The Waitress in the Royal Ballroom

Chapter 2: The Servant No One Noticed

For a moment, no one moved.

Then the whispers began.

"Princess?"

"Impossible."

"She died in the palace fire."

Adrian stared at Clara, or the woman he had only known as Clara. Her face was pale, but she did not deny the name.

Princess Alina.

The royal child everyone believed had burned to death ten years ago.

The man who had exposed her stepped closer to her side. His name was Matteo, and he had worked among the palace guards for years without attracting attention. To the nobles, he was just another silent servant in black. To Alina, he was the only reason she was still alive.

Alina's voice trembled. "Matteo, why did you say that?"

"Because they already know," he said. "Look."

At the far end of the ballroom, several royal guards entered through the golden doors. They did not look surprised. They looked prepared.

Behind them walked Lady Celeste Vale, Adrian's mother.

She wore silver silk and a calm expression, but her eyes were cold.

"How unfortunate," Celeste said. "A servant girl with a fantasy."

Adrian turned to her. "Mother, you knew?"

Celeste did not answer him directly.

She looked at Alina instead.

"You should have stayed dead."

The words froze the room.

Adrian's face changed. "What did you say?"

Celeste smiled faintly, realizing her mistake too late.

Alina took one step back.

Ten years ago, the royal nursery had burned in the middle of the night. The kingdom had mourned Princess Alina, the last direct heir to the throne. After that, the regent took power. Noble families gained land, titles, and gold.

The Vale family had gained more than most.

Adrian looked at his mother as if seeing her for the first time.

"Tell me you had nothing to do with it."

Celeste lifted her chin.

"I did what was necessary."

Matteo grabbed Alina's hand.

"We have to move."

But the guards were already closing in.