âI am the maid-of-honor of His Majesty Paris. I was able to join the Royal Palace while my brother joined the Order. I was waiting outside because I wasnât invited to the banquet.â
Amorettaâs eyes were downcast as if she just had learned her manners as a maid.
She didnât seem to recognize Apollonia.
âYou have an older brother? How did your brother get to know my brother Paris?â
Apollonia looked at her face. As far as he knew, Amoretta was an orphan.
âHis Highness has helped us escape living a difficult life.â She answered vaguely, avoiding her gaze.
âYouâre lying.â
She was hiding her real identity. Obviously, someone must have instructed her. At that moment, all the questions in Apolloniaâs head were completely resolved.
She was the sole sorceress of Luwanâs business empire, the creator of hair color-changing combs, enchanted pieces of jewelry, and dresses. She concocted an effective potion that could change Parisâ eye color which most geniuses wouldnât be able to achieve including garments that wouldnât catch fire. Amoretta was the only one who could make such a thing. The Bella knights that Paris had brought were just a part of his trick since many people had been curious about the talent of Luwanâs sorceress, who was excellent at magic. Several people of unknown origins were shown off to be suspected while the real Amoretta was brought in from behind as a maid. No one who had taken a good look at her face would think that she was the sorceress of Luwanâs top. Once a person got misled by her appearance, it would be hard to see beyond that. Amoretta will be perceived by most as Parisâ maidservant, lover, and future mistress.
âFate can be ironic.â
Since she possessed an exceptional talent that the world hadnât seen before, she came across Apolloniaâs mind several times as she dealt with Luwanâs top but she hadnât expected Petra or Paris to have Amoretta. No. Maybe she just didnât want to believe it.
âWhen did you meet my brother Paris?â
âWe met about five years ago. He saved me from cold and hunger.â Amoretta stuttered, lowering her gaze again. For a moment, she could see a subtle flash of her face and it made her raise an eyebrow. She knew that look. It was the same expression Tanya once made while looking at Uriel. The smile that her mother had worn when she looked at the emperor a long time ago. Sometimes, it was the way Uriel glanced at Apollonia.
No way.
Trying to erase her doubt, Apollonia asked Amoretta.
âFor five years, have you been my brother Parisâs lover?â
It was a natural question. If a beautiful woman from a humble background introduced herself as the crown princeâs maid, anyone would think they were lovers. Amorettaâs face flamed up.
âI donât want him to appear as an unsympathetic lover. Iâm just a maid.â
She looked particularly excited, saying the word âloverâ.
Apolloniaâs heart sank.
âParis had never told me anything about youâââ
That wasnât wrong. They didnât care and didnât know anything about each other.
âThe first time he saved me, I asked him not to tell anyone about me! I think itâs burdensome for someone to pay attention to me. Iâm nothing.â
Amoretta blushed hard.
âYou love him,â Apollonia said bitterly. Everything became clear. Why did someone like Amoretta stay with Paris and run Petraâs errands if that wasnât the case? Petra would have easily taken advantage of that.
âYour Highness was kind to me,â Amoretta said quietly, looking like she wanted to explain further.
âDo you have any other family or relatives? Who do you know in the capital? If you donât, youâll feel very lonely.â Apollonia asked. She wondered if Amoretta remembered what happened in Lishan. Obviously, she wanted to see Apollonia again.
âThere was one person, but I donât have any news about her. I was grateful to that person for saving me, but I donât know where or what sheâs doing now.â
Amoretta said. Her expression looked dim as if she was thinking of someone she missed. Obviously, she was thinking of Apollonia whom she met in Lishan. Apolloniaâs eyes sparkled. Maybe there was still a chance.
âThen Iâll find her.â
âIâve been looking for her for a while, but not anymore. Iâll just remember her will and determination.â Amoretta said flatly.
âWhy?â
âI know I canât find her anyway, and I have His Highness Paris by my side.â She stared dreamily into space. âTo me, he is the most precious person or lord. As his maidservant, I donât dare ask for much, but I want to give him everything I have.â
Apolloniaâs heart sank with disappointment.
Amoretta certainly meant it.
âButââ-â
âAmoretta!â
As soon as Apollonia tried to say something more, she heard a familiar voice from behind.
âYour Highness.â
Turning around, what caught her eyes were the same pupils as Apolloniaâs. In the dark, the golden light mixed into it was barely visible, leaving only a blood-red color. In a sense, those eyes seemed to resemble Parisâ cruel temper.
âCome in. Itâs getting cold outside.â