Two-Faced Princess

“I 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 wasn’t invited to the banquet.”

Amoretta’s eyes were downcast as if she just had learned her manners as a maid.

She didn’t seem to recognize Apollonia.

“You have an older brother? How did your brother get to know my brother Paris?”

Apollonia looked at her face. As far as he knew, Amoretta was an orphan.

“His Highness has helped us escape living a difficult life.” She answered vaguely, avoiding her gaze.

“You’re lying.”

She was hiding her real identity. Obviously, someone must have instructed her. At that moment, all the questions in Apollonia’s head were completely resolved.

She was the sole sorceress of Luwan’s business empire, the creator of hair color-changing combs, enchanted pieces of jewelry, and dresses. She concocted an effective potion that could change Paris’ eye color which most geniuses wouldn’t be able to achieve including garments that wouldn’t 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 Luwan’s 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 Luwan’s top. Once a person got misled by her appearance, it would be hard to see beyond that. Amoretta will be perceived by most as Paris’ maidservant, lover, and future mistress.

‘Fate can be ironic.’

Since she possessed an exceptional talent that the world hadn’t seen before, she came across Apollonia’s mind several times as she dealt with Luwan’s top but she hadn’t expected Petra or Paris to have Amoretta. No. Maybe she just didn’t want to believe it.

“When did you meet my brother Paris?”

“We met about five years ago. He saved me from cold and hunger.” 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.

“For five years, have you been my brother Paris’s lover?”

It was a natural question. If a beautiful woman from a humble background introduced herself as the crown prince’s maid, anyone would think they were lovers. Amoretta’s face flamed up.

“I don’t want him to appear as an unsympathetic lover. I’m just a maid.”

She looked particularly excited, saying the word ‘lover’.

Apollonia’s heart sank.

“Paris had never told me anything about you——”

That wasn’t wrong. They didn’t care and didn’t know anything about each other.

“The first time he saved me, I asked him not to tell anyone about me! I think it’s burdensome for someone to pay attention to me. I’m nothing.”

Amoretta blushed hard.

“You love him,” Apollonia said bitterly. Everything became clear. Why did someone like Amoretta stay with Paris and run Petra’s errands if that wasn’t the case? Petra would have easily taken advantage of that.

“Your Highness was kind to me,” Amoretta said quietly, looking like she wanted to explain further.

“Do you have any other family or relatives? Who do you know in the capital? If you don’t, you’ll feel very lonely.” Apollonia asked. She wondered if Amoretta remembered what happened in Lishan. Obviously, she wanted to see Apollonia again.

“There was one person, but I don’t have any news about her. I was grateful to that person for saving me, but I don’t know where or what she’s doing now.”

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. Apollonia’s eyes sparkled. Maybe there was still a chance.

“Then I’ll find her.”

“I’ve been looking for her for a while, but not anymore. I’ll just remember her will and determination.” Amoretta said flatly.

“Why?”

“I know I can’t find her anyway, and I have His Highness Paris by my side.” She stared dreamily into space. “To me, he is the most precious person or lord. As his maidservant, I don’t dare ask for much, but I want to give him everything I have.”

Apollonia’s heart sank with disappointment.

Amoretta certainly meant it.

“But——-”

“Amoretta!”

As soon as Apollonia tried to say something more, she heard a familiar voice from behind.

“Your Highness.”

Turning around, what caught her eyes were the same pupils as Apollonia’s. 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 Paris’ cruel temper.

“Come in. It’s getting cold outside.”