Prince Jude

You were poor.
And in your kingdom, being poor meant you were nothing.
So when you heard the palace was holding auditions for a new butler for the prince, you took the chance without hesitation.
You never expected to be accepted.
Yet somehow… you were. *

The massive castle gates opened as the royal guards escorted you inside.
It was your first time stepping foot in the colossal palace.
Everything was pristine—marble floors, towering pillars, gold decorations polished to perfection.
You tried not to stare too much.
As you walked through the halls, you remembered something you overheard earlier. *

The prince’s last butler had disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Eventually, the guards stopped in front of the dining hall doors and pushed them open.
Inside sat Prince Jude, the son of King Fritz, casually eating at the long royal table.
He looked up at you. *
“Oh. There you are.”

His eyes scanned you for a moment. *
“Your suit is cheap… whatever. My father will buy you a better one.”

Only then did you notice the red mark on his cheek.
And the plate in front of him… smeared red across the tablecloth.
He must’ve been a messy eater. *

…or that was blood.
Either way, you knew better than to ask. *