her" He said in stern tone.

"Father... what if I told you I am in love with someone else" I said. I thought he would threaten to disown me or something else but he looked surprised momentarily with my statement and then asked "Who??"

I knew I would have to tell him the truth so I said"She is not a princess, she is a common woman but I love her so much that if I lose her I will kill myself". I had braced myself to hear that he doesn't approve of my actions and he would want me to woo Princess Sarah but nothing prepared for me what he said next.

"Hmm so she seems like this woman is indeed special" He said "Ok fine can I meet her ?" He asked.

I didn't expect this from him and even thought that he might try to threaten Aria or pressure her to leave me so I gave him answer without much Information "Father you already know her" I said looking at him.

"Who is she son" He asked again and I could read curiosity in his eyes.

"Aria... my personal maid" I said finally.

I expected him to go violent at that but what he said next surprised me.

"If you love your maid Son then so be it" He said smiling.

For the first time in my life I felt grateful to this man. I felt he was indeed happy for me.

Aria's POV

I met Andrew  next day and he was not happy with me being the prince's personal maid.

"Josh.. I didn't like that you are now his personal maid" He said.

"Andy you know I didn't asked for it but it is done and we can do nothing about it" I answered.

" Josh.. come with me now. You can escape it is our chance" He said.

"You know Andy we are not prepared still and there are chances that we will be caught. You already know that since the attack on the Prince, the number of guards have been increased. Let's plan to escape after a week on this same day and I will try to come early. We would need backup incase we are caught" I said.

"You are right Josh. Sure I will come with backup and Josh next time there will be no backing down and I mean it" He said.

"Of course Andy I don't want to stay her constantly under surveillance. I would very much like the freedom I longed for so long" I said smiling.

He looked at me and pouted while saying "Only Freedom Josh"

"Of course to be with my own people" I replied smiling looking at his expression.

We bid our goodbyes and I was coming out of gardens when I bumped with somebody and I looked in front to see the Prince.

"My lord excuse me I did not see where I was going" I said looking at ground.

He didn't answer anything and all he did was hold my hand in a tight grip and dragged me towards his chamber. Once we were in chamber he pushed me in and closed the door.

"Your Highness..." I was about to say when he cut me off by holding his hand up.

"Aria... were you with a man just now" He asked.

I was shocked when he asked. I could not tell him but I could not hide too as the expression on his face was daring me to lie.

"Yes your Highness" I said.

"Is he your lover " He asked in stern tone.

"No he is not" I said when again he cut me off " that is enough for me Aria. You have to stop meeting him or any other man now on wards" He said or more like commanded.

"But.. sir..." I was about to ask him why when he said " Don't ever interrupt me and Aria you are soon to be the princess of this Kingdom and I as your husband would not tolerate my woman meeting other men at night".

I jerked my head up shocked at what he said. I expected it to be a joke but looking at his furious eyes and clenching of his jaws I knew it was not a joke.

"Sir I don't want to marry you" I said hearing which he pulled me with my forearms to himself and lift my chin and making me meet his intense eyes "What was it love, Care to repeat it again" He asked holding me still.

"I can't marry you your Highness" I repeated trying to look anywhere but him.

"Did I say you have a choice Aria". I blinked my eyes at that as he continued " No I didn't. You were mine the first time I laid my eyes on you and I am not going to let go when I know I am best you can have" He replied.

I was about to push him but he pulled me to his chest forcefully hugging me. I tried my best to pull away but he kept me in his tight embrace.

"Don't you dare Aria... I love you so much that it hurts to see you talking to another man and even the thought of you being with another. Tonight when I saw you with another man I was filled with fury this emotion I have never felt due to a woman. I have denied my feelings for so long that I know for sure that you are the one for me. You are going to be my wife and my princess, my queen" He whispered in my ears.

He held me in his arms like eternity but in reality was a little time but when he sense I didn't held him he let me go and said "You would learn to love me sweetheart because I know you care for me".

I took this opportunity to run to my chamber. I was not able to believe that whatever he said was real. I thought he was kind unlike other officials. I thought may be not all rich men were cruel he broke my belief. I wanted to escape now at this moment. Of course I told Andrew that I could not leave for the fear of being caught but being caught is much better than getting married to a man against your will. I packed my things and I opened my door to find two soldiers already blocking my path.

"What are you doing" I asked.

"Sorry my lady, but Prince has asked us to not let you out unless he is accompanying you" One of the soldier answered.

I pushed one of them and was about to run when I found myself surrounded by dozen of them and Prince standing in front of me.

"Didn't I tell you Aria that you will not go alone anywhere" He said.

Feeling my escape plan failed and knowing he would be angry now I let him drag me inside. I felt sorry for myself. He threw the bag I packed and led me near the bed and said pushing me on the bed and covering me with the blanket which laid neatly on my bed. "Let's get you some sleep love".

I felt scared so I did what he said but I kept looking at him to know if he was going to attack me but when he said "Love close your eyes you need sleep because tomorrow we are making the official announcement of our engagement. I want my beautiful soon to be bride to look fresh".

His words didn't help my situation so in order to get rid of him I asked "Are you not going to go to your chamber your Highness".

"Well not, until I see you sleep and it's Randolph for you love" He said smiling while caressing my head. I wanted to argue but I knew this is not the same man I used to spent time taking care of. This was the man who was not in a state to listen any words. I closed my eyes pretending to sleep but I could feel his stare on me.

"Dear I will know when you will sleep but relax I am not going to touch you unless we are on our marriage bed" He said smiling.

