Page 20 of Maid for the Alien Prince

An excited shine came to his eyes. “I don’t know… I should be looking for another position…”

You’re not going to find one, I thought. Not until this week is over and your history is wiped clean.

I didn’t like thinking that way, but it was the honest truth.

I smiled at my father and pulled him up onto his feet. “You should book it now. Make your travel arrangements and just go. There’s nothing keeping you here. Enjoy yourself.”

My father smiled and nodded. “Yes. Yes, you’re right. Maybe a little trip somewhere would help clear my mind, see things a little more clearly.”

I hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. Already, I began to see a glimmer of his former self—his happy, jovial spirit and his caring, paternal nature.

“I’ll just go for a weekend—”

“No!” I snapped a little harsher than I expected. “Take your time. Take a full week to think things over. I swear, by the time you come back, everything will be a whole lot better.”

“A whole week…” He grinned like a little boy. “I wonder if Staffar will be available… Or maybe even Jeppax…”

“Good idea!” I said. “Make it a group trip!”

I led him out of the room and watched as he descended slowly down the stairs, mumbling under his breath about the things he would need to pack and organize.

How would I explain to Dad that I had worked only seven days for the new Prince and had fully reimbursed him for the heirlooms he had stolen?

I could say I hadn’t finished paying yet… that we’d mutually agreed that I wasn’t a good fit for the palace, that it was best if I went to work elsewhere and sent him the money over a period of time…

Or I could say I’d discovered forgotten heirlooms hidden about the house that amounted to the same value as the ones that’d gone missing. It was a long shot, but at least then I wouldn’t have to keep lying to my father. I felt bad enough about that already.

There were many options to choose from and I would think more on them later. At least there was one bright side to all of this.

In seven days, after this Steyatt week thing had passed—and I hated even thinking about the term and what it entailed—all of this trouble would truly be over.

My father’s reputation would be intact and he would be free to find another job elsewhere. Leaving here on his trip meant there would be no chance the rumors might reach Dad’s ears. Hopefully, there would be no rumors at all, but gossip had a way of traveling in tight communities.

I returned to shoving the clothes into my suitcase. I had packed two bags already and was halfway through before I realized I didn’t need to pack nearly so much.

Not because it was just for one week…

Not because they would give me a fresh uniform to wear each day…

But because I doubted I needed to wear much during the next seven days.

My skin crawled.

* * *

I climbed from the shuttle and moved to the trunk. I pulled my heavy luggage out and glanced over at the taxi driver, who just shrugged his shoulders.

So much for service with a smile.

I dragged the luggage over to the palace entrance and waited for the staff to greet me. In the old days when my father was in charge, someone was in attendance at all times, ready to welcome guests the moment they arrived.

Instead, I had to wait twenty minutes before the door cracked open and someone poked their head out. At least it was a face I recognized.

“Camila!” Emma said, squealing with joy. She threw the door open and ran at me, almost knocking me off my feet as she hugged me. “It’s great to see you!”

Emma’s eyes were big and wide, her face small and pointed. “It’s been so long!” she said.

“Yeah,” I said. “Really long.”

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