Chapter 2

When I awoke the sun was just beginning to rise. The sky was a beautiful mixture of pink and purple with a small tinge of orange. I was still on the floor, in the same position. My face felt tight from the dry tears and my eyes felt too sore to open. My uniform was creased and dirty, I couldn't imagine what my hair looked like. I looked around and saw nobody on the fields; at least nobody would see me in this awful morning glory. Groggily, I pulled myself up onto my feet using the old boxes and crates. My knees clicked and my neck was stiff, it was such a bad night for me. I knew I was going to be in a bad mood all day. I also had to face the consequences of leaving the Royals and not fulfilling my slave duties. Oh the joys.

I went to pull open the doors leading to the kitchens but they were locked. I didn't realise how early it was, this meant that I could walk through the main corridor without getting caught. Luckily.

I walked towards the double doors, the same place James had walked me out. The thought of him made me hurt, his words still had an effect on me. I was nothing. I always will be.

I walked through the doors, entering the dull corridor. It was eerily quiet, usually there would be the guards patrolling the grounds. I carried on, dropping every bad thought I had. It obviously stopped when I was about to walk through the dining room, the only way to get to the kitchens, and I heard a meeting go on. I didn't want to enter straight away, in case I would get myself into more trouble. I looked through the crack of the door, seeing nothing so I listened to the exchange of words.

"I haven't seen her since yesterday, I took her out of the room and she ran away." That must have been James. His voice was monotone, clearly bored and annoyed at being up at this early hour.

"Why did she run, did you say anything to her?"The King, Vincent, asked. His voice was pure concern. I didn't understand why they all cared so much, I could never grasp why both the King and Queen took so much time into me, one of their own staff.

"We had a small argument, nothing major."James replied. I couldn't believe he said it was small and it was an argument. It was neither, it was purely me showing my feelings and he did the same.

"James, please, if you know anything you must tell us."Maude sounded like she was pleading, I knew it would be her who cared.

"Can I leave?" It sounded like Regulus, I didn't know anybody else was there. I just thought it would be the Potters. It worried me even more, I began to panic over the entire effort that was put into finding me. "This has nothing to do with me, she is probably just selling herself." That comment was where I saw flashes of red, completely fed up with that excuse of a human.

I casually strolled through the door, all eyes turned to me and before I stopped myself I replied, "Oh please Regulus, just because I have turned you down plenty of times doesn't mean you have the right to judge me. Face it, you are just jealous if I was selling myself because it is you who wants to get in my pants." It was so out of character of me. The King looked appalled and so did all the other parents. James, Sirius, Peter and Remus looked amused at the state of Regulus who had blushed all over his face. I looked at Maude who was smirking to herself with her head to her lap. Walburga was the first to reply.

"How dare you come in here and look like that and insult a Royal. You worthless scum. Who gives you the right?"She cried and I was going to fight back.

"Oh and who gave you the right to patronize me just because I do not have as much money as you. Just because you have the perfect life sitting on your arse all day while me and my people come and do your dirty work. Just because you have the name as a Royal and I have the name of a slave. I am still a human being. I have rights, and for you to make me feel like I shouldn't even be on this planet anymore isn't part of one of my many rights. Anyway, if you didn't have slaves here you would deteriorate. You have no life skills, you wouldn't last." I spat the last few words. My voice sound venomous. There went all my anger. A quick glance at everyone's faces proved that my argument worked. It shut them up.

I turned to the King and Queen, "Your highnesses". I curtsied and turned towards James. With a small nod of the head and a mutter of "James" to him, I left. I walked out of the room and went down the corridor to the Kitchens where I stayed until midday. Nobody asked questions, nobody even spoke to me. I guessed that the news had got around and that people were told to leave me alone. Once it was noon I was called to the Queens room. The two guards escorted me and told me to wait outside to be called. I was nervous, maybe this was time for me to leave. Move to another estate, leave Lucy, leave Remus and leave my whole life.

I heard the Queens call of "Lily" and I slowly entered. She was sat behind her large desk in the elegant red velvet chair that I always wished for. Her room was gorgeous, a tiffany blue with dark mahogany furniture. Her desk took up a large part of the room and the red on her chair made it the centre of attention. Maude sat smiling at me, her smile removing all doubt inside of me. I walked towards the chair opposite, sliding down. I felt the comfort of my fresh clothes than I did earlier when she last saw me. My hair was in a messy bun, a few loose curls down the nape of my neck.

