Royals in Toledo

Chapter 10

More than a month quickly passed, and I got used to the work. Somehow, I learned how to cook, so I am now the one preparing Aaron's meals. The routine stayed the same. His friends come once in a while. I also found out their names – Carlos and Lionel.

"Sandra is looking for you. We went to a party yesterday. By the way, why didn't you come?" Carlos asked.

"I don't feel like it," Aaron replied.

They were all lounging around near the pool. I took the trash out on the side and heard them talking. When I saw them, they were all shirtless, wearing sunglasses.

Aaron didn't leave yesterday, Carmen said. I overheard him talking to one of the house helpers. He is not used to staying home.

"Is it because of your new assistant?" Lionel teased Aaron.

"Shut up."

"What? She's very pretty. I was actually going to ask if—"

"Don't you dare." Aaron stood up, clearly annoyed by his friend's comment.

"I was only going to ask what her name was. Relax," Lionel said, trying to calm his friend while laughing.

"Her name is Zia," Carlos answered. "She's really pretty." Aaron gave Carlos a stern look, but his friend continued speaking. "She actually reminds me of someone."

"I swear to God if you say one of your sluts I'm going to beat you up," Aaron threatened.

Carlos laughed. "No! Of course not. I was going to say she reminds me of the queen."

Lionel frowned, while Aaron seemed unaffected by his friend's words. My heart was pounding. Did he recognize me?

"Queen?" Lionel asked. When Carlos nodded, Lionel burst into laughter and playfully hit his friend. "You're so silly. First of all, she can't be one of the royals. If she was, she wouldn't be doing Aaron's dirty laundry. Princesses don't do that shit."

"What's wrong with doing my laundry?" Aaron asked.

"Nothing. I am just saying royals don't do housework. But if you ask me if she's a queen material? Yes. Definitely. What do you think, bro? If you had the chance, would you date a commoner like her?"

"She's my assistant," Aaron answered.

"So? There's nothing wrong with that," Lionel countered.

"I'm saying she's my employee. The boss can't be involved with his employee. Get it?"

"Are you sure it's not because she's a maid?"

I didn't hear Aaron's response because Maya suddenly arrived. Thankfully, I didn't shout in surprise. She tapped me on the shoulder and startled me!

"What on earth are you doing there? Are you spying on them? They are pretty hot, aren't they?" she asked me with a smile.

I cringed at her. "I wasn't looking at them."

"What? You were just eavesdropping on their conversation?" she added.

I rolled my eyes at her and she laughed. I invited her to come inside, but she didn't stop questioning me. She kept asking what I heard. Luckily, there was no one else in the kitchen when we entered. Otherwise, they might have thought of something else. I don't want to start gossip in the mansion.

"I didn't hear anything because that wasn't why I went there. I just took out the trash."

"Oh? Then why did it take you so long to throw the trash?" Maya raised an eyebrow at me.

"Tsk. So many questions. Are you done with your work?"

"Oh! She's avoiding it." Maya laughed more. "So you did hear something?!" I glared at her but Maya just laughed. "Okay. I won't bother you anymore. Uhm. It's our day off tomorrow. Let's go to the market first and then let's go to the carnival."

"Carnival?" I repeated what she said. I've never been to one.

"Yes. With the crazy rides, cotton candies, hotdogs and the likes. "Don't tell me you've never been to one?"

It would be embarrassing to tell her that I haven't been to such a place yet. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I'd just lie. It's just a small lie. But I have told so many lies to her and I'm feeling guilty already. It all started on the bus. Here she is, helping me with everything, but I can't bring myself to be honest with her.

At the same time, I can't compromise my identity. I have to stay here for a year. Not only because I don't want her to find out the truth, but also for her safety. There were anonymous threats sent to the palace, and even though my parents were hiding them from me, I had my ways to find out.

"Of course I've been to one. Only once when I was a child." How I wish I had done though.

"You didn't go back? But why? It's so much fun. My friends and I used to always look forward to the carnival and save money for it. The rides were expensive and, since we were students, we only had loose change. We didn't mind not eating as long as we could ride the ferris wheel. You will enjoy it more now. It would be more fun if we had others with us though. Do you want to invite Carmen?"

"If she doesn't have work, and she's available, we can invite her," I replied to Maya.

When someone cleared their throat behind me, I turned around. It was Carlos with Aaron. Why didn't I hear footsteps?

"I can't help but overhear your conversation. Are you going to the carnival?" Maya hesitantly nodded. "Can we come along? It's tomorrow, right?"

Aaron remained silent. It was only Carlos who was excited to join us. Well, why would Aaron go to a carnival anyway? It's not his scene. He's more suited for a bar or club with his wealthy friends. I don't even know why Carlos would go with us.

"Are you the only one coming, Sir Carlos?" Maya asked.

"No, Aaron is coming with me. I'm going to ask Lionel if he's available tomorrow, but I am definitely in. Right, Aaron?" Carlos elbowed his friend.

"Yeah. Sure."

Oh my God, this guy. If he doesn't want to come, he could just decline. He might ruin our day later.

"What time?" Aaron asked.

"It's not until the afternoon. How about four, then all of us get hotdog in a bun for dinner? With pop, of course!" Maya excitedly replied.

"Okay. I will pick up both of you at four," Aaron said.

Huh? I thought we were meeting at the carnival? Why is there a need for him to pick us up at home?!