Love, Politics, and Past Intrigues: Reverse Harem Adventure

Chapter 32 - Prince Victor's Surprises

As Serena approached the kitchen, her thoughts still swirling with the recent encounter with Prince Victor, she was startled to see the woman she had saved from his cruelty kneeling before her. Aviva, as she introduced herself, expressed her gratitude and pledged to serve Serena with all her heart.

Serena's heart ached at Aviva's display of humility, and she instinctively moved to make her stand up. "Aviva, you don't need to do this," Serena insisted, her voice tinged with concern. "I accepted you as a servant because I wanted to help you, not because I expect you to serve me in return."

But Aviva's response was laced with a bitter reality that Serena couldn't ignore. "I have to serve you because it's Prince's order," Aviva explained, her voice tinged with resignation. "And I have nowhere else to go. As a slave, I'm bound to the palace, and returning to my old work is no longer an option."

Serena's heart sank at Aviva's words, the harsh truth of palace life weighing heavily on her shoulders. Despite her reluctance to accept Aviva's servitude, she knew that defying Prince Victor's orders would only lead to further repercussions.

With a heavy sigh, Serena relented. "Okay, Aviva," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "But please, you don't need to be so formal with me. Just call me Serena. And as for your service, I won't argue with you. Let's make the best of this situation together."

Aviva's eyes lit up with gratitude as she nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Serena," she murmured, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. "I promise to do my best to serve you faithfully."

After Serena relented to Aviva's insistence on serving her, she gently asked Aviva to wait outside as she needed to resume her duties in the kitchen. As Serena entered the kitchen, she was met by Edith, the head of the kitchen staff.

"Serena, from now on you don't have to stay at the kitchen staff's bedroom," Edith announced with a warm smile. "Prince Victor's guard, Dominic, just informed me that Prince Victor was so impressed by your cooking yesterday that he assigned you a private room."

Serena's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief as she processed Edith's words. Gratitude surged within Serena, mingled with a sense of disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. Yet, beneath the surface, a seed of doubt lingered. "Was he really this impressed by my cooking?" she wondered silently.

As Serena followed Edith, a whirlwind of emotions swept through her. The prospect of having her own space, away from the crowded kitchen staff's quarters, filled her with a sense of wonder and excitement. But amidst the excitement, a nagging sense of apprehension gnawed at her, prompting Serena to question Prince Victor's true motives.

As they reached the door to her new room, Serena's heart raced with anticipation. With a mixture of trepidation and excitement, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The room was humble yet cozy, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort. A comfortable bed with soft, inviting linens sat against one wall, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight streaming in through the window. A small writing desk nestled in the corner, adorned with fresh flowers, provided a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.

Serena couldn't help but smile as she took in the simple yet elegant furnishings. Despite her initial doubts, there was no denying the sincerity behind Prince Victor's gesture. With a grateful heart, Serena vowed to make the most of her new surroundings, determined to prove herself worthy of the trust placed in her.

After Edith left the room, Serena stood in her new bedroom, allowing herself to fully absorb the warmth and tranquility of the space. The soft hues of the walls and the gentle sunlight filtering through the window filled her with a sense of serenity, contrasting the bustling chaos of the palace.