CHAPTER 5 :

Tonight she was helping to set the table for Royal family dinner. Amanda had asked her to help the other two maids and also observe them. When the table was done then she was given a dish of lamb roast to offer the Royal family members.

With eyes cast down she was serving the dish to the Royal family. Noah was also there along with the King Lucas James but there was someone who caught her eye in the first glance. The Royal Queen Maria James.

She had seen the king occasionally, strolling in the palace. The couple had appeared several times on TV. But she never got the chance to see her in real. 

Maria James was strikingly beautiful, her features so angelic that Hazel could not take her eyes off her face. But for some odd reason she looked sad. Or grief-stricken.

Another thing about the family she noticed was the absence of elder brother, the Crown Prince. Both princes were allowed to face media until they were five. But after that King had stopped the media to meddle with their personal lives at such young ages.

Their official appearance would be due when they would turn 18. Not before that.

After completing the service when she placed the silver tray on the black granite island Amanda came to her, “Hazel you can retire to your room. Just join us for dinner after 30 minutes.”

She seemed busy. So Hazel just nodded her head and started walking when Jack approached her, “Hey Hazel. Where are you going? Please help me with this.” He was a cook, and was pouring the broth into a big dish.

When he was done Hazel started sprinkling salt and pepper in the hot liquid, just then she felt a hand touching her bum. She eyed Jack a little sharply not sure if it was intentional. He smiled, “You would like the dinner tonight. I promise.”

She knitted her eye brows a little bit but ignored thinking that maybe it was a mistake.

“Jack. I can’t see the crown prince. It’s the first time I have served the Royals. Doesn’t elder prince join them?”

Jack eyed her with a smirk, “He is rarely here darling.” He leaned closer bringing his face to hers just an inch away. “Didn’t anybody tell you, you are not allowed to gossip? You deserve severe punishment.”

Licking his lips he was staring at her lips. She was between the island and him. And now she was sure, that the touching was intentional.

Just then he started trailing his fingers on her front of her white blouse. This was the first time she was facing sexual harassment.

Please God! Please do something.

She was frozen at her place due to terror and shock. He was now assessing her nearly flat chest with his eyes only, when Amanda entered the kitchen and stopped at the entrance.

Jack shifted backward in an instant while complaining about the salt and spices. Amanda shot a warning glance her way, “Hazel. What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to retire and return after half an hour?”

Hazel who was tongue-tied, nodded barely, before leaving kitchen. She wanted to cry, her hands were shaking. She just sat on her bed and did not leave her room even after 30 minutes.

When a maid came to call her for dinner, she sent her back telling that she was not hungry.

Later that night she reached the roof top before her usual time and chose to sit beside the lake instead of the bench.

When Zek came behind her, she was sitting there with her legs dangling in water.

“Zek.” turning her face she called him so that he could bring his chair closer to her. They just sat there quietly in a comfortable silence when he spoke behind her.

“What is it princess?”

“It’s usual Zek. I am just tired.” She tried to smile.

“If coming to the roof top is making you tired then …” But she made him stop.

“No.” She was on her feet. Coming near him she sat in front of him and hugged his legs to her chest. Leaning her cheek on his lap she just sat there closing her eyes.

“Don’t say that Zek. You are the only sane thing in my life.” She did not know why her tears started flowing down her cheeks.

“Zella!” He brought his hand near her face and started wiping the tears. “Tell me what is it sweetheart?”

“It’s nothing actually.” She raised her head and started wiping her face with the back of her hand, “I was just missing my family.”

“Hmm. Did you bring anything to eat for me?” He asked while holding her hand.

“No I could not. Just wait here I will …” But he forced her to sit back.

 “No stay here. Tell me. What did YOU eat for dinner?” She stayed quiet chewing her lower lip.

Bringing her hand to his lips he kissed it. “Princess. Are you not telling me because I am a blind and crippled nobody, unable to help you? Then I think its fine.”

“No Zek.” Then taking a deep breath she looked at his face. “Tonight in the kitchen this cook … I mean … I don’t know …”

“The head cook?”

“No, he was not the head cook. This one is younger. Around 20 or 22! May be.” She shrugged. “He just tried to pin me with the …” Zek’s grip on her hand had tightened a little.

“Do we have a name?” it seemed he was trying to control his anger with all his might.

“Jack.” She whispered.

His response was, “Hmm.”

“But I think I can manage him. I am thinking to talk to Amanda.” Then she smiled a little. “They all are very helpful and friendly most of the time.” 

“Listen to me Princess. Very carefully.” He held her face and turned it towards him. Leaning a little forward he could smell her divine perfume. “Never ever trust anyone here. No matter how friendly someone is.”

He trailed a finger on her face but for some odd reason she did not feel uncomfortable but actually liked it. The touch was making her relaxed.  

“You cannot trust anyone, you are too innocent honey. Do not share anything with anyone from the palace. Whether it’s someone from house-help or your crush Prince Noah. You got that?”

She was taken aback not only by his words but also by his tone which was a little forceful. She nodded quietly, “I would remember that Zek.”

The moment she nodded her face, he kissed her forehead taking her by surprise. He pressed a switch on his chair. The same man who was here last night appeared.

“Sir.”

“Please bring dinner for us.” He commanded, then turned to her, “How do you want it? On a table or a picnic blanket.”

She was thinking fast. Zek could join her on the table with a chair but it was not possible for him to sit on a blanket and …

“I can sit on a blanket.” He smiled while saying that and tilted his head to the man.

“Sir, I will see to it.” With that he disappeared.

“I know I should not trust palace people but they sure take great care of you. They could have forgotten about you by now. Obviously, who cares now a days for an old butler’s son.”

“Sorry. Whose son?” He seemed confused.

“Old butler’s son. I mean your father who used to be a head butler …”

She had to stop because Zek was laughing now. His booming voice all over the roof. Even with a blindfold he looked handsome.

Leaning forward he hugged her tightly, “Zella, you please me. No one can get bored in your company.”

Once his laughter subsided he pinched her nose playfully. “Now tell me, how was your day. And how is that friend of yours? Lily?”

Ouch. She was in trouble now. She remembered telling him about Lily on first day. And he still remembered it.

“Who? Lily? My friend? No Zek … umm … It’s Laila.”

She tried to cover it a little alarmingly as he might detect she was lying. He tilted his head to a side with a side smirk and then nodded, “Ok. IF … you say so.”

“She is good. You know today two boys approached us during lunch time. They were having some problem in Algebra. They wanted help. But Lily …”

 Shit!

“… Laila thinks that they were there because of her.”

“Hmm. Neither!” He shrugged.

“What?” she frowned a little.

“They were not there due to Algebra problem or your friend, princess.”

“Then what do you think they were there for?”

“They were there for you princess.” He said gently making her laugh. While laughing hysterically she leaned her forehead on his lap.

“Oh Zek. Believe me. The moment you would see me then you would understand what a joke you have just cracked.”

She started laughing again shaking her head. After some time when her laughter subsided she placed her cheek against his lap again this time holding both of his hands.

Her next words made him freeze on his chair, “Zek. Will you marry me?”