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Chapter One: Princess Sabrina of Badrith Kingdom
Twenty years later, the air in Badrith Kingdom vibrated with cheers.
"All hail King Judrith! Long live the King, long live the Princess, long live Kingdom Badrith!"
King Judrith beamed. "Thank you, people of Badrith! Our victory has just begun! Long live Kingdom Badrith!"
"Long live the King, long live the Princess, long live Kingdom Badrith!"
"Let the festivities begin!" The king's laughter mingled with that of his subjects as the celebration erupted. It was indeed a momentous day; Badrith had triumphed over its enemies.
Amidst the revelry, no one noticed a very important person was missing.
"My lady, what if His Majesty finds out? You know he hates it when you're not at important gatherings," Nina fretted.
This was Princess Sabrina of Badrith, renowned for her beauty and kindness. Her smile could light up the world.
"Don't worry, Nina," she said, her smile radiant. "Father won't find out."
Nina, ever worried, began, "But—"
"Hush," Sabrina shushed her, a finger to her lips. "When did you start nagging like my father?" she pouted playfully.
Nina sighed. "It's not that, my lady. I'm just worried. I don't want His Majesty to be angry with you."
"I'll be fine, with you beside me," Sabrina replied, and Nina couldn't help but smile. Her lady was truly the best, treating her like a sister, not a handmaid. Everyone in the palace knew better than to cross the princess's handmaid; it meant incurring Sabrina's wrath. This made Nina the envy of many servants.
"Let's go, I have something to show you," Princess Sabrina urged.
As they walked towards her chambers, their attention was caught by a group of maids murmuring. They were gossiping about General Jade, famous for his accomplishments and popular amongst the maids for his good looks. Since he began leading Badrith's armies, they had never lost a war. He was undoubtedly the king's favored subject.
Princess Sabrina paused. "What's happening here?" she asked, her tone soft but commanding.
The maids immediately composed themselves, bowing their heads.
"Good evening, Your Highness," they greeted.
"Don't idle around. Get back to work," she ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness," they bowed and dispersed.
Nina chuckled. "They're talking about General Jade."
Princess Sabrina smiled. "I know. That man has certainly gained everyone's love."
"You are the most loved, my lady," Nina countered, and Sabrina laughed.
"Oh, my Nina, what would I do without you?" she joked, and they both laughed, chatting as they continued to her quarters.
Just as they turned into the corridor leading to her chambers, Princess Sabrina bumped into someone, hitting her head.
"Aishh..." she shrieked in pain, Nina catching her before she fell.
"My lady, are you okay?" Nina cried, then snapped angrily at the man. "Hey, you! Watch where you're going!"
Sabrina rubbed her forehead, looking up. She was surprised by the pair of almost unreal blue eyes that met hers.
"Forgive my manners, my lady," he apologized, inclining his head slightly.
Nina scoffed. "You almost knocked out my lady!"
Princess Sabrina swallowed. "It's okay, Nina. I'll take care of it."
To the man, she asked, "General Jade, right?"
He nodded. "Yes, my lady."
She sighed; he was indeed a beautiful man.
"Were you not looking as you walked?" she asked, surprised by the softness in her own voice.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but neither of us is at fault. We were simply walking," he said calmly, surprising them both.
Nina scoffed again. "Are you blaming the princess for your mistake? How dare you!"
Princess Sabrina was truly surprised. This was the first time someone had stood up to her like this, apart from Nina. He was interesting.
"It's okay, Nina," she interjected.
To him, she asked, "Are you saying I'm at fault as well?"
"I wouldn't dare, Your Highness."
Princess Sabrina sighed. "It's fine. Be careful next time," she said, turning to leave.
"And oh..." She stopped and faced him again. "Congratulations on your victory, General Jade."
She smiled, and without waiting for his response, she turned the corner and headed to her quarters with Nina.
<<<<<<<<<<
"How can he be so arrogant? He almost knocked my lady out and dared to blame you! Who does he think he is? Just because he's His Majesty's right-hand man makes him almighty? What a joke!" Nina blabbed endlessly, clearly agitated. No one dared disobey her lady.
Princess Sabrina sighed. "Nina, it's okay. I'm completely fine, you see. Don't make a big deal out of it. I'm totally fine."
"But my lady, what if you got hurt? I'd definitely make sure..."
The princess's loud, amused laugh cut her short.
"Nina..." Sabrina laughed heartily, holding her hand.
"What's so funny, my lady?" Nina pouted.
Sabrina, composing herself, replied, "I said I'm fine. Don't get all worked up."
Nina swallowed. "I'm just worried about you, my lady."
The princess smiled. "I know that. Don't worry. Thank you, Nina."
Nina was a bit taken aback. "For what, my lady?" she asked, genuinely lost.
"For looking out for me. Thank you."
Nina chuckled. "It's my duty to make sure my lady is safe. I'm just doing my job. I'm the thankful one here. Thank you for treating me well all these years. Never once have you made me feel less of myself. I am grateful, my lady."
Princess Sabrina smiled. "Oh, Nina, you are my girl. You definitely shouldn't feel intimidated by my status."
"You are a truly good person, my lady."
"And you are a great person as well, Nina. You deserve all good things in this life."
Nina couldn't help but tear up. Being a slave in Badrith Kingdom was difficult, especially if you were captured from Zandia. But Princess Sabrina had made everything easy for her. She was truly lucky.
"Why don't we go to the palace library? I have to check for some books," Princess Sabrina suggested.
Nina nodded politely. "Okay, my lady."
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