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nShe swallowed, gazing at her friendly maid, whose raised her eyebrows, trying to show her support. The familiar pain on her chess. Her mouth dried, so she took a sip from the nearly wine. She had never drunk before, and it burned into her throat for a second before she swallowed it down.

nThere was not time to reflect or think of an answer. She knew exactly what she had to say. What the King needed to hear. She just had to combine those words together to reassure John and save herself from a risky, dangerous situation.

nShe stood up, gazing at the old woman who provoked her, and her proud smile somehow pushed the lady to motivate her enough to accept the challenge and find the voice to reply.

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"Of course I don't. And I never will.

" Surprised by the words they tumbled out her mouth, the maid's face turned sour motivating the lady to keep that secure attitude.

"I am very disappointed to see your lack of tact and your persistent provocation in my regards. I didn't expect to find such an ill-mannered maid in the Royal House.

" her eyes narrowed and her tone was challenging.

"I wonder how come someone so sophisticated and respectful like King William had assumed someone like you to work for him.

" The words that left her mouth were her thoughts being vociferated. She clenched her fists to make sure she actually said it and wasn't just dreaming about it.

nThe blond maid gave her a further assurance. Hearing her response chuckled under her breath, breaking the silence that Roselyn's reply caused.

nJohn raised his eyebrow, suppressing his imminent laugh as he enjoyed the lady's firm stance.

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"I have to admit,

" he finally spoke, the old woman's gaze moved in his direction to look at him in fear,

"I am quite surprised, as I didn't expect someone who had been serving my family for so long to act like an inexperienced bitter impolite maid.

" He spat.

nNow it was Roselyn's turn to show her best devilish smirk. The maid walked closer to the King as a in vain tentative of trying to apologize but he gestured with his hand, causing her to stop her motion.

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"Someone who disrespects my future wife disrespects me as well and the whole royal family. I will have a chat with Roselyn and will consider whether it's the case to give you one more opportunity or get you away for the safety of the realm.

" He said. His facial expression was not revealing any emotion, nor sad or sorry. Rolling up his sleeves and fixing his collar, he stood up.

nRoselyn, hearing him defending her, felt a thrill run through her veins. Her lips were tickling her to smile, but she flexed her facial muscles to remain serious.

nRoselyn stood up and followed John, who began walking out the room. As she passed by her friend, the young maid, they exchanged a friendly glance.

nThe couple walked out the house and stepped on the carriage. As soon as it took off, John chuckled.

"I can't believe you talked her off like that. You knew where her weaknesses laid. You're smarter than I thought.

" He said, for some reason. Those words, to Roselyn's ears, sounded like a compliment.

nThe most important thing for the lady was that she took her petty revenge on the woman and felt the thrill of victory for an instance relished by the sight of her feared surprised eyes.

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"I don't even know how I could do it but I am glad I did.

" She replied, curving her lips into a smile, picturing the old maid's pale face and taking a laugh right after.

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"She'll worry about your threatening the entire time during our absence.

" Roselyn said in between the laughs and he cupped his chin. A light shrug shook his shoulders.

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"I was being honest about it. I don't like her disapproval attitude toward our agreement. It's not like she gets to have a say in what we shall or shall not do.

"

nRoselyn nodded. Indeed, she shared his same point of view. She felt glad to know he wasn't reserving any loathe on her for having mistreated his maid.

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"She was a very beloved maid to my father. That's the only reason which is preventing me from having second thoughts about expelling her from the castle.

" He said, taking a long breath.

nHis gaze moved and glanced over at the windows.

"She is very traditionalist, that's what is causing her discontent toward our contract. I hope she won't force me to choose between her and our agreement.

"

nRoselyn frowned, wondering what he was trying to say. Maybe that he would choose her?

nShaking her head, her tendency in overthinking was getting worse the more she was near him.

nShe was like she was walking on the toes when she was with him. Unsure of what to think.

nThe carriage took off in front of Roselyn's house. The sigh took her breath away as it seemed years ago since she had been there, a weird feeling of nervousness immersed her as she stepped out the carriage.

nJohn knocked on the door, when Kathy went to open the door Seeing her Roselyn's discomfort feeling soon left space to the joy of meeting her loyal friend after such a long time.

nThey both smiled and embraced each other so tightly that John had to step backwards. He was not used to see someone of high society being so intimate with someone of a low rank.

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"I missed you.

" Roselyn's voice was low and emotionally.

nAfter a long embrace, they finally separated, and the maid bowed down in front of the King.

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"Hello, nice to get your acquaintance. Miss Roselyn reserved nothing less but nice words describing you.

" He said smiling at the maid whose eyes lightened up hearing his saying.

nRoselyn walked in and to her surprise, that place wasn't feeling like home anymore.

nHer glance moved toward the stairs from which she used to walk down every morning when she saw Sharon walking down in a rushed walk.

nShe bowed down in front of the King..

"Your highness

" she breathed out as she was wheezing for the run.

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