“ARTHUR!” The king bellowed from his throne. “Where are you.”

“Yes, your highness?” I said as I ran into the throne room, a little out of breath.

“I need not remind you that we are having guests over from our neighboring regions tonight.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Now, I understand that we have been short staffed lately and I am working to correct that for you. But I do hope that you can make sure tonight will procced with no complication?”

“You can count on me, sir.” I said.

“That’s what I like to hear, now run along. You have much to do.”

“Yes, sir.” I bowed and turned towards the large entryway doors.

“Oh, and Arthur?”

“Yes, your highness.” I turned around once more.

“The princess’ handmaiden has fallen ill. I expect you will be able to fill her duties tonight.

“Of course, sir.”

