The Prince's orders!

The guests in the palace had finally eaten to their satisfaction as the day had disappeared and night flooded the sky, alerting the guests that it was already night. Usually, occasions like these lasted for days but some guests were bent on travelling back home on that day since the rest of the ceremony wasn't that much important.

However, there was a bit of commotion as the palace bell rang, alarming everyone in the room, including some of the palace guards who were securing the vicinity.

"What is going on? Is the Kingdom being attacked?!" yelled a woman who was in her late thirties, causing panic in the mind of everyone.

Some of the palace guards unshielded their swords and headed towards the main gate to take a look at the situation while the others guarded the room on alert.

"How is that possible? No one dares to raid a kingdom when the King is being buried. What disrespect!" Lord Nicholas finally opened his mouth to speak. However, that did not calm the fright in the people's faces as they waited to see what was happening.

Melina, who had finished serving the dishes from the cart and had gone to return it to the Kitchen when she heard the loud bell echo as she was about to leave.

Huh? Was there war? She wondered as Aunt Paloma used to tell her it was only when there was a serious warning or danger she would hear that sound.

Curious, she ran to the servant quarters which was close to the main gate only to be welcomed by the sight of guards in front of it. Not wanting to get herself into trouble again as she wasn't sure what these people were after, she turned around, ready to run back when she noticed some other guards approaching another corridor. In front of them was Matthew, who looked like he was ready to spill blood with just one approval.

Fear gripped her as she quickly looked for another way and ran with all her might to get to the kitchen where she had earlier been.

"What's happening?" she asked the girl she had earlier talked with in the event room.

"I'm not sure but I overheard the guards telling the guests that they would all be spending their nights in the palace as an important search is currently going on." the naive-looking girl said as she too seemed a bit scared.

"Search? What are they searching for?"

"I don't know. They seemed adamant to say it. Maybe it's something secretive."

"Oh..." she whispered, now finally understanding why there were guards at the front of the servant's quarters. She would have to tread carefully so she doesn't put herself in the spotlight again.

The maid was about to leave when she stopped her and asked "Uhm...have you seen Berlin? Our fellow maid?"

"Berlin...who is that?" the young girl asked as she had never heard that name before...at least not that she could remember and Melina could tell she wasn't faking her confusion. Not wanting to sound strange, she dismissed and said

"Nevermind. Maybe I didn't get her name right." she tried to cover up even though it bothered her that this girl seemed nonexistent. Was she probably being delusional? She questioned herself.

"Melina, Ms Carlos seems angry, especially at you and Cinna. I'd advise that you stay out of trouble. You don't want her picking on you again." the maid said as she looked at Melina, who noticed concern on the girl's face.

"Hmm." she hummed in response and the two slightly nodded at each other. Hadn't she been cautious with her while they were inside the room? Why was she warning her now like she cared? Melina thought as they both moved back to the chamber.

They did not fail to hear the commotion inside as the guests complained about the decision.

"They could at least say what they are searching for, can't they?" They heard some complaints.

"The Prince has made it confidential as it is not a matter of your concern. He has also assured you all that you will be properly taken care of and that you all have your reserved rooms with servants there to take care of your needs, milady." the guards, who had been asked to relay the news ensured them.

"Oh well...well, I couldn't care much about it as long as I am comfortable. When will we be taken to our rooms?" Of course, It was Lady Jordyn who spoke nonchalantly as she was elated with the idea that she would get to spend some time with her betrothed.

Melina scowled at her cautiously, before looking at her hand which had swollen a bit from the way the Elite Lady had stomped on it.

She saw the guards lead the guests out of the chamber to their various rooms and heard Ms Carlos order when they had all left

"Everyone to the quarters now." Melina quickly moved along with the others to not draw attention to herself. They all walked in silence as they felt Ms Carlos's annoyance oozing into the air, her whip held firmly as she led them to the hall where the guards in search for the culprit who had stolen the knife had ordered her to bring them.

As Melina entered the room, she was greeted by her two roommates, Nikita and Leanna, who were already seated on the mattress placed on the cold floor for them. She observed the fright on their faces as they were kept aside from the other servants, tears smeared on their faces and their hands bound. Her eyes widened at the sight of a buff-looking guard with a lash on his hands as he prepared to strike them while interrogating them.

"We promise we don't know anything about it!!! We were not there-" but before they could finish, the guard whom Prince Leon had commanded to arrest them, stroked Nikita on her back causing her to shriek in anguish. Melina could see the pure rage on this man's face that she subconsciously stepped back.

"Then who was in the room if the both of you weren't?" he asked impatiently.

"Melina! Melina was the only servant allowed there that night. She was the one!" Leanna did not waste time blurting out as she was bent on finding a way out of this compromising situation.

Melina who just heard her statement saw everyone's gaze turn to look at her as her face turned pale.

What...

What did she do this time...? She asked herself in terror.