Speak

" The Prince is talking to you. Speak little sister or you'll angry him further."

One of the concubine spoke gently but I could hear the falseness in her kindness. Her voice just like my mother.

" Ruyi apologies for making the the Prince wait... the mansion is large and Ruyi didn't know where the main hall was..."

I kept my explanation short as possible. No one like to hear excuses. When there was nothing but silent, I lifted my head carefully and was confused to see the man just looking at ma with an expression I didn't understand.

Then a soft giggle broke the silence. I turn to look at the stunning women in red who sat nearly with a fan against her lips. She reminds me so much of my mother with the same glint in her eyes. When she stand casually that the maid must be punish for having not guide me there, the Prince immediately order to have the maid beaten and toss out the mansion. He didn't need useless people who didn't know who was the servant and who was the master.

The maid asked for forgiveness only to be dragged out by two guards. I've seen all my life how maids and servants were treated like trash. It was the very reason my mother did everything she could to change her station. While I hold no hater for my mother, there were no affection either.

My heart was empty when the maid pleaded me to help her.

How can I help her? and why would I when I didn't know who she was?

"Leave us"

I bowed my head and took my leave at his commands. When I was grabbed again, I look up to see his dark eyes.

"Not you"

I felt afraid to be looked at with such intense eyes.

"Leave"

His voice were sharp and loud making it difficult for me not to flinch in fear. Once we were alone, he let go of my arm to look at me. He stood so much taller and bigger than me. The through that he could easily break me in half like a tree branch made me feel nervous. When he continue to stare at me intensely, I wonder if my appearance displeases him. The Marquess is well known in the province to have the most beautiful daughters. The Prince must be disappointed to find me incomparable to his gorgeous concubines. He must think how he was tricked by the Marquess who boasted about his beautiful daughters.

" Why are you so pale?"

I couldn't stop the trembling when his hand touched my cheek even so lightly.