It's not Friday, but I have plenty written and someone asked so I figured why not just post twice this week.


She woke abruptly to the sound of a fist banging heavily on her door. For a sleepy moment she didn't register the situation, and stretched out her arms, yawning.

Then it struck her, and she threw off the covers, scrambling for last night's clothes to cover her. Once she'd pulled her dress on she opened the door. A guard towered over her, looking down at her. A lump caught in her throat.

"The king has ordered all servants to report to the throne room at once."

Her heart sank. The only thing that saved her from collapsing was that he revealed everyone was being summoned, not just her or Serena. She nodded and ran for her shoes and hairbrush. It would be her first time seeing the king in person if he was going to address them. She ran the brush through her hair quickly as she considered the answers she'd give if they questioned her. She'd told Serena to say they were together, so that would have to be her story too. She wished she'd gotten back in time to meet Drew, even if she'd been shook up, just so she'd have that alibi too. She'd have to explain herself to him too once this was over.

When she left her room she walked side by side with Ash's butler to the throne room. As they passed one hallway she noticed the time. Three in the afternoon. She figured it had to be wrong. There was no way she could have slept for that long. They reached the great doors to the throne room and the guards there pulled open the door. There were a great number of people there already, including lords and ladies, but May scanned the room for Serena. She noticed her standing beside Misty and gave her a reassuring smile. Serena couldn't hide her fear. She just prayed they wouldn't suspect her. If they did, she'd have to do something. She couldn't let her go down for something she'd done, even if she was, technically, her enemy.

After a few minutes the guard gestured that everyone had arrived. The king stood, and May took in the sight of him. He was tall and built, and though his face was weathered with age, he still had a stern look that was enough to scare the shit out of her. He looked nothing like Ash.

"I have grave news to report to you all," he started, his voice booming across the room. The second of silence that followed was painful. "Last night, one of our guests was killed in his bedroom."

A collective gasp sounded across the room, and people began to mutter to one another under their breath. The king waited for the commotion to calm down before he carried on. May could barely hear him over the sound of her blood pounding.

"We don't currently know who, but we are looking into it, and we will find the murderer, rest assured. For now we must insist everyone locks all doors at night and keeps a keen eye out for any suspicious behaviour."

He looked ready to say more when the doors flung open again and the prince swept in, his jacket hanging off his shoulders, his white riding shirt tucked into his black pants. His hair was still windswept. Somehow, the sight of him calmed her a little. He strode to the front of the room and spoke in a hushed tone to his father for a moment before ducking back out again. He must have rushed back from wherever he'd been when the news had reached him.

She kept her poker face throughout the rest of the announcement until they were allowed to leave. She didn't wait around for Serena, in fear that it would make them look a little more suspicious. She was hurrying back to her room when she heard her name being called, and turned back to see the prince hurrying after her, a little smile on his face.

"Hey," he said casually, like she was just another of his friends. "I know I said you could have those days off, but…" he rubbed the back of his head almost apologetically.

"It's okay," she smiled up at him. "I'll get into my uniform now."

He nodded. "Come to my room. I have something to discuss with you."

She headed to her room, quickly changed, pulling up her thigh high white stockings and shoving on her dress and headband. She was in his room within five minutes. He was sitting at his desk, and welcomed her in.

"Well," he said, looking over at her. "You already know what's happened. We have no reason to believe anyone would target servants, but you should be extra careful anyway."

She couldn't help but imagine his reaction if he knew her true nature. If he saw her in her black, skin-tight suit that she used to wear on jobs. If he knew she usually kept several knives, including one strapped to her thigh. If anyone came for her, they'd likely be the one to wind up hurt.

"They're going to question the maid that was serving him, as part of the procedure. Do you know her?"

May nodded, trying to hide her slight fear at the mention of Serena. "Yes, Your Highness. She is the only other maid I really talk to, besides maybe one other."

