FROST AND FLAME

The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the palace as Paris sat in her private sitting room, waiting for the final applicant of the day. A stack of resumes lay on the table beside her, each one as uninspiring as the last. She sighed, already prepared for yet another dull exchange.

Then, Sabi walked in.

She wasn't like the others. She didn't enter timidly or with the restrained deference most showed Paris. Instead, she strode in confidently, her chin held high, a spark of energy practically radiating off her. She was young, probably in her early twenties, with brown skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight and a bootylicious frame that commanded attention.

"Good morning, Your Grace," Sabi said, as though she wasn't addressing royalty but an equal. "I hear you're looking for a maid. Lucky for you, I'm available."

Paris blinked, momentarily taken aback. The girl wasn't mocking, she was simply honest in a way that felt almost... refreshing.

Sabi didn't wait for an invitation to sit, though she did pause long enough for Paris to nod faintly before lowering herself into the chair opposite her. "Let me save you the trouble of asking me those boring questions you've probably asked all day," Sabi continued, crossing one leg over the other. "I'm hardworking, quick on my feet, and, most importantly, I'll speak my mind when I need to. I don't do well with dishonesty or unnecessary pretense."

Paris tilted her head, intrigued despite herself. "And what makes you think you're a good fit for this position?"

Sabi leaned forward slightly, her eyes sharp. "Because I'll be honest with you, even when no one else dares to be. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that people like you don't need more people tiptoeing around you, you need someone who can keep things real."

Paris stared at her, stunned. The audacity of this girl! She smiled. It wasn't a condescending smile or a fleeting one born out of politeness, it was genuine.

"Well," Paris said, leaning back in her chair, "you certainly don't lack confidence."

"Why should I?" Sabi quipped. "If I don't believe in myself, who will? And besides, I've already made you smile. That's got to count for something."

Paris laughed softly, "You're hired," she said before she could think twice.

Sabi's eyes lit up, though she masked her excitement with a casual nod. "Smart choice, Your Grace, thank you."

***

Sabi haven't ever seen such a wondrous castle in her life time. She was in awe as she stood by the pass way, admiring the whole vicinity. Then, a maid came to her,

"Sabi?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Great! Please follow me, let me show you around"

As they walked through the sprawling halls, Sabi couldn't help but gawk at the extravagance of it all. Marble floors, glittering chandeliers, paintings that probably cost more than her entire village, it was overwhelming, but she kept her composure.

"This is the west wing," the older maid explained, her tone brisk. "You'll be handling light cleaning duties here and assisting Her Grace when called upon."

Sabi nodded, though her focus was on memorizing the maze-like layout of the palace.

They turned a corner, and that's when she saw him.

Levi Asher stood at the far end of the corridor, speaking to one of his advisors. He was dressed impeccably, as always, in a tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and commanding presence. His dark hair was slicked back, his jawline sharp enough to cut glass. He exuded an air of authority that made people shrink in his presence.

The older maid immediately curtsied deeply, her head bowed. "Your Grace," she murmured respectfully.

Sabi, on the other hand, stood tall, her gaze steady. She didn't bow or curtsey. She simply watched him, her expression neutral but curious.

Levi's conversation faltered as his eyes landed on her. He wasn't sure what struck him first, the defiance in her stance, the calm confidence in her eyes, or the audacity of her not acknowledging him as everyone else did.

The older maid nudged Sabi urgently, whispering, "Bow!"

Sabi blinked, glancing at her guide, then back at Levi. "Oh," she said simply, her voice calm. "Good day, Your Grace."

Her lackluster greeting left the older maid horrified, but Sabi moved on as though nothing was amiss.

Levi's brow furrowed as they passed, his gaze following her. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. She didn't belong here, not in this world of rigid decorum and empty formalities.

As they walked away, Levi's eyes drifted lower, almost against his will, landing on her backside. Her figure was stunning, curvaceous and confident, commanding attention without trying. A sly smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

But then, his expression hardened. She hadn't greeted him properly. Everyone bowed to him, everyone. And yet, she hadn't.

***

By the time Sabi and the maid reached the servant's quarters, she was already grinning to herself. "What's with him?" she asked lightly, referring to Levi.

The older maid looked at her as though she'd grown a second head. "His Grace is not someone to take lightly," she whispered. "You're lucky he didn't reprimand you right there."

Sabi shrugged. "He didn't seem that bothered to me."

Sabi exhaled, reminiscing the strange energy that had passed between them.

***

Levi, back in his study, poured himself a glass of old wine, still replaying the moment in his mind. Who was she? And why did she feel so... different?