"Lily, what you said in the dining room has showed me that you may not be happy working here and I-", I didn't want her to finish so I interrupted.

"I am sorry for interrupting your highness but it is just the words that people have said to me in the last two days have got on my nerves."I sighed.

"Please call me Maude and I was only going to ask what was wrong, Lily. Now that I know, I want to ask if James is any part of this. It seems that it was once he took you outside that you ran away. Did he say anything to you?" her voice was full of anxiety, the genuine pain in her voice only made me feel bad for my actions.

I explained all the events that happened with the dinner, from talking to James and then where I slept and what I heard in the morning. She said she would talk to James but I made sure it was not a complaint just a simple chat about me. Her guards had called for him five minutes before so he should be at the room any time soon. Maude let me leave and I exited her room. I let out a steady breath, easing myself from the previous conversation. I rested my head on the door with my eyes shut, not noticing that James was behind me.

"Excuse me, if you are not going to enter the room, I think you should move." Once again his voice monotonous. I turned around being only a few centimetres away, my face coming to his chest. His eyes went slightly wider when he realised that it was me. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realise."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh no, I understand. You saw the uniform and thought you could talk down to me. Yeah, I have heard a lot about that in the past day. I must be off, your highness."I bowed my head and scurried away.

"No. Wait, Evans."I turned. I didn't even realise he had acknowledged me enough to learn my name.

"What James, your mother wants you."I shifted on my feet, realising the harsh tone I had just used to the prince.

"Look, I am sorry for everything I have said to you but what you did today in the dining room. It took courage. The way you just walked away afterwards, it was intense but amazing."He leaned forwards and whispered in my ear, "It was kinda hot too even if you did have dirt all over you." I laughed and slightly pushed him away only for him to repeat the action to me. This was a side I could get used to. His eyes looking into mine, those perfect eyes. It was silent for a while, I awkwardly shifted on my feet and looked out the window before answering him.

"It's fine, now I better go. I think I have to help with the dinner again tonight. See you then." I did a small smile and walked away back to the kitchens. It was fun to see a soft side to James, it was kind of hot. But his hotter side was when he was angry and his voice growls. However this was the problem, I didn't like him but I did. I wish we could be friends but everything he has said before just reminds me of how much of a jackass he is. I didn't stop having the silent debate with myself until I got back to my room to find Remus sitting on my bed.

"About time for my rebellious friend to return, I heard that you were called to Maude so I thought I would surprise you. Come here." He opened his arms and I willingly walked into them. I didn't realise I wanted to cry until he stroked my back releasing a sob that was deep inside of me. After a while he pushed me at arm's length with his hands stroking away my tears. "Hey, I know what will cheer you up. A nice picnic on the field and then a stroll around the grounds just like we used to." I smiled at the thought. Remus, beautiful and charming, knew how to warm me with just a look let alone his amazing sweet ideas.

"Sounds perfect Re. You know just how to cheer me up, you are fabulous."I took his hands from my face and held them both in my hands, his thumb gently caressing my hand.

"Oh, I know. Now let's go." He dragged me along, running down all the different corridors. We were laughing, dancing and shouting. We were having the times of our lives, reminding of when I was around the age of 8 and Remus being 9. When we got to the field that looked over the lake I saw the cute little set up. The picnic blanket and the basket full of treats, obviously prepared by Lucy. How I loved her.

"You don't disappoint, do you?" My one eyebrow went up, I was curious at how amazing and kind he is. He never seemed to rage like everyone else. With a cheerful "nope" we were on our way savaging through the basket of snacks, throwing food, feeding each other, making jokes and being ourselves. It had been a long time since I had acted this way and it felt good. Just what I needed. Once we had finished and packed up, we began our walk around the grounds. Our arms linked, occasionally play fighting and cuddling closer as the chilly winds had got to me.

"You know I love you right? You are the sibling I never had and when we had the meeting this morning I was so worried. We all were. James had looked for you all night." A jolt of joy hit me and tickled my stomach making me smile. "We couldn't find you because of the boxes that were surrounding you. They had been placed after you went to sleep there I guess." He wrapped his arm around me tight. "I am so glad nothing happened to you Lils. I don't know what I would have done."

