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Princess Maxiana

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-25 06:54:33

Beginning of Book 2

***

Max

“Princess? Princess Maxiana? Where are you?”

I slip further into the milky, rose scented water of my bath, closing my eyes against the soft pitter-patter of Annabel’s slippers as she searches for me in what sounds like desperation. Her exaggerated sigh and mumbles bring a smile to my face, but I sink under water until I’m totally submerged, my hair floating on the surface.

I hear her gasp and cry out as she rushes to the tub, but I burst from the water, laughing as I brush my wet hair from my face.

“You scared me to death!” Annabel snaps, her cheeks going a deep, rosy pink. “Goddess, Max, I thought you’d drowned!”

“You think I’d be dumb enough to do that on the day of my own ball?” I slide to the side, resting my arms on the rim of the tub, smirking up at my lady-in-waiting–my only real friend, if I’m being honest. Annabel scowls as she moves through the spacious bathroom before whirling and resting her hip against the counter, her arms crossed and lower
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