Royals in Toledo

Chapter 6

I didn't have a measuring cup, so I just used whatever I had. I didn't know that the soup would turn out too salty.

"Don't you know how to cook?!" he asked me, with a frown on his face. There was frustration in his voice. Maybe he was hungry and expecting a delicious lunch. It reminded me of the time I ate at a restaurant and the soup had no flavor. I complained back then, but I was polite and didn't embarrass the server.

I shook my head. "I thought at first that I'd just be doing household chores that didn't involve cooking. You have cooks here anyway. I thought that's what they are for—"

He didn't say anything, and I didn't know what was going on in his mind. Is he going to fire me now?

"I could try and cook something else—"

"No." His face hardened. "I still have the sandwich. I'll ask the cook now to make my soup. She will teach you a few things in the kitchen as well. You can go now."

He didn't fire me. I was expecting the worst, but he retained me. It turns out he has a heart despite being arrogant.

As we entered Maya's place, she finally let out a sigh of relief. She was also nervous about the incident, especially since she recommended me for the job.

"Oh my God! That was nerve-wracking! I thought we would both get fired from our jobs. It's a good thing Sir Aaron is in a good mood."

"Is he like that with everyone?"

"Are you kidding? He's a terror when you don't get it right the first time. I was surprised he was nice to you. Maybe he likes you." Maya's eyes lit up suddenly.

I scoffed. "That's impossible!"

"Why? Because he's rich and you're poor? Give me a break! That only happens in movies. Maybe you will be the one to melt his cold heart," she joked. "You two would make a good couple because you're beautiful. You just need to improve your cooking skills because he seems to love eating. Besides, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"I will learn how to cook because it's necessary for my job with him, not because I want him to like me." I scratched my neck. "Besides, he's not my type."

"Why not? Who do you like? Do you have a boyfriend?" she asked while pouring juice. We were in the kitchen now and about to eat a ham sandwich.

I shook my head. "Nope. I don't have a boyfriend. I don't plan on being in a relationship yet. I want to graduate and travel."

"Where do you want to go? It's more enjoyable to go on trips with a boyfriend," she teased.

"I don't need one. Without a boyfriend, nobody could stop me. I can go wherever I want... whenever I want. I'm not in a rush to get married. If the right person comes along, I'll just wait instead of desperately searching. Besides, I won't force myself on someone who doesn't like me."

*

Our day ended, and we returned to the apartment on the bus. I didn't expect to cook dinner for Sir Aaron anymore. He went out with his friend to eat at a restaurant. I just tidied up his room. I've never vacuumed in my whole life, let alone cleaned a bathroom. It's his personal bathroom, so it's not as dirty. He's not messy like other guys, but the only thing I noticed was his clothes. They were always hanging everywhere, even though there was a laundry basket.

I picked them up one by one and didn't care if they were dirty or not. If they're not in the closet, that means they're dirty. Maya taught me how to operate the washing machine earlier, and it wasn't that difficult. It's just that I haven't done a lot of these things, and the thought of touching dirty underwear makes me want to gag.

By the time we reached home, I was exhausted. I didn't feel like eating anymore, and that was okay. I just wanted to sleep. I could barely lift my feet, so I sat on the sofa and lay down.

"Too tired, huh?" Maya asked, amused. "What would you like to eat? You didn't eat much earlier at work."

I shook my head and closed my eyes. "I don't think I have the energy to swallow anything. That's how exhausted I am."

"Just get some rest for now. You'll get used to it. I'll cook something just in case you get hungry later on, okay?"

"Okay, thank you."

I wanted to experience how a commoner lives, and now I'm facing the consequences. Everything is freaking hard work. Throughout my life, people have always provided me with everything I need. Someone would wash my clothes and make sure I had food to eat. I even have someone to make my bed! I appreciate our hired help at the castle even more now. I've never been snooty with them, and I always treat them with respect.

I thought about how things were back at the palace. I wondered if my family was thinking about me. Are they happy that I'm not there now and causing them headaches? I really thought my father would have found me by now. Opening the door and finding him with his soldiers outside would attract so much attention in Toledo, and I would surely make headlines as the princess who ran away and disguised herself as a maid. My family and friends would be horrified to hear about my little adventure.

But I don't want to give up on my second day in Toledo. I can do this. I mustered up the strength to get up and go to my bedroom. I'm going to take a quick shower and take some acetaminophen for my body aches.

The next day, I was surprised to see Maya still in bed. Usually, she's up and having coffee by now.

"What's wrong? Are you sick?" I asked her.

"I'm feeling a little lightheaded. I already called work. I told them I'd be in a little bit later. I swallowed. That means I have to travel alone and work by myself. Even though Maya and I don't work side by side, it's comforting to know that she's just around. Now, I'm feeling extra nervous.