He gave her a stern look. One he hadn't given her yet. The serious side of him sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself enjoying it. "If you know anything, you need to tell me, okay? They'll question you too, eventually."

She wasn't sure if he was insinuating he thought she had something to do with it, or if he'd speak to everyone like this. She swallowed hard. She couldn't possibly tell him. He'd only known her a few days, and no matter how well he'd treated her, no matter how much he just seemed like a regular guy, she had no reason to believe he wouldn't hand her over right away, regardless of the context behind the murder.

"I was with her last night, Your Highness," she admitted, figuring it was better not to hold that information when he'd learn it anyway. "I went to her room since she was finished for the day and I had the day off. Just to gossip."

He assessed her for a moment, then smirked at her, a look that she had to turn away from, in fear he'd notice her face warming. Why was he smirking at her?

He stood suddenly, startling her. "Come."

He began walking out, and she followed quickly behind him, confused. He led her down to a part of the castle she hadn't been in before. She was preparing in her mind what she was going to do if he confronted her about the murder. She had no weapons on her, so she'd have to find something around her. She hated that she already knew she'd be hesitant to attack him if it came down to it, despite everything.

They stopped at a set of double doors and Ash flung it open, stepping inside. May took in the sight that welcomed her- a giant, sprawling library, with a ceiling so high she wasn't sure the walls of books ever stopped. There had to be hundreds of thousands of them. She marvelled at the sight of them, at the sight of the hanging lanterns that gave the room a magical glow, at the smell of the books and the quiet of the place. It seemed like there was no one else around.

"I figured no one had shown you this yet," he said plainly, letting her take in the view. She'd always loved books, but she hadn't shared that information with him yet. He was grinning at her, and she closed her mouth, realising her jaw had hung open.

"It's… amazing," she breathed. For a moment, she forgot who stood beside her. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"You don't have to be so formal all the time." He patted her shoulder, and she bristled at the casual touch from royalty. "Just around other people, maybe."

"Yes, Your H-" She stopped as she was about to say it and looked at him, unsure of how else she was supposed to address him if not that way.

"Ash," he corrected her.

It felt wrong to refer to a prince by their first name, even if he wasn't technically her prince, and Kanto royalty didn't rule over her. She'd been taught the manners she needed before she'd become a spy, but Ash didn't seem to care. He seemed genuine, and May hated that she found herself growing fond of him, even just after a few days. There had to be something wrong with him. He was from Kanto, after all, and they'd all been taught that everyone from here was evil.

"Okay, Ash," she said, trying not to cringe as she did.

"Okay, May," he said back almost mockingly, and she shot him a look without realising. Once she did she straightened her face again, ready to apologise, but he just laughed. She watched him laugh genuinely at her and couldn't help smiling back a little.

He crossed his arms and watched as she wandered over to the nearest shelf and ran her fingers along the spines of the books, wondering if it was possible to even read one percent of the books here in her lifetime. She could feel Ash's eyes on her as he did, and couldn't help but wonder if he had another motive for being so nice to her.

She turned back to him, letting herself meet his gaze. "Are you always this nice to your servants?"

He laughed, and it caught her off guard. She had prayed the question wasn't too rude or offensive, but it seemed she'd worried about nothing.

"You expected me to be cruel, huh? I guess that is probably what most people expect from royalty." He looked away from her, his arms still crossed over his chest. "A lot of people look at me and only see the royalty. They treat me differently because of it." He ran a hand through his hair and chuckled. She couldn't help but watch in awe. "I probably sound so stuck up right now."

"No, it's okay," she said, turning to fully face him.

"I could tell from the minute you looked at me that you didn't see me that way." He narrowed his eyes at her, but not in a malicious way. "I don't know what it is, but I could tell. You hated me. You weren't ready to worship me just for this title."

Had she been so transparent after all? She swallowed hard, suddenly wondering if he suspected her of being up to no good because of it. Should she apologise? She wasn't even sure.

