Prince Xavier's POV

I woke the next morning feeling restless, as if I had been wrestling with my thoughts all night. The remnants of my dream-a blur of blue eyes and familiar faces-lingered as I sat up in bed. There was something unsettling about the maid I had encountered last night, Amelia Winston. She was nothing like the rest of the staff. Her unwavering gaze, her calm demeanor-both had been far too composed for someone in her position. And yet, it wasn't fear or audacity that she showed. It was something else, something I couldn't quite place.

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the day ahead. There were more pressing matters to attend to-my mother's school project was at the forefront of my mind. Today would be another meeting with the project managers and contractors, finalizing the next steps. This was her legacy, the last wish she had expressed before her untimely passing. If there was anything I could do for her now, it was to make this dream a reality.

After dressing, I made my way to the dining hall. Jacques was already waiting for me at the table, reviewing my schedule for the day. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, but I had no appetite.

"Your Highness," Jacques greeted me with his usual efficiency. "The contractors are scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. sharp. There will also be a brief follow-up with the investors at noon. And then, this evening, you have a charity gala to attend."

I nodded, barely acknowledging him as I took my seat. My thoughts were still elsewhere, circling back to the young maid. There was something about her that felt strangely familiar, yet I knew I had never seen her before. Could it be that she reminded me of the woman from my past? The one who had vanished without a trace years ago, leaving me with only fleeting memories of her sapphire-blue eyes?

"Your Highness?" Jacques' voice broke through my reverie.

"Yes, Jacques," I said, shaking off my distraction. "Go ahead."

He gave me a curious glance but continued with the rest of the day's agenda, listing off the minor details that I would typically care about but now barely registered. I wasn't myself this morning, and Jacques was far too observant not to notice.

As I half-listened to him, I couldn't help but wonder about Amelia. There was a strict hierarchy in the palace staff, and it was rare for anyone to cross paths with me unless they had reason to. But last night, in the sanctity of my private quarters, she had appeared. Uninvited, yet strangely unshaken by my presence.

I made a mental note to ask Jacques more about her, but for now, I needed to get through the day.

---

By the time the contractors arrived, my mind was back on track. We discussed the timeline for the school's construction, the architectural plans, and the logistical challenges we might face. It was a productive meeting, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose as we finalized the details. My mother's dream was finally coming together.

Afterward, the investors arrived for a follow-up discussion, and once again, I kept my focus sharp. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not when we were so close to securing everything. The meeting lasted a little longer than expected, but when it finally ended, I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction.

Still, as the hours passed, my thoughts inevitably drifted back to Amelia. It wasn't just the way she had handled herself last night that intrigued me-it was the fact that she had reminded me so much of someone I had long buried in my memory. It felt like fate was playing some kind of trick on me, bringing her into my life just when I had convinced myself that I had moved on.

That evening, I was preparing for a charity gala, that is held annually and it is kind of mandatory for me to attend as I am the reigning Prince, but my mind was elsewhere. The event was one I had attended annually-a fundraiser for the kingdom's orphanages-but tonight, I felt disconnected from the usual routine. As I adjusted my cufflinks and checked my reflection in the mirror,

---

The gala was as expected-filled with socialites, donors, and the usual pleasantries. I moved through the crowd, shaking hands, exchanging polite words, and making sure to thank the attendees for their generous contributions. But my heart wasn't in it. My mind kept drifting, and no amount of small talk could pull me out of it.

I excused myself halfway through the event, retreating to one of the palace's side halls where I could get a moment of peace. The noise from the ballroom faded as I walked down the corridor, my footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors.

And then, as if summoned by my thoughts, I saw her.

Amelia was standing near one of the side doors, holding a silver tray in her hands. She hadn't noticed me yet, her attention focused on something outside the window. I paused, watching her for a moment. There was something serene about the way she stood there, lost in her own thoughts.

But then, as if sensing my gaze, she turned. Our eyes met, and for a brief second, time seemed to stand still. Her blue eyes held mine, and I could see the flicker of recognition in them. 

"Your Highness," she said softly, inclining her head in a polite bow.

I stepped closer, drawn to her without fully understanding why. "Amelia, isn't it?" I asked, my voice steady.

"Yes, Your Highness," she replied, her eyes never leaving mine. There was that calmness again, that quiet confidence that had caught my attention the night before.

"Why are you working here?" I asked as the charity gala is organised by private.

"I am just filling in for my friend" she said, her voice soft but clear. "Just for today."

I nodded, my mind racing with questions I knew I couldn't ask. Why did she remind me so much of someone I had known years ago? Was it just a coincidence, or was there something more to this strange connection I felt?

"Well," I said after a pause, "you seem to be settling in well."

"Thank you, Your Highness," she replied, offering me a small, respectful smile.

I studied her for a moment longer, then gave a curt nod and turned to leave. But as I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted. Amelia Winston was no ordinary maid. There was something about her-something I couldn't ignore.

And as much as I tried to push it aside, I knew that my life, once so predictable, was about to change in ways I couldn't yet foresee.