My breath hitched and my eyes widen at that. "Relax love.. I am not going to do anything" He said reassuringly.

I tried to stay awake but soon lost the battle to sleep after day's hard work. I woke up to find two maids in my chamber and they were in a hurry to get me ready. Soon I was bathed and dressed in the most magnificent  White and gold gown. They had me ready by the time a knock was heard on my chamber door.

When I nodded one of them opened it to reveal Prince Randolph wearing white embroidery prince dress. He looked stunning and I would have even told him that if he was not forcing me to marry him. He took my hand placed in his arms and took me to the court. I could feel all the eyes explicitly on me. I wanted to hide behind him but he whispered in my ears "Love.. be confident I am right next to you". His words did nothing to make me feel good for I wanted to be away from this place. Soon we reached the middle of the court where the prince bowed to the King and Queen and I too did the same. After this he made me sit next to him at his place. King was staring at me and then he said "So Prince Randolph is this the woman you want to wed".

"Yes my King, my Father" He replied standing up from his place while smiling at me.

"Well I approve" He said and I was shocked nobody asked whether I was willing to marry this man but who was I kidding when did I had choice after coming to this Kingdom. I felt an intense eye focused on me and when I looked in that direction I could see Eden looking at me with his intense eyes. I could see his clenched jaws and his hands in fist. I paled when my eyes met his and his lips curled up in smile momentarily and then it was gone like I have imagined it.

EDEN 's POV

Everyone was excited about the prince engagement. I too was looking forward as I had accomplished my task of suppressing the rebels and I was back only to find my Ria was now personal maid to the Prince. I didn't hate him personally but he took her away from me when I had promised to keep her close to me and in my chamber. And him being married would really benefit me since then his Queen will definitely ask him to rid of the female personal maid.

I was shocked to see the Prince entering with my Ria holding her hands. I could see she was not comfortable. She was trying to be calm but inside she was freaking out. I watched  King approving of Prince and my Aria's match which I hated. But I knew I would have to wait. I kept my eyes at her and found that she was looking for the source of intense gaze and she paled when she saw me. I was glad I had that effect I guess she did not expect me back so soon. Though I was not happy with whatever happened I knew one thing I have to change this and have to make sure my Ria is next to me next time.

Aria's POV 

Once the King approved of our Match. Court was dismissed to start the celebration of me and Prince engagement. I could do nothing to stop it. Soon I was pulled from the Court and brought to a chamber where laid a beautiful dress pastel peach colour with sweetheart neck. I was soon dressed in it and my hair were redone in soft curls cascading my shoulder. I looked at myself in mirror and I was astounded at how I looked, for a moment I thought it was someone else. But when the reflection moved its hands like me I was convinced it was me. Soon I was out of the trans when there was a knock and when my maids opened it, they were informed to escort me to the Podium where Royals have their ceremonies. 

I was soon ushered in a big hall where in the centre stood Prince Randolph in Royal blue dress with golden embroidery. I blinked and I was next to him, his eyes raking on my body making me feel uncomfortable. Soon the official announcement of our engagement was done and it was time to exchange rings. I was nervous and wanted to tell the King that I don't want this and to have a private audience. When Prince tried to put engagement ring I was about to pull my hand when he whispered " Don't do anything stupid love, you would not want your outlaw friend in trouble. I know you meet him everyday". I stiffened at that and he took this opportunity to put ring on my finger and his eyes then made a gesture to go with the ceremony or to pay a heavy prize. I knew refusing a Royal like this would guarantee a death sentence for me but I could not bear to have my friends harmed in any way.

After this there was a ball dance where Prince took me on the floor to initiate the Royal dance. I had never danced in my life and I kept stumbling when he whispered "Relax love.. you don't want your prince to be embarrassed. Loosen up your stance and follow my lead". I followed him religiously and soon it was like we danced to the music. There was a loud applause which made me blush and I wanted to move away when Prince bowed down to his audience and I followed his action by bowing and asking people to enjoy.

Prince Randolph POV

Aria was shy and afraid to dance initially but soon she followed my lead and I knew she was a natural. She was so graceful that I could not feel that she was same person who stumbled earlier. After the dance I escorted Aria to meet all the officials and then we were seated. People were laughing and enjoying but main person who should be happy was sitting without any enthu in her eyes. I could see the flickers of sadness in her eyes, I wish if she could feel my love for her and actually try to be happy. I know I threatened to harm her friend but it did the work now the whole world knows she belongs to me. I was happy she was next to me and I knew once we are married she would be ok with everything for I knew her nature of accepting things which really attracted me towards her.

I didn't knew how and when she made the walls I had around my heart to fall. I didn't knew when I felt emotions of love toward a woman who was not a relative. She was not only beautiful but warm person. I could just share anything with her, she meant the world to me. I had been in denial of my feelings and I did some things which made things between us sour. But I also realised that if I delay anymore there would be chances I would loose her completely. I knew in order to protect my position as the future King my father would force me to marry the Princess. Though I didn't want to rule but since this Kingdom had been passed on to us since generations and I being the first born of the King would have to oblige. 

Eden 's 

I kept looking at Ria and she looked so beautiful in the Peach dress. Her hair were done in curls cascading on her shoulder and I was glad that maid chose that hair style for her for I could see each and every male eye on her. I was getting mad at that. No one was supposed to see her skin but me. She was mine and mine only. I wanted to take her away from here and keep her locked in my room.It was devastating to see her in the arms of another man the Prince. I promised myself soon this will change and I will make sure of it.