Lynn carefully balanced the tray in her right hand. The palace kitchen was bustling with noise, preparing for the upcoming meal. Silverware clinked together as plates were passed from girl to girl. The smell alone was enough to make her mouth water, a melody of roasted vegetables, meat, and sweet bread. As the sliver trays moved along, each sent a chill through her fingers at the toutch of the cold metal. People were rushing everywhere, lost from her sight after mere seconds. A sharp bells rang, and the kitchen fell to a hush.

Lines were formed, and Lynn took her place at the end. The wooden doors creaked open, and she forced a pleasant smile onto her face. Single file, each girl walked out, placing their dishes on the table.

Just as she was about the reach the head of the table, Lynn tripped. Time seemed to stop as she tipped forward. A glob of mashed potatoes flew through the air. She caught herself just nearly with her elbows as the meal made a sickening squish, splattering in all directions.

Tears welled in her eyes, unable to look up in her shame.

“I’m sorry, you majesties.” She squeaked, holding back the urge to run from their sight, “We’ll get this cleaned immediately.” Finally finding her way to standing, Lynn rushed into a shaky curtsy.

Bracing herself for the royal family’s response, she shrank as she rose back up.

Her gaze still deeply focused on the floor, a gasp escaped her lips as an outreached hand came into her view. Looking up, her eyes widened as they met those of the crown prince and only heir. Taking hold of the napkins he was offering, she fumbled to quickly clean the floor.

She froze as he grabbed her shoulder.

“No,” he murmured, “for yourself. Someone else can clean this mess.”

A blush rose in her cheeks as she realized the misunderstanding. She wiped off as much as she could, then turned away, thoroughly embarrassed for the day. Ready to subject herself to the other girls taunts, Lynn began her walk of shame to the doorway.

“Wait.” The prince called from behind.

She hesitated before stepping toward him, “ What can I do for you, your highness?”

“You missed a spot” He moved forward.

She flinched as his hand reached for her face, but after a moments wait, he continued. His fingertips grazed her cheek, wiping off a splotch of the potatoes, though she wasn’t focused on that.

Their gazes we’re locked, with an intensity she could puzzle out. Green eyes, locked with her own brown ones. Inspecting him was no easy feat, considering there was much to see, and admire.

Her breath caught as his hand lingered near her lips, brushing over her tiny scare, and her gaze flicked down to his own lips.

The moment was broken when he finally retracted his hand, and Lynn found herself missing the warmth. She stumbled backwards, giving another curtsy, before escaping back to the kitchen.

As predicted, she faced multiple comments from the others, but her mind was still stuck on the most recent event. It seemed like a haze, a dream already fading, and yet it truly was real.

Minutes passed as she walked back to her room, and she had to shake herself from this feeling, reminding herself of why she could never trust him, of Nyvara’s plan. The plan she was supposed to carry out tomorrow.

Good lord, what was happening to her.