Aisha carefully hugged the book to her chest and quietly went down to the first floor.
The prince was still seated at the table, deeply focused on his reading. When he sensed her presence, he slowly lifted his gaze and noticed her standing in front of him.
He turned his chair slightly toward her.
"I told you, you can read any book," he said calmly.
Then his eyes moved to the book in her hands.
"…But I also said you should ask before taking one."
Aisha held the book tighter and lowered her head.
"Your Highness," she said softly, "may I please take this book with me?"
The prince studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"…Fine."
He extended his hand. "What kind of book is it?"
Aisha carefully placed the book into his hands.
The prince examined it.
"…There's no title," he muttered.
He opened it.
One page.
Then another.
Blank.
Every page was completely empty.
He frowned slightly. "This book has no title, and nothing is written inside. Is this even a book?" He looked at her again. "If you want to read, you can choose any book here. Why this one?"
Aisha clenched her fingers together.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," she said quietly. "I only want this book. I don't want any other."
The prince watched her for a long moment.
"…You're a strange one," he finally said.
He closed the book and handed it back to her.
"Fine. Take it."
Aisha's eyes widened.
She quickly accepted the book, hugging it tightly to her chest. She bowed deeply, her movements full of gratitude.
"Thank you so much for this book, Your Highness."
The prince waved his hand dismissively and turned back to his own book.
"Do whatever you want."
Aisha stepped back, her heart pounding.
She didn't know why the book had chosen her.
She didn't know what secrets it held.
But one thing was certain
This empty book was not empty at all.
Later that night, His Highness had gone to his room to sleep. Aisha stood quietly in the hall outside his door, her small hands clasped together, still brimming with energy despite the long day.
Safiya approached softly, her footsteps gentle on the polished floors. "You look tired, honey," she said, stopping beside Aisha.
Aisha nodded silently, and together they began to walk down the corridor.
"I know," Safiya continued, "today was your first day at work. That's why you look so exhausted."
"Mommy… when will we go home?" Aisha asked softly.
Safiya shook her head with a small, gentle smile. "Honey, you're still a child. Going home every night and returning in the morning would be too hard for you. That's why, for now, you'll stay here."
Aisha's brows furrowed. "But… Mommy, I want to live with you."
Safiya knelt slightly to meet her daughter's eyes, her voice tender. "I know, honey. I can't live without you either. Your father is away and won't return for about two months. That's why I spoke with His Highness in advance. He kindly gave us a room here. I've brought everything we need clothes, bedding, and other things from outside. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, my dear."
Aisha's face lit up with a smile, her small hands clutching her mother's. "It's okay, Mommy. I know you always take care of me. As long as you're with me, anywhere can feel like home."
Safiya smiled softly and stood, brushing Aisha's hair gently from her face. "You know, His Highness is kind… Usually, maids live in the back of the castle in a special building where all the staff stay together. I thought we'd have to go there too, but His Highness gave us a room inside the main castle."
Aisha's eyes widened in surprise. "Inside the castle… but we're just maids. Why do we get a room like this? This is the kind of room nobles stay in!"
Safiya chuckled softly. "I asked him the same thing, but he didn't answer. He just handed me the key and said, 'This is my order.' Before, this room was used for guests, but a new guest room was made at the front, so this one wasn't needed. We've kept it clean, and now it's yours. Someday it may be used again, but for now… it's ours."
They arrived at the room. The door was large and sturdy, and Safiya unlocked it with the key.
Aisha gasped softly as the door opened. The room was spacious and beautifully furnished. A big bed stood in the center, its covers neatly arranged. From the windows, she could see the maid's building outside, neatly lit by the soft glow of the night. The room even had an attached bathroom, something she had only ever dreamed about.
"This… Mommy," Aisha whispered, "we're just maids, and yet… we have a room like this?"
Safiya smiled, stepping aside for her daughter. "Yes, honey. Even as maids, His Highness wanted to make sure we have comfort. Your room is close to the maid building, easy to access, and safe. There's a wall at the back of the castle separating the women's quarters from the rest of the castle. Tomorrow, I'll show you everything in daylight."
Aisha ran to the window, peeking out at the maid building and the castle grounds. Her heart felt light. Even though she was only a child and a maid, she realized that somehow… this place, with her mother by her side, could feel like home.
Safiya placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Now, honey, tomorrow is a new day. Rest well tonight. You'll need your energy for your work… and for all the adventures waiting for you here."
Aisha nodded, curling up on the soft bed, hugging the blankets tightly. She glanced at her mother one last time, and for the first time since arriving at the castle, she felt a little less like a stranger… and a little more like she belonged.