**my first attempt at erotica, please be kind**
I've lived in the castle for my entire life, but today is the first day that I've felt nervous in years. I've worked nearly everywhere a maid can in the castle: kitchen, housecleaning, laundry, and so on. But today I have been promoted to one of the highest positions possible: the princess's lady-in-waiting.
The princess and her companion are seldom spotted around the castle, but wherever the princess goes, her lady closely follows. The last maid of the position was recently granted freedom by the princess herself after years of loyalty, leaving the position vacant. The following day, the princess called upon all female staff to the great hall. As all of us anxiously stood in a line before her, she silently passed each of us with a scrutinizing look. I still remember the moment she stopped in front of me, a gleam in her eye as she raked her eyes over my body. She is a few inches shorter than me, yet more intimidating than any woman I have ever encountered. Suddenly, the clothes on my body felt all too tight as all of the blood in my body rushed to my face, which seemed to please her as a smirk took over her own.
"This one?" She called over her shoulder to the head staff, never breaking eye contact with me.
"This is Odette, one of our finest staff," he responded.
"Excellent." She turned away from me. I finally exhaled the breath I'd been holding. "She shall receive the promotion."
It wasn't until afterwards that I knew what promotion she was speaking of.
***
I caught a group of maids giggling as I made my way up the stairs, out of the servant's quarters.
"Is something funny?" I asked.
They all looked at each other with sly smiles before one of them, Christine, turned back to me. "Do you know about all of the duties of the princess's servant?"
"Of course."
Because I did. Serving meals, helping the princess dress and bathe, accompanying her on walks or excursions, and any other matter she may need assistance with. I didn't know what they found so amusing about it.
Christine smirked at me and tucked a piece of her long, blonde hair behind her ear. "Right.," she said. "Well, have fun."
I continued my trek up the stairs and ignored the whispering and giggling women behind me.
***
I reach the door to the Princess's chambers at 7 am to deliver her morning tea. I knock softly before cracking open the door. "Princess?"
"Come in," a sleepy voice answers with a yawn.
I open the door to find her sprawled out in her large bed with sunlight shining in through lace curtains. She smiles up at me, long black hair spread out around her, looking every bit as beautiful as you'd expect a princess to be. Suddenly my stomach tightens and I feel even more anxious than I did before.
"Good morning, your highness," I curtsey. "I'm here with your morning tea."
She sits up then, still smiling at me. I have to keep my eyes from wandering down to her chest, which her nightgown does little to conceal as the material droops, showing off her ample cleavage and the soft, olive skin of her breasts. I swallow.
"Good morning, Odette. You can place the tray on my nightstand. Please, have a seat."
I do. I'm surprised she remembers my name.
"You don't need to be so formal with me when we're alone. We're going to be spending a lot of time together, and I'm really looking forward to getting to know you."
"Yes, your highness." I feel a blush come to my cheeks. "I am looking forward to it as well. Thank you for this promotion."
She goes to pick up her tea and takes a sip, her eyes filled with mirth. I wait in silence for her to put it back down.
"You won't be sleeping in the servant's quarters anymore. I have a suite attached to this room that you will be staying in, so that I may easily call you whenever your presence is required. We will have tea and breakfast at this time every morning, followed by reading time. Then I will need your assistance in bathing and getting dressed." She stops suddenly, looking at me with curiosity.
"Have you already been informed of the details of your duties as my primary maid?" She asks.
"I only assumed," I tell her honestly. She looks slightly surprised. "I'm not one for gossip and I tend to mind my own matters. Is there something else I should know? I'm sure that I am fully capable of serving you adequately, miss."
"I'm sure you are." Her smirk returns. "Well, you'll learn as we go along. I want you to be comfortable in this position. My last companion stayed by my side for three years, and we had wonderful times together," she sighs, and I'm shocked by the implication of their closeness. "After such excellent work, she deserved to be rewarded, which is why I permitted her freedom and a generous salary. I hope that one day I may offer the same to you."
My heart jumps in my chest at the possibility, but I will not allow myself to get caught up such fantasies or assume my worthiness for such gratuity.
"That's exceptionally kind of you, princess."
"Yes, well. After morning activities, I like to walk the grounds if the weather permits. Lunch will follow, then any important meetings I have scheduled. I may also spend time enjoying hobbies such as drawing, enjoying music, or embroidery. Lastly dinner, and then evenings will vary."
After the princess finishes her tea, she sits at the window to read for an hour while I gather my things to move into the servant's suite. The room is much smaller than the Princess's, yet much bigger than anything I'd ever expected to find myself in. Everything is soft and light, and the large window looks down upon the gardens.
"Odette!" The Princess calls in a sing-song voice and I quickly hurry back into her room.