The Runaway Maid is Loved by the Archmage - Chapter 5
Time passed mercilessly, and night fell once more.
Nights were the worst. They were the nights she had to be toyed with by that beautiful and cruel man. For some, darkness brought restful solace, but for her, it meant the destruction of her dignity.
With a heavy thud, the door closed. Roina looked up at the Imperial Crown Prince’s bedchamber.
The luxurious mahogany bed and nightstand, the soft, flowing canopy, the intricate, centuries-old magical patterns painted on the walls and ceiling – everything was so harmonious and beautiful it made her want to vomit.
The room was just like its owner: exquisitely beautiful and refined, yet devoid of warmth.
Sighing, Roina began to prepare the Imperial Crown Prince’s bedchamber. She changed the bedding, fluffed the pillows, and lit a high-quality incense to create a subtle fragrance. She placed a bowl of fresh flower petals within easy reach.
Though she moved mechanically, she was physically and mentally exhausted after the ordeal she had been through.
If she was lucky, perhaps he would leave her alone tonight. Just as she was thinking this, a man emerged from the shadows.
She stifled a scream. The man wore the insignia of the Crown Prince’s personal guard. She couldn’t afford to make a scene.
“… Is that you, Sir Ethan?”
Thankfully, it was a familiar face. She tried to calm her racing heart.
A man with tanned skin, a large build, brown hair, and brown eyes, and a faint scar on his chin. He gave a single, heavy nod.
Relieved, Roina relaxed slightly. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed him earlier. The fact that Ethan was here probably meant the Crown Prince wouldn’t be up to anything tonight. He never did anything when someone else was around. He only revealed his sinister side when he was completely alone.
As she was about to leave, she realized Ethan was staring at her intently.
“Is something wrong? … Oh.”
In her haste, she hadn’t covered the wound on her forehead. He was looking at it.
“… How did you get hurt?”
“I’m sorry.”
Roina quickly pulled out a handkerchief and covered the wound on her forehead.
“I didn’t want to show the Crown Prince a disheveled appearance.”
“No.”
For a moment, he seemed displeased, but then he returned to his usual expressionless face.
“His Highness requests your presence in his study.”
Roina simply nodded. He was one of the few people who were kind to her, or more accurately, treated everyone equally. She had a good impression of him.
