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The Unofficial Empress - Chapter 5
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Alexandra was startled when the cook woke her up from her slumber. It was a cold September morning and she felt so lazy. “It’s not yet six o’clock Nina,” she mumbled.
“Yes but this is not the time to dilly-dally. We are going to prepare a banquet for the evening,” her senior told her in excitement.
What’s there to be excited about a banquet? If anything, Alexandra considers it the worst time of any occasion. There won’t be any advance notice so they must prepare as quickly as possible for an abrupt feast. They are only pressured instead of enjoying their free time. “To whom are we cooking for?” she yawned as the woman continued to shake her.
“I don’t know but that’s a direct order from the…”
“What are you both tarrying? Get up and start preparing the menu!” the chef, who is the most pressured, commanded them. Not only once did the chef wanted to quit because of abrupt banquets. And yet after such a busy day, he would relax and go back to work as if he never wished to quit.
On regular days, they can have a few breaks to eat and relax because they have shifts. First shift prepares breakfast and second shift prepares lunch. The third and the most evaded shift was for dinner. Certainly, the shift was pushed onto her by her seniors who chose to transfer shifts.
She couldn’t blame her luck. On a first come, first served basis and in terms of seniority, she has no choice but to accept the offer. After her father’s dethronement, several families have severed ties with the Hongs. Few of the remaining supporters of the Hongs have migrated to another country or kingdom. The remaining direct descendant of Marie Hong, Alexandra Hong, was left homeless and discarded by the Hong family. Now she is working in the palace while swallowing her pride.
She was ceased from living a luxurious life at a young age. Ten years ago, an uprising was initiated by the people who once supported the Hongs. Many Angenas supporters strengthened the revolt. It was bloodless yet it felt terrifying for a young girl to be sneered upon. She was once a doted and respected princess but now a rejected and mocked pauper.
If anyone knew her complete name, she would be judged again. For the past ten years, she and her father learned to be independent. They learned to rely on themselves rather than rely on anyone. The Hongs have put them in so much trouble. Even now that she is working as a palace maid, they want to use her to find a loophole in the palace.
Living in the palace as a commoner felt better and more relaxing than living as a princess. She began to appreciate every little things she had and treasure each moment she finds memorable.
Alexandra dozed off for a few minutes before her senior called her to take a bath. Banquets do not only include delicious and rare dishes but also requires the presence of the kitchen staff. One must be presentable while serving the guests.
They went to the public shower room for maidservants and began cleaning themselves. Alexandra wasn’t listening to Nina as the latter talked about her rants. “Let’s hurry up,” Alexandra said after changing into a fresh set of uniform. She feels uncomfortable as she went out.
Her sight is becoming blurred. She felt so fatigued and drained which never happened before. This is not the first banquet she attended. This is not even the most laborious. In fact, this had the lightest work because everyone is present and no one had taken any day off from their shift.
Another banquet for the royalty and a special guest. She can only shrug and reminisce the past. Young and naive Alexandra didn’t want to stay in the boring dining hall but wanted to play outside. She shook her head as they waited for orders while in line and holding trays. The third prince is missing again but she could not see any new face in the dining hall.
“Who could it be? Why did they let us prepare for a sudden banquet? It’s already been an hour since they began to eat,” Nina said while swallowing her saliva. Who could resist the mouthwatering dishes with their scent wafting through the entire hall? It’s only two of them who were not tasked so they remained standing.
She could feel her feet aching but she has to remain standing unless commanded to sit down. She saw the chef gesturing for her as the large double doors flung open. It summoned someone she didn’t recognize at first because she was focused on carrying out her duty.
The newcomer occupied the empty seat for the third prince. “Sorry I’m late,” he said casually so she flipped her head only to see a very familiar face. Marco slightly squinted his eyes before he held her gaze. His eyes held a glint of sarcasm. If she remained gazing, she could drown in them with despair. Thanks to the chef who called her attention, she was able to break free from the spell.
“What are you waiting for? Hurry and serve the prince,” the chef commanded in a whisper and slightly pushed her. She almost tripped her foot but she managed to balance herself and deliver the food to its diner. She could feel the third prince’s mockery amidst the devilish grin.
Marco began to dig in as she stood beside him waiting for orders. She watched the meat being sliced and her mouth began to form saliva but instead of swallowing it, she felt like vomiting. She stepped back as her feet and her insides trembled. She was about to gracefully exit but she tripped on her own foot and fell on the floor.
Alexandra looked up at the panicked faces of her colleagues. She could hear the royal family asking what was wrong, the chef trying to make excuses, the guards coming to help her. She heard the chair slide beside her and a strong pair of arms lifted her from the floor. “Don’t blame her. Your majesty, your highnesses, I shall take my leave to ensure this girl’s safety and health. Do continue the banquet,” Marco excused and left everyone dumbfounded.
Alexandra’s vision is blurring and warping as her insides are churning. she does not have the slightest strength to push away the disgusting man who is carrying her.
“The girl looks pretty,” Nico commented as he sipped wine.
“Indeed. I could mistake her for an actress,” Cielo’s wife agreed.
“You’re prettier, Marga,” Cielo retorted as he held his wife’s hand.
“You youngsters make me jealous,” Jericho shook his head as he watched his family happily dining and matchmaking their youngest prince to the maid who just fainted.
“She is not just pretty but kind and helpful as well,” Sania, Cielo’s only daughter added.
“Well I hope he finds love sooner,” Jericho sighed.
Marco shook his head as he heard the loud voices from the banquet hall. The conversation is very clear outside as he carried his ‘wife’ away. The guards could only watch and greet but not question who and why he is carrying a servant.
In the hospital wing, the doctor immediately checked the woman’s condition without realizing her status. Marco’s coat is covering her uniform and the doctor did not remove it from her. “Congratulations your highness. Your girl is pregnant!”
“What?” Marco was surprised but he didn’t react much. With crossed arms, he stepped closer to the bed and swept a glance at the woman. “Are you sure she’s not sick or food poisoned?”
“No your highness. Her vital signs say so,” the doctor said as he fixed his stethoscope back to its pouch. “But I need to confirm it for symptoms once she wakes up.”