"I love you too Remus, just you wait until the right girl comes along because dayum they have a treat waiting for them." I snapped my fingers and winked at him whilst laughing, running down the pathway a second later. I pushed Remus into the bushes and carried on running. When I looked back I saw him lying on the floor in the mud. I started to laugh and I couldn't stop. I stumbled back a few steps because my legs were giving way so much. My eyes were watering and I was pretty sure that I sounded like a strangled cat. I stumbled back a few more steps and hit something hard. A low grunt erupted from the source and I stood up straight away. Slowly, I turned. I saw James in a pair of beige trousers and a polo shirt that was annoyingly tight in all the right places. Except, an unnecessary accessory was clinging to his arm. Georgina Butler. From what I understand she is the go to fling between James, Sirius and Regulus.

"Ew, watch where you are going. Don't want to get all your dirt over James. Seeing he is a prince and all." She looked up at James as if he was a God. He just looked at his feet, presumably ashamed. So he should be. I couldn't believe what she had just said, that wasn't even all of it. "Why don't you just run along to another boy, I hear you have been around everyone that will take you. But seeing as you are a piece of dirt, i'm surprised anyone would want to get in your pants." She practically sang it, as if she was completely right.

"Ironic coming from you, you have slept with all my previous boys. Plus, the one boy who persists in trying to be with me is the one you are with every other night. Regulus. He is a Royal and he wants a slave even when he is shacking up with you. " My voice sounded bored, alike to James'. He looked up after, his face showed curiosity but his eyes looked amused. I heard Remus walk up behind me, his hand snaked around my waist, a protective gesture. Georgina's face said she wanted to kill me. I embarrassed her. I, a slave, had made her feel worthless. I hope I did. As usual I walked away, Remus still with his arm around my waist. He was smiling and I soon was too.

"Wow, nice way to get people to like you Lils. Exclaiming your provocative side to the Empire's youngest escort. I bow down for that wonderful idea. Her face was priceless and I am pretty sure James respects you a million times more now." To this I laughed and my cheeks felt hotter. What I said may be because of James, I felt like I had to prove myself to him. I wanted to make him jealous, make him realise that boys wanted me, so maybe he would too. Why can't I stop? This is James we're talking about, arrogant, dirty, horrible Potter.

"Earth to Lily." Oh crap, I was thinking too much about James I forgot about Remus.

"Mmm?" I had no idea what I should tell him. Do I say everything or what? I just want my little 'maybe' crush to be secret and as much as I trust Remus, the only way for this to be a secret is to tell nobody.

"I asked if you had to get back to help for dinner." I forgot all about it, the clock tower showed it to be 6. I had ages left but I was tired, I surely needed a nap otherwise I will be snappy while trying to serve the stupid Royals. I realised that once again, I was taking forever to reply.

"Oh yeah, I should get back. I need some sleep; sleeping outside last night was completely unpleasant." With a nod of understanding, we exchanged our goodbyes. With a hug and kiss on the cheek I was on my way back to my room. The small walk made me think about my mother. How could that wicked witch tell people I ran away to become a slave? Who in their right mind would do that? She should be grateful that I did become a slave as she would not have the wealth and connections she has today. However, she insists on making my life living hell. At least they are part of Slytherin, I rarely have to see them. A request to Maude when I moved here.

Before long I was in my room getting ready for my nap. My room had no air conditioning and as it was next to the kitchen, it was constantly humid. Therefore, most nights I slept in my lingerie, it is the only way I feel comfortable and wake up relatively cool. Someday I hope I am able to get a different, more permanent room. As I came here as a charity, as I call it, my room consists of a single bed, a corner full of crates, one lamp that doesn't work, a small chest of drawers that holds my 3 lots of uniform and a single candle.

I jumped into my bed, feeling the comfort in my bed that I missed last night. My blanket wrapped around me, the cool cotton soft against my bare legs. I needed this, I needed comfort. I was so tired, my eyes began to feel heavier. Recapping the last 24 hours before I fell asleep, one person jumped into my mind. His blue eyes pierced my brain and I fell into darkness.