Marking territory

The princess stopped in front of Jess and looked at her. Her face was passive, but Jess could sense the hostility in her eyes as she stopped in front of her.

Jess gasped when it clicked in her head that she wore the same fine material as the princess and in the same color.

Jess kept her head bowed and politely curtsied.

Welcome, Your Highness. We are honored to have you recognize the work this great hospital is doing for the people.

Jess said in a trembling voice.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she felt the eyes of the ministers and nobles on her. She was unsure if she had broken protocol by speaking to the princess first without being asked to.

Christine, how could you ghost me at such an important event?

Jess gritted her teeth in annoyance.

She now understood why the crown prince was angry at her for being nonchalant in protecting her, not that she was fond of the idea, but she needed some protection right now.

She thought while trying to keep a passive face.

How rude of the director not to be here to receive me but to send subordinate staff to welcome me.

Princess Rose emphasized when her eyes darted across the hall, and the director was not in sight.

Loren and the rest of the staff turned to Jess as if she was hiding or holding the director hostage.

Jess could hear the low voices of the ministers murmuring in displeasure at the mellow attitude the director held towards this visit. Everyone was thrilled at the visit except the director and Daniel, who were visibly absent.

Jess held her breath as her heart hammered like a drum. Her eyes darted around to see if Christine had returned. But to her dismay, she was nowhere in sight.

She was so conscious of the expensive material on her body that she wanted to remove it. She hated anything that made her stand out in the ground as she always wanted to blend in.

Your Highness, the Director apologizes for not welcoming you in person, as something needed his attention at the last minute.

He sent me to convey this letter to you.

Jess said, bowing her head slightly while handing her the ornate letter.

The princess regarded her with disdain as if there was a pre-existing animosity between them, which Jess was clueless about.

She stretched forth her hand to collect the letter, but her hand lingered a little longer as if she wanted to crush her. In her heart, Jess was just thankful that she and the princess would not be crossing paths as she would have long escaped to another kingdom by then.

What is your name? She asked.

The question carried an air of curiosity and animosity that sent tremors down her spine. Jess felt a sense of familiarity as if the princess was a lost relative she was reconnecting with after years apart. They even had similar hair color.

My name is Jess Smith.

Your Highness.

Jess replied with a polite smile while lowering her eyes to the ground so as not to offend the princess.

Thankfully, the awkward stare ended when Princess Melissa walked in with some maids and guards accompanied by Walker Lane. Princess Melissa wore a purple cap draped over her shoulders, a deep contrast to the vibrant blue of her gown, which flowed gracefully behind her, adding an air of regality.

Rose, I am so happy to see you.

Princess Melissa expressed as she stopped just two inches from Rose.

The scowl on Princess Rose was immediately replaced with a stunning smile when Melissa engulfed her in a hug.  

Greetings, Your Highness!

The crowd chorused as the men bowed and the ladies curtsied to welcome the princess.

I never knew you were at the hospital estate; I would have ordered my servants to bring the gifts I got for you from my kingdom.

Princess Rose said as they broke from the hug.

There is still a lot of time, besides you will be moving to Zaza permanently after the wedding. So, no need to feel pressured.

Princess Melissa remarked.

The noblemen and ministers exchanged glances, but none dared voice their opinions. Jess understood why the crown prince was avoiding any form of contact with Rose Bethmot. He wanted to avoid any form of rumor spreading about their engagement.

Let's go.

Princess Melissa said as she put her arms around Princess Rose.

I have made arrangements for you at the outer courts where you can rest your feet. Unfortunately, the director is ill-mannered and does not understand royal protocol on how to welcome a princess of the realm and the future wife of my brother.

Princess Melissa scoffed in annoyance when her eyes fell on Jess.

She was shocked to notice the resemblance between the two outfits and wondered why a mere assistant was wearing the same attire worn by royals and those of the upper class for such an event.

She could have mistaken her for someone of the upper class if she had not met her previously.

Aren't you supposed to be in your uniform like the helpers?

Melissa asked with a raised brow.

Um-I-I.

Jess stammered. It was supposed to be about Princess Rose, but she had become the center of attention due to this gown.

She is not a regular staff as she is attached to the crown prince's retinue and is only helping the director with some work. Due to her position as his chief attendant, she undertakes and represents the crown prince if needed.

Walker Lane intervened.

What?

Princess Melissa gasped in shock but quickly composed herself.

Princess Melissa was not the only one in shock.

The crown prince was impressed with you for some reason. He instructed me to scout you as one of his assistants who will represent him at the royal hospital.

Your work would not be limited to the royal hospital. The crown prince will explain the rest to you later on," Walker Lane said with a mischievous smile.

So, this was what Christine meant.

Jess scoffed as she remembered that night. She would have declined the offer if she knew it would attract more trouble for her.

The crown prince was delighted with the news of the princess of Iduim's visit to the Royal Hospital before the official opening ceremony. So, his chief attendant is here to welcome you on his behalf.

Walker Lane added with a smile.