Wyverne Palace, the Kingdom of Ashmere. 7:15 a.m.
The royal residence was barely beginning to wake when Marta Kell, the head housekeeper, walked through the elegant corridors accompanying the crown prince's new personal assistant.
The 58-year-old woman carried a folder with the day's obligations and an expression that mixed patience and resignation.
"Before you go in, miss, I must warn you about something. His Highness can be... complicated."
Marta adjusted her glasses.
"He is demanding, impatient, and has a rather questionable sense of humor. His last three assistants resigned before completing a month."
Upon reaching the enormous doors of the royal chamber, Marta knocked twice.
"Your Highness, it is a quarter past seven. Your new assistant has arrived."
From inside, a masculine voice was heard, deep and sleepy.
"Fantastic. Another poor soul sent to put up with me. How long will this one last, Marta? Three days?"
"I would appreciate it if you would try to behave like a gentleman, sir."
"How demanding you are this morning."
Marta opened the door.
Ardric Coragh was reclining against the headboard of an enormous bed, his brown hair messy and his torso bare. His blue eyes reflected the annoyance of someone who detested waking up early.
However, upon discovering the young person accompanying Marta, his expression changed completely.
A slow, shamelessly charming smile appeared on his lips.
"Well, well..."
Ardric sat up slightly.
"Marta, darling, why did no one inform me that we had improved our hiring standards?"
The housekeeper sighed.
"Ardric..."
"Your Highness, Marta. We must maintain formalities in front of our guest."
The woman rolled her eyes.
"They are your assistant, not your guest. And I remind you that you have a meeting with the King at nine."
"Then you had better leave us to work."
Marta watched him with distrust.
"Behave yourself."
"I am a prince, darling. Elegance runs through my veins."
When Marta left the room, Ardric turned his attention back to his new assistant.
His smile widened as he extended a hand toward the coffee cup resting on his nightstand.
"Welcome to hell, gorgeous."
He took a sip before adding with evident amusement:
"I am Ardric Coragh, though I suppose you already know that."
His blue eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Now tell me how long you will last working for the most insufferable man in all of Ashmere."