As they approached the palace gates, Maya's eyes widened at the sight. Massive stone walls, towers reaching high into the sky, and guards in dark leather and metal lining the streets. The banners of the crown prince fluttered in the wind, and the occasional whisper of townsfolk carried through the streets.
She hugged her cloak tighter around her shoulders, partly to hide her discomfort, partly to feel a small sense of security. The carriage passed between the massive gates with a low, echoing rumble, and Maya felt the weight of thousands of eyes on them.
Darcien didn't flinch. He simply sat with his hands folded , his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. But Maya noticed the subtle shift in the way guards and onlookers moved—people whispered, bowed, and stepped back at his presence, their fear almost palpable.
She let out a soft, quiet laugh, more to herself than anyone else. Well, this is… intense. She adjusted her skirt and tried to ease the tightness of the corset again, letting her fingers brush against the laces just enough to remind herself: she would survive this, one tight breath at a time.
Finally, the carriage pulled up in front of the palace. Its massive doors were carved with intricate symbols, banners hung high, and guards stood stiffly at attention. Maya took a deep breath and straightened her back, forcing herself to appear as composed as possible, though every inch of her body screamed in protest against the corset.
A group of maids quickly approached and began taking her things from the carriage, moving with practiced efficiency. One carefully lifted her small bags, another draped a blanket over her arm, while a third adjusted the folds of her gown to smooth them out. Maya stood still for a moment, blinking, then murmured softly, "Uhh… thank you," her voice quiet but sincere.
The maids didn't respond verbally, only acknowledging her with subtle nods. Their eyes flicked to her briefly, assessing her, though their faces remained mostly unreadable. They moved gracefully, almost as if gliding across the courtyard, their hands deft and precise as they carried her belongings toward the palace doors.
Maya followed quietly, hugging her cloak around herself as the cold wind brushed against her face. Her corset tugged at her ribs, a constant reminder of how out of place she still felt in this body and this world, but she pushed the discomfort aside.
Once inside, the maids guided her up the grand staircase, their steps echoing against the marble. They led her to a chamber prepared for her, opening the door to reveal a room spacious and orderly, with a four-poster bed, polished floors, and sunlight filtering in through the tall windows.
They placed her belongings carefully on a table, smoothed the folds of her gown one last time, and then stepped back, waiting silently for her instructions. Maya, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders, gave a small nod. "Thank you," she repeated, quieter this time, letting the words linger in the warm air of the chamber.
Alone now, she sank onto the edge of the bed, her fingers tugging lightly at the corset to ease the tightness across her ribs. She let her eyes wander across the room—simple, elegant, hers for now. Outside, she could hear the distant shuffle of guards and the faint murmur of voices in the courtyard.
For the first time since leaving the inn, Maya allowed herself a small, deep breath. The palace was overwhelming, the people intimidating, the Monster Prince himself impossibly commanding—but she was here. She was alive. And somehow, she knew she would survive.
⸻
The afternoon passed slowly. Maya had settled into her chambers, tugging lightly at her corset and enjoying the rare privacy. Outside, the faint hum of the palace carried through the halls—the soft patter of footsteps, the shuffle of servants, and the occasional clatter of armor.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Your Highness, the maids are here to assist you for the evening dinner," a polite voice said.
Maya opened the door to see three young women standing gracefully, their dresses neat and simple, movements fluid and precise. Their beauty was impossible to miss: lustrous hair, flawless skin, perfect posture, and statuesque, athletic bodies that moved with effortless grace.
Maya looked at herself in comparison. The body she now inhabited was different from theirs—petite, full in the breasts and hips, and with her own long, shiny hair—smaller, softer, yet undeniably feminine. She smiled faintly, adjusting her corset. I may not look palace-perfect, but I can manage.
Her thoughts drifted for a moment to the movies she'd seen in the modern world. Wait… so the king and queen didn't meet us at the palace gate? she thought, blinking. I always assumed that's how these things worked. All grand entrances, fanfare, curtsies, the whole dramatic bit… and here we are, just walking in? Huh.
"Evening dinner? Alright," she said casually, "but… I'll manage the bath myself."
The maids froze, eyes widening in shock. One stammered, "Y-Your Highness… usually we… we assist you with your bathing…"
Maya tilted her head, smiling faintly. "I appreciate it, really, but I can do it myself."
The other two maids exchanged astonished glances. She's… human, and she dares to refuse us? one thought, her expression tightening into something sharp, almost disgusted.
"We have fetched your water, Your Highness," the first maid said carefully, bowing slightly. "We will wait outside and assist with your gown once you are ready."
Maya nodded and stepped into the large wooden basin. Warm water filled the tub, scented faintly with herbs. The tight corset pressed against her ribs, but she tugged lightly at the laces, enjoying the small relief. Outside, the maids stood silently, still visibly shocked, exchanging glances that held a hint of disdain toward her human form.
Once she finished bathing, Maya stepped out, and the maids were ready with towels and a fresh gown.
"Thank you," Maya said warmly as they helped her dress. "You've been very kind."
One maid, curiosity overcoming shock, whispered softly, "Your Highness… you… you bathed yourself?"
"Yes," Maya said lightly, brushing her hair back from her shoulders. "I prefer to do it myself. I hope that's alright."
The maids exchanged subtle frowns, faces tightening in quiet disgust at her human body, her petite frame, and her independence. A human princess… daring, and bold… one thought. It's almost impossible to tolerate.
Once fully dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, Maya smiled and decided to engage them. "So… you've been here long? You must know the king and queen well. What are they like?"
The maids, slightly wary but intrigued, began to answer cautiously. One of the braver maids whispered, "The queen… she isn't… kind to everyone. They say she can be… ruthless, even cruel. Those who displease her…"
Before the words could go further, another maid stepped sharply on her foot, eyes flashing. "Shh! Not so loud!" she hissed, clearly alarmed.
The first maid yelped softly but remained silent after that, while the other two still looked at Maya with subtle disgust, their narrowed eyes and tight lips speaking volumes.
Maya noticed it, tilting her head slightly. Interesting, she thought. She kept her smile polite. "I see… so the queen has a strong presence," she said carefully, letting her curiosity remain gentle.
The maids whispered softly among themselves, some still shocked at her refusal of help, some quietly criticizing her human body and confidence. But Maya remained composed, unbothered by the subtle disdain.
"I appreciate all your help. You've made this much easier than I expected," she said warmly.
They bowed respectfully, still murmuring quietly as she left the room. Despite the tension and subtle disgust, Maya could sense that her presence alone was stirring the palace waters.
When a servant knocked on the door, announcing, "Your Highness, the king and queen request your presence for dinner," Maya straightened her shoulders, tugged lightly at her gown, and took a deep breath.
Alright, she thought, smiling faintly. Time to meet the royals—and see what all this fuss is really about.