"You're doing a good job of faking it, though. You won't lose your job. I picked you for that reason, anyway. I thought it might be more interesting."

The way he was grinning at her was making her blood boil. It was true that, despite how attractive and kind she'd seen he was, that she still held some resentment towards him, and the way he was addressing it so calmly with that look on his face made her want to close the distance between them and shove her fist in his face.

"I don't hate you," she said, and it wasn't a lie.

"I know."

He turned away from her and walked to a shelf, reaching up and searching for a book. He found it, and pulled it down, dusting it off. He walked towards her until he stood over her, then handed the book to her. She looked down at it, but didn't recognise the title.

"I think you'd like this. It's a thriller."

Thrillers had always been her favourites. She raised an eyebrow up at him. "How did you know?"

"Just a guess."

She turned the book around in her hands, considering, then clutched it against her chest. She'd give it a try, if only so she wouldn't look rude. She could hardly ignore a recommendation from the prince. He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms again.

"If you know something, you should tell me. If you even just heard or saw something that meant nothing, you should tell me."

She bristled. He was talking about the murder again. So he'd led her here and pretended to be so friendly with her to earn her trust, so that she might reveal if she knew anything. The wall that she'd begun to let down was instantly back up. If he was going to read her anyway, she might as well be herself.

"I don't know anything," she said sternly, looking into his eyes. "I would tell you if I did."

He stared back at her for a moment, and the tension was almost unbearable until he relaxed and pushed away from the wall.

"Alright. Well if you think of anything, you know where to go, okay?" He turned away from her and began to leave. "You can stay here a while longer if you like."

She watched him leave, then fell back into one of the many chairs scattered across the room. Perhaps she'd underestimated him, and he was just as cunning as she was. She hated that she'd been so easy to read, and that he'd tried to manipulate her like that. As if she'd ever fall for something so obvious. Huffing she stood with the book and stomped out the room, not in the mood to marvel at the books anymore.

She sat in her room for the rest of the evening reading the book. She hated to admit it, but she enjoyed it from the first page. It was just her sort of thing. She told herself over and over that it was just a coincidence that he'd picked the exact thing she liked. After a while she couldn't bear being trapped in her room any longer, so went for a walk. Still in her maid dress no one would question why she was roaming the halls while it was dark outside. It was only eight, but most of the guests seemed to settle in their rooms before then. As she rounded the corner onto the royal wing, she noticed Ash coming out of his room, looking distracted. This time he was dressed in a black shirt. He didn't lock his door behind him. She watched him walk away from her, and considered. This was the perfect opportunity, and any hesitation she'd felt was gone after today. Double checking no one was watching her, she hurried over to his door and slipped inside his room.

It was hard to see inside, but she couldn't risk lighting a candle. She'd have to rely on the moonlight streaming through the window. She moved over to his desk, looking over the papers. There didn't seem to be anything of interest as she pawed through them. Next she tried to pull open the drawer in his desk, but it was locked. She inspected the keyhole. It was small, but she'd need the key to get in, or a pin to pick it. She cursed under her breath and looked around. Where else might she even find anything?

She checked through a door that led to his bathroom, and quickly shut it once she realised. He had a whole living room as well as his bedroom, and the sheer expanse of the room intimidated her. She scanned over the living room quickly, but it was clean and there was nothing of use to her. Returning to his bedroom, she began to open his drawers when she heard voices from the hallway. She froze, the drawer half open, and listened. Then he laughed, and she knew it was him. She slammed the drawer back in and stood, trying not to panic. She had no way to escape unless she jumped from the balcony, and that would be no good if anyone was walking in the gardens or she seriously hurt herself. There were two wardrobes in his room, so she ran to the closest and pulled it open, pushing herself inside and sitting down on the floor of it, scrambling to pull the doors shut. She managed, just as his door opened and he entered, another man behind him. May watched through the gap in the doors as he shut the door behind him and strode over to his desk. He picked up a fancy glass bottle sitting on it and poured them both a drink.

