Chapter one

My name is Jessica Lohan. I’m twenty-one years old and in my final year at the prestigious University of Orlander. At this very moment, I’m seated in the bustling college cafeteria, caught in a rather dramatic argument with my best friend. But before I reveal the reason behind the commotion, allow me to take you on a brief journey through the winding corridors of my life.

I was born within the towering walls of the Royal Palace of Orlander—a world gilded with marble halls, centuries-old chandeliers, and secrets buried in velvet-lined corners. My mother, the Head Maid, and my father, once the revered Head of Guards, served the royal household with unshakable loyalty. My father retired a few years ago; my mother is set to retire in four months. Yes, they met in the palace—maid and guard—fell in love, married, and had me rather late in their marriage.

Every palace staff member is granted a room in the servant quarters, but those who rise in rank or serve over fifteen years are bestowed apartments within the palace grounds. Yet, this privilege is fleeting. Once a staff member retires, they lose their residence—unless the royal family intervenes, offering a rare act of grace.

Six months before my birth, Queen Annabelle gave birth to Prince Christian. We were raised side-by-side in the cradle of royalty and servitude. Heir to the throne and daughter of the help, yet somehow, inseparable. We shared not just playpens, but birthdays, milestones, secrets.

King Henry, known for his benevolence, ensured that the children of palace staff received free education—good schools, though not the elite. But in my case, I attended the finest institutions in the kingdom, rubbing shoulders with the children of billionaires and aristocrats. Why? Because of Prince Christian.

My mother often recounts our childhood tales with an air of amused nostalgia. She recalls how, when we were to be separated for kindergarten, Christian cried until the King himself enrolled me in his school. It happened again and again, year after year, until finally, King Henry yielded to Christian’s stubborn heart. He declared that if Christian insisted I become his personal maid, then so be it. And so I did, though the line between friend and servant soon blurred into nonexistence.

Christian has never treated me like the help. In fact, we often forget that’s technically what I am. In high school, he was *the* prince—not just by title but by charm. Every girl in school adored him. Myself included. I fell for him at ten years old, while he was nearing eleven. How could I not? With his sun-kissed brown hair, smoldering eyes, and disarming smile, Christian is devastatingly handsome. Add to that his kindness, leadership, his role as the football captain, and the fortune tied to his father’s billion-dollar company—and, of course, the crown. He’s perfection personified.

And then there’s me—just… Jessica. Not stunning, not plain. Not short, not tall. Average in every conceivable way. Well, except for two things I’ve grown to love about myself: my hair and my skin. Thanks to my white mother and Black father, I inherited lush curls and luminous skin—my only claim to beauty. My grades are solid, but not exceptional. I study Business Administration, same as Christian. I once joined the drama club for fun. I possess no grand talent—unless you count having a heart full of love, which my best friend Molly insists is its own kind of magic. But really, my life has revolved around Christian for as long as I can remember.

Our circle of friendship is tight-knit—just five of us. Christian, Molly, Jake, Luke, and me.

Molly is my soul sister and Christian’s cousin. We met when we were ten and have been inseparable ever since. She had just moved from Prance, and something about her radiant spirit matched mine. Molly is elegance incarnate, like a goddess sculpted from stardust and satin. She owns one of Orlander’s most beloved fashion brands, studies Fashion Design, and belongs to a family empire of boutiques, malls, and designer labels. But beneath all that glamour, she’s just Molly—my confidante, my mirror, my ride or die.

Then there’s Jake—Jacob, really—but we’ve long since dropped the formalities. He’s Christian’s best friend and Molly’s boyfriend. We met him in middle school, back when his mother and Christian’s mother would plan grand brunches and charity galas. Jake's father runs a textile empire that spans continents. He had a crush on Molly from day one, but she brushed him off, calling him a heartbreaker. He chased her for years, and she finally caved in sophomore year of high school. Now, they’re a match made in couture heaven. Molly jokes that while Jake’s factories create the fabric, her genius brings the designs to life. It's cheesy, but it's them—and I love them for it.

And Luke—our charming rebel—joined us in the last year of middle school. Christian and Jake bonded with him over a mischief-filled escape from science class that nearly burned down the lab. I wasn’t amused, but they found it hilarious. Luke, with his athlete’s build and easy smile, was immediately one of us. His father, once a football legend, now owns half the gyms in Orlander. While the rest of us treat football like a college pastime, Luke has his heart set on going pro. And we’re all rooting for him.

So here we are—present day, in the cafeteria. The energy is heated.

“Jess! I said you are not going back to the palace until we graduate. That’s just two more months!” Christian’s voice is low, but fierce.

“My mother needs rest, Christian,” I argue, trying to stay calm. “The doctor said so. And if I don’t resume her duties, she might have to return the full salary she was paid for her retirement. That’s not fair to her. All I’m asking is to take her place—for just four months.”

“If it’s money, Jess, I’ll handle it,” he snaps, his eyes blazing. “I’ll pay it off.”

“No! I don’t want your money,” I retort, wounded by his lack of understanding. “I want to do this for my mother. She gave everything to that palace. I can finish school online.”

His jaw tightens. “Then you leave me no choice. You’re staying. That’s an order.”

“An order?” My voice rises, my chest tight with emotion. “You can’t just command me, Christian, I’m not—”

“Oh, will you two just shut up already?!” Molly cuts in, exasperated. “You’ve been bickering for thirty minutes, and I’m losing brain cells.”

Jake chuckles under his breath, but quickly sobers when Molly shoots him a glare.

She turns to me, her voice gentle. “Jess, sweetheart, I get it. Your mom deserves a peaceful retirement. She’s earned it. And you’re doing the right thing.”

I reach out, hugging her. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Always,” she whispers, then swivels toward Christian. “And *you*, Your Royal Highness, need to understand that this isn’t about money or pride. It’s about Jess showing up for her mom. She’ll finish her degree, and in two months, she’ll be done. Then she’ll apply to your family’s company just like you planned. Everything works out.”

Christian has always said he wants me to work at his father's company once we graduate. Whenever I ask why, he says it’s because he wants me to succeed, to build something for myself beyond the palace walls. That’s why this argument cuts so deeply—because I know he means well, but he still doesn’t fully understand that I need this—for me. For my mother.

He’s spent a lifetime shielding me from the world I was born into. And for the first time, he can’t.

And that… scares him.