I look up from clearing the table. My eyes sweep the room for the princess. My eyes are always looking for her. Not only is-was-she my best friend, she’s my responsibility.

As children we had run of the palace and the courtyard. But ever since Princess Luna returned from her fancy boarding school, she’s had no time for me, a simple maid with not much learning. Everything I needed to know was right here. At first I was sad, I’m still sad really, but I’m also angry. Gut-boiling angry.

She hasn’t spoken a word to me since returning. If she had told me she was no longer going to be my friend, I would have preferred that to just eternal silence. If I speak to her she answers with a nod, shake or flick of her wrist.

I know being a maid makes me expendable, I’ve always known this. But that doesn’t give her the right to be so rude. She should be kinder to me

….

It’s later in the evening now. The royals have returned to their rooms. All except for the Princess. I’m waiting for her outside her room. I plan to have a conversation with her about her treatment of me.

…..

Here she comes, she’s wearing a smile and rosy cheeks. I hate that look. “Princess.” I call, and step out of the doorway shadows. “I want to talk to you.”

She glares at me, the smile erased completely. “Shut up, peasant! Before I call my guards.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

“Leave me alone, Jessie! You’re a psychopath! Why do you think I stopped talking to you? You’re crazy!” Luna shrieks.

I’m taken aback, I’ve never heard Luna speak like that before, to anyone. I stand there dazed for only a moment before I lunge at her.

She doesn’t even have time to scream before I draw the kitchen knife I’d hidden in the folds of my dress. Neatly, I slide the blade between her ribs. The blood begins to soak her beautiful blue dress. I wonder if blood stains ever truly come out.

Watching the blood pour from my lovely Princess I realize something. Once isn’t enough. So I pull my knife from her body, it barely sticks in bones and skin. Then I stab her again, over and over and over. Then I cut. I cut and stab until every drop of blood has left the beautiful girl. My anger has left me, just like Luna’s life has left her.

I rise to my feet and run.