She couldn't get a good look at the other man. She tried to breathe quietly, but it was hard in the stuffy closet with her puffy skirts pushed up around her. She'd gotten herself into another shit situation.

"I wonder how the girl will hold up tomorrow," the other man said as Ash handed him the glass. Ash wandered over to the balcony doors and stared out. "My guards aren't exactly known for being gentle or kind."

"If she genuinely doesn't know anything she'll be fine," Ash answered. May's heart almost stopped as she considered the possibility that they might be talking about Serena. She almost prayed they were talking about her instead. She knew she could handle an interrogation. Serena might give her up if it meant saving herself, even if it had been for her.

"And what about your maid? Did you ask her about it?"

"She said she doesn't know anything."

The man paused for a second before speaking again. "Why did you even get another maid anyway? You've not had a maid in years. You never called for your last one."

"Because I prefer to do things for myself."

"Exactly. That doesn't answer my question. I know what you're up to," he said, pointing over at Ash. "Well, she is pretty hot, I'll give you that."

Ash turned and scowled at him, but the other man only laughed back. In the cupboard May felt her face growing warmer. She'd wanted to hear some helpful information, not him being teased about her. Though she had to admit, it caught her attention. Had he really not had a maid in years? He really hadn't given her that much work yet…

"Of course you'd say that."

The man shrugged. "What can I say? I appreciate the ladies. So, if you don't want her I might have to introduce myself."

"Give it up, Gary. I have my own reasons. I'm just busier at the minute, that's all."

"Sure," he snickered. He placed the now empty glass back on the desk. "I have to go before they come looking for me."

May used the commotion of them saying goodbye to adjust herself in the closet. She watched Ash walk away from the door looking tired. He sat on the edge of his bed for a moment before standing up again, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off. May turned quickly away, her face burning. She looked back slowly and couldn't help but watch him as he walked to his curtains and closed them. Then he headed to his bathroom door and shut himself inside. She could hear the bath being drawn. She knew now was her only chance. If she didn't try to leave now she'd be stuck there all night. She slowly pushed open the door, cringing as it creaked. She kept glancing over at the bathroom door. She wasn't even sure what she'd do if he came back out and she was in his room. Once she was out she closed the door and rushed over to his bedroom door. She only relaxed once she was on the other side. She was lucky he'd gone into the bathroom then. She composed herself and headed back to her room, her heart racing the whole time. She climbed into bed the second she was out of her dress and closed her eyes, but couldn't get the image of him unbuttoning his shirt out of her head. It took her a long time to fall asleep.


She stood in his room the next day and waited for him to give her orders. He seemed annoyed, and she was also annoyed at him, so she didn't say a word. He finished looking over something he'd scrunched his face at more than a few times and finally faced her.

"I need you to go into the city and pick a few things up for me today," he started, and handed her a piece of paper. A list of stores and their addresses. "I would come, but…" he held the papers up and sighed.

"Of course, Your Highness," she replied, slipping the list into her pocket. "I'll go right away."

He looked as though he was going to correct her on her formalities again, but closed his mouth again and mumbled a thank you instead. She hurried out, not wanting to spend a second more than she had to in his room after the night before. Once she was outside she found a carriage waiting for her. She spent the better part of the afternoon running his errands. Most of the things she picked up were from jewellers- presents for ladies or guests, she figured. By the end of it she had a full, heavy box full of things to take back for him. As she climbed into the carriage for the last time, she called out to the driver.

"May we call by the market on the way back?" She asked politely. The driver huffed, but agreed. He took her to the top of the market street and stopped. He'd wait here for her. She hopped out and headed off down the street, looking around at the stalls. She paused at one and bought a large bag full of candy. Satisfied, she was about to head back when she spotted him in the shadows. He blended in well, but she could always pick him out. Her partner. She quickly glanced around, but the street was so busy nobody would notice her slip into the alley for a moment, so she did. He pulled down his hood.

