"Scarlett, good to see you."
Someone approached from behind. Zuha immediately stepped behind Scarlett to give way.
She tried to peek at the person and startled when the lady in a blue dress winked at her.
"Hey, happy birthday."
Oh… so this event is for her.
"Thanks. Enjoy the night, pretty."
Zuha blinked twice when the woman kissed Scarlett on the cheek. "Bye. Gotta go accommodate the other guests."
She winked at Zuha again before leaving. Seeing that the Princess wasn't even fazed by the kiss, Zuha assumed there was something going on between them. She felt a throb in her chest.
"Your Highness, may I go outside?" She couldn't understand what she was feeling.
"Okay. Meet me at that table later."
Scarlett tried to ignore it—but she knew. Just by looking at Zuha's face, something inside her stirred. She had to confirm something.
She walked over to a table full of ladies and started casually flirting with them. They were gorgeous—but not her type.
Scarlett threw glances toward where Zuha was standing. She caught the sadness in her eyes as she looked their way.
She smiled. Huh… How gorgeous. Damn it.
Her smile faded when she saw Tisha approaching Zuha.
Tisha—the same woman who kissed her earlier.
"Hey… Why is a gorgeous lady like you alone?" Tisha asked casually, having had her eye on Zuha since the moment she arrived.
"Ah… Just needed some fresh air."
Zuha glanced toward the Princess's direction. Her chest ached.
She doesn't smile at me like that…
She shook her head. Why would I even want the Princess to smile at me like that? I'm just a slave…
"Tell me, what's your name?"
Zuha had momentarily forgotten she was speaking to someone. "Zuha…"
"Oh, what a nice name. It's pretty—just like you." Tisha smiled.
"You're mistaken. But thank you," Zuha replied quietly.
"Hmm. I like you, Zuha. Are you seeing someone?"
How bold..
Zuha's brow furrowed. She wasn't naïve about this kind of topic. She'd seen enough in the Common City. Love knew no boundaries.
"I… I do have a… crush," she whispered.
She inhaled softly. Ignoring her feelings wouldn't help. She might be inexperienced, but she was certain about this.
It was just a crush, anyway. A crush.
Tisha laughed. "What?! A crush—in this day and age? You're funny."
Tisha didn't know Zuha was from the Common City. Naturally, she assumed Zuha was just like the rest—wild, unrestrained.
Then she stopped laughing and gently held Zuha's face. "Dang. You're pretty, but I'm not into innocent girls. God bless you and your little crush."
Zuha blushed. She should stop bringing it up—it's embarrassing.
"What are you doing?" Someone removed Tisha's hand from her face.
Zuha looked up. "Y-Your Highness…"
From her expression, it was clear—the Princess was angry.
"Come with me."
Scarlett grabbed Zuha's hand. The grip was tight, and Zuha flinched. She was too afraid to protest. The Princess was giving off a frightening aura.
"Scarlett, baby. Be gentle!" Tisha had the nerve to chuckle.
"Fucking shut up."
***