Royals in Toledo

Chapter 3

WELCOME to Toledo. That's what the sign says. We finally reached our destination, and boy -- I needed a good stretch. I was walking with Maya towards the taxi line when she asked me where I would stay. 

"None yet. I didn't know what the hotels are like over here, so I didn't book anything. I wanted to see it with my own eyes," I said to her. 

She nodded. "Oh, okay. But you know that the nearest hotel that's at least decent is about two hours from here, right?"

"What?" 

"Yeah. Toledo is making progress, but it's not really a full-blown city just yet. There are some cheap motels, but I wouldn't stay there if I were you. There are cockroaches and centipedes --"

She got me at the centipede. "Okay, fine. Where do you suggest I stay?"

"I am renting a small apartment. It has two bedrooms, and my roommate just left to live with her boyfriend. It's not grand, but the rent is cheap, and it's clean," said Maya.

"No centipedes?" 

She laughed. "Nope."

"I'm in." It's better than staying in a hotel, and Maya seemed like a nice girl. 

When we got to the taxi, Maya said it's not too far from the town proper. It's about a ten-minute ride. I asked her if we can stop by at a store later to get some toiletries, and she nodded. She needed the same thing too.  

"Welcome to our humble abode," said Maya. 

The apartment had white walls similar to the hospital. The marbled floor was old and had a few cracks on it, but safe enough not to trip on it. No pictures are hanging on the wall. The red couch on the corner is old, and there's a cheap small coffee table with a few scratches on it. As I looked further, I saw a small kitchen, and there's also four-seater dining set just a few steps away from it. 

This whole apartment is like the size of my bathroom. And I know I can't expect much from my new bedroom. But as long as there is a bed, a washroom and a roof over my head -- I am okay with that. 

Everything was going great until we got back to the apartment, and I found my wallet missing. 

"Maya," I called her.

"What's wrong? You look pale," she looked worried.

"M-my w-wallet. It's -- it's gone."

"What do you mean? Did you forget where you left it, or did you drop it?" she asked.

"I am not sure." 

I tried very hard to remember what took place earlier. I sat down and closed my eyes and tried harder. When I bought some acetaminophen and lozenges, I quickly put it on the counter, and because I was holding a little bit of cash in my hand, I used that to pay. I left my wallet! Oh my gosh! That was so stupid of me. 

"Do you think you can go back with me to the pharmacy and get my wallet? I left it at the counter."

She nodded but let out a sigh. "Just letting you know that if it has money, it should be gone by now. We might find your wallet in the trash or something. You can still get your identification cards back. Do you have any credit cards there?"

"No. Just a driver's license and a health card."

We went back to the pharmacy, but no wallet was found on the counter. Maya and I walked around a little bit near the pharmacy and checked the garbage bins. Just then, I heard Maya called me.

"Zia, is your wallet caramel coloured?"

"Yes, did you find it?" I walked towards her. 

"It's here," she pulled it out from the trash bin. 

And because there's not a lot of waste in there, my wallet is not very dirty. But still, I would like to pour alcohol on it to make sure I don't get sick from holding it. Maybe later at home. When I opened it, the cards were there, but the money is gone. s**t. 

My budget for three days is now cut in half. I have to find a job tomorrow and start the same day. But what kind of job? I don't know anything. Living like a commoner is definitely challenging. Casta, do you want to tap out now? Damn it. 

"Maya, do you know any job for me? I can start tomorrow."

Her smile widened. "Yes."

"Where?"

"Costa Blanca."

Costa Blanca? "What is it?" Oh God, I hope it's not a whorehouse. Why didn't I bother to ask what Maya's work was. s**t.

"Oh, it's the name of a private mansion about an hour from here. I'm one of the maids there. And my previous roommate used to work there as a maid too. She resigned, so now the position is vacant. I can put in a word for you if you want. They desperately need a new one, so I am pretty sure they won't turn down your application."

I had to swallow twice before I answered her. A princess turned into a maid -- I'll be damned. But it's either that, or I starve to death. I can always go back to the palace and accept my fate -- but I am already here. I might as well make the most of it. 

"Okay."

"They pay well, don't worry," she said.

"How much?"

"About twelve hundred dollars a month," she said while grinning.

Twelve hundred? s**t. It's the same amount as the cheapest running shoes I bought last year. I just have to live with it. For a year, Casta. You can do it. 

We left the apartment early and took a bus to Linares, where the Costa Blanca Mansion is. It took us two hours and a half to our destination. The mansion is beautiful with its contemporary modern style and solid white paint. The trimmings are dark gray with a little bit of dark brown. The yard reminds me of the palace where I used to roll around when I was a kid. It's like a paradise, and I can't wait to see the inside. 

I was interviewed by Mr. Olvera -- a man in his late fifties and acting as the family representative. He would be sort of like a human resource if he were in a company. Maya was right. I got the job, and now I was being toured by her as per Mr. Olvera's instructions. 

"Maya, I need to use the washroom for a bit."

"Oh, just go straight down the hall and turn left, then take another right. The bathroom would be the second door on the left." And maybe I wasn't listening well because I found the washroom, but it's overly huge for any guests or visitors. 

I just flushed the toilet when the door opened. I was in the middle of pulling my pants up when I froze. Thank goodness I already had my panties up! Right in front of me is a demigod with furrowed brows and a throbbing vein on his neck. He doesn't look happy, but he has the most handsome face I have ever seen in my entire life. My heartbeat went erratically, and I knew I'm in trouble. 

"Who the hell are you, and what are you doing in my bedroom?" he asked.

It was as if I swallowed my tongue, and no words are coming out no matter how hard I try. 

Then his facial expression changed from mad to amused. And I wasn't sure if it was admiration or lust that I saw crossed his eyes when he looked on my lips before landing on my bare thighs.

"Nice thighs you have th -- ouch!" 

When he commented about my thighs, that's when I remembered that my pants are still halfway done. And to hide my embarrassment, I slapped him. 

"Jerk!" I pulled my pants up quickly and walked away from him as fast as I can.

When I got out of the room, I noticed that I didn't follow Maya's instructions. I didn't take a right and entered the second door on the left. Damn it. Ugh! 

"Are you okay? You took a while, and I was getting worried," asked Maya.

"I'm fine," I faked a smile. 

I heard footsteps behind us, and Maya stopped to see who it is. 

"Perfect timing. Good morning, Sir," she said.

"Good morning, Maya."

My back is still turned, but I know that voice. s**t.

"Who's with you?" he asked.

Maya elbowed me a little to get my attention. "Sir, this is Zia. Your personal maid. Zia, this is Sir Aaron. You will be serving him as per Mr. Olvera."

Damn it to hell and back -- the jerk in the bathroom earlier is my new boss!