"Have you learned anything yet?"

Well, he got straight to the point, as usual. "I'm working on it. Listen… I might have some trouble." He raised an eyebrow at her and waited for her to continue. "I got into a… an altercation."

"You killed somebody in the castle?"

"Yes, but they don't know it was me."

"Good. You'll have to do it again."

She stayed silent. She knew it was insane to even suggest she might disobey any orders, so she didn't dare show any signs of hesitation. "Who?"

He handed her a piece of paper with a name. She didn't recognise it. She quickly pushed it into her bra, not trusting her pocket enough. Of course they'd not explain anything else to her. She didn't expect them to anymore. She wasn't sure when the transition to assassin had begun, but she hated it. She knew she could only get away with so much before she got caught.

Without another word he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the alley. May composed herself and stepped back out into the street. Suddenly the bag of sweets in her hand, that she'd bought thinking she might share some with the prince, seemed ridiculous. Her mood crashed, and she climbed into the carriage without a word. She'd have to give it a few days before she even considered anything. She'd even have to learn who he was first.


She carried the heavy box through the castle to his room. She knocked and he shouted for her to enter. Once he saw her struggling with the heavy box he rushed over and took it from her arms. He seemed in a slightly better mood, but she couldn't bring herself to fake any joy for him.

"What's wrong?" He asked quickly, reaching over her shoulder to push the door shut.

"Oh," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "It's nothing. Just some lady at the market insulted me."

"Really?" He asked, looking down at her. She hated it when he was standing over her. It completely scrambled her brain. "What did she say?"

"It doesn't matter." May shook her head. "Is there anything else you need me to do?"

"Actually, yes." He placed the box down beside the door. "I'm having dinner brought up to me tonight. I was wondering if you'd go and get your own and bring it up here too."

For a moment she couldn't register what he was asking. Even when she did, she couldn't quite believe it. "You're… asking me to eat dinner with you, Your Highness?"

He nodded once, as if it was an obvious answer. "Well yes, it gets lonely eating on your own."

"Oh… Alright then, I will." She bowed and dipped out. She wasn't sure she could handle eating with him, and couldn't fathom why he'd ask in the first place, but couldn't disobey. She didn't let herself stop and look in the kitchens as she explained she needed her dinner to go. They handed her it, and she carried it all the way back. When she got there he'd already had his handed to him, but was waiting for her at the table in his living room. Keeping her head down, she walked over and placed hers down.

When she sat, he looked over at her. Somewhat shy, she picked up her cutlery and slowly cut into her food. She didn't mean to be rude by being quiet, but wasn't sure what to say now. He stayed silent too, and they ate that way for a minute until he spoke.

"They questioned your friend today."

She froze. Had Serena said something? Was this a trap? Suddenly it was harder to breathe, and she lowered her cutlery to look up at him, not letting her fear show. "Is she alright?"

He nodded. "She's fine. Probably just a bit shook up, I'd imagine, since…" he trailed off. "They're pinning it on her. I'm sorry, May."

She dropped her fork on her plate. "What do you mean?"

"Well they need an explanation to give to the guests to ease their nerves, and that's the easiest one they can come up with. I tried to cut in, but my words mean nothing in things like these yet." He sighed. "I'm sorry."

She finally understood. He thought May and Serena were much closer than they were, and he'd invited her here to break the news to her. He was trying to be kind, but he'd only made her feel faint. She clutched the edge of the table as a sudden wave of nausea washed over her. Ash leaned over the table and placed his hand over hers.

"May?"

"Sorry," she said weakly. "It's just…"

She had prayed this wouldn't happen. For whatever reason, Serena was keeping her mouth shut, and she was going to go down for something May had done. She shouldn't care, and it wasn't her priority right now, but she couldn't help but feel swamped with immense guilt. Even if she'd done it to protect Serena, she'd been the one to kill him. Serena hadn't done anything wrong.

