MELT MY FROZEN HEART
Chapter 52 — More Than Just a Maid
The foreign diplomats wandered the palace garden like they owned the place, whispering among themselves, their embroidered coats brushing past delicate flowers that didn't belong to them.
Oki watched from the shadows, a simple tray balanced in her hands, her green eyes cold beneath her cheerful smile.
Foreigners, she thought. The same ones who tried—and failed—to crush this kingdom. The same ones now lurking with empty smiles, hoping the prince had forgotten their betrayal.
They hadn't noticed her slip away from the servant's path, blending into the walls, listening.
"…The boy's dangerous," one diplomat whispered, glancing toward the hall where Prince Kimo had disappeared. "But his staff? Weak. Especially the little maid with the big eyes. Cute. Harmless."
Oki stepped forward, clearing her throat softly.
The group of diplomats turned—and paused when they saw it was only the maid with the green eyes and warm smile.
Only… her smile didn't reach her eyes now.
"I'd advise you all," Oki began sweetly, "to be careful where you whisper." She tilted her head, voice calm, but laced with hidden steel. "This kingdom is colder than it looks. One wrong move, and it'll swallow you whole."
The diplomats chuckled. "Ah, little maid, you should be careful. Pretty girls like you shouldn't speak so boldly."
Oki's grin widened, her eyes glinting dangerously. "Pretty girls like me? We own more than you think. In fact…" She leaned in, voice dropping to a playful threat. "I'm worth more than this entire kingdom."
The diplomats froze, confused.
Oki shrugged, adjusting her tray like nothing happened. "Three times over, actually." She winked, stepping back into the shadows. "But I'm just a maid, remember?"
With that, she disappeared down the marble corridor, leaving the foreigners with uneasy glances and tight jaws.
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Later That Evening…
Prince Kimo sipped his tea, watching Oki arrange flowers on the windowsill, acting far too innocent.
He smirked. "I heard the foreigners were… unsettled. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
Oki spun around, hands on her hips, mock offense on her face. "Would I? I'm just a maid, remember?" Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Kimo's lips twitched. "Right. Just a maid."
Oki huffed, crossing her arms. "For the record, I'm richer than your whole kingdom. Three times richer."
Kimo raised a brow, amused. "Oh? Planning to buy my palace next?"
"Maybe," Oki shot back, chin high. "And I'll turn your throne room into a greenhouse. Full of lilies and golden frogs."
Kimo laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "Impossible woman."
Oki grinned proudly. "That's me."
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To be con.....