She looked up at Ash, and was taken aback by how genuine the concern in his eyes was. His hand still rested atop hers. In her moment of weakness, she pulled her hand away spitefully and stood, planning on storming out. She took a few steps before he grabbed her hand, stopping her. She turned, considering unleashing her pent up frustration and anger on him, but his face stopped her.

"I really am sorry, May."

"It's not fair. I know it wasn't her."

"They have her in custody now, but I'll try again tomorrow, I promise."

She knew he was just trying his best for her, and she could tell he genuinely felt bad for it, but she couldn't help feeling angry at him anyway. Everything kind he did for her was a calculated move. It felt that way, at least. He let go of her hand and she walked out, knowing it was rude.

In the corridor waiting for her was Drew. She tried not to sigh, but she really didn't feel like she could deal with him right now. He looked up as she closed the door behind her, but his face was grim.

"I heard about Serena. I'm sorry, May."

"I'm sorry too. For standing you up last night. She came to me with a problem and I went to see her instead, and totally lost track of time. Walk?"

He nodded, and she came to his side. "So you were with her last night, and they're still blaming her?"

May nodded. "It's the easiest explanation. They'll just say he mistreated her or she wanted to steal from him."

"Serena seems so sweet. There's no way she could ever do something like that. Anyone with a single bit of common sense should be able to see that."

May wondered if he thought she was sweet too. She held back a laugh as she considered his reaction if he found out it was her. She'd let him carry on thinking he was good at reading people's character for now.

They walked out into the gardens as Drew rambled about who it could really have been. It was cold, and Drew immediately shrugged off his jacket, putting it over her shoulders. He seemed sweet, and she felt bad for considering using him, but she also knew she could never genuinely be romantically involved with anyone here, so there was no use in considering him.

"So, how's working for the prince?" He asked suddenly. He asked casually, but there was something else in his tone.

"It's okay. I really haven't done much work yet."

"He must like you if he asked you to eat dinner with him." It was a statement, but he said it almost like a question. She realised what he was doing.

"He just wanted to make breaking the news to me easier I think." She eyed him quizzically, but he wouldn't look at her. They'd only spoken a few times, but he was already acting jealous. May stopped and sat down on the edge of a fountain they'd come to. Drew sat beside her.

"Have you seen any of the other new maids today?" She asked to break the silence. "How did they take the news?"

"Only Misty, and she was just angry. Seems like she's got a terrible temper."

"I haven't had much time to speak to them all."

"Are you finished for the day? It seems kinda early."

She looked down at her feet swaying. "Well, I kind of walked out."

Drew's eyes widened. "You walked out on the prince?" He genuinely seemed absolutely gobsmacked by it, but she hadn't really realised how bad it might seem. Speechless, she looked sheepishly over at him and shrugged, earning a laugh from him. "Wow. You're something else, huh? I hope he doesn't fire you."

"Do you think he might?" She asked, concerned. She didn't think he would, but who was she to say really?

"I don't know what he's like. I'm sure you'll be fine. You just got bad news after all." Drew looked away from her. "Oh. There he is now."

May followed his eyes and spotted him. He was walking through the gardens, his arm entwined with Dawn's. She felt her chest tighten. He looked over at her suddenly and his face dropped slightly. She blinked over at him, unsure of whether she should acknowledge him or not. Dawn turned to see what he was looking at and caught her eye, waving politely at her. She smiled and nodded back, but the sight of her there in her beautiful big dress made her angry, and she wasn't sure why. They walked off together, and May looked away.

"I wonder if that's who he's going to pick. I see him with her a lot."

"He hasn't mentioned any of that to me," she said sharply. Drew fell silent and she sighed, looking upward to the sky, silently considering how she might get Serena out of her situation, and trying to clear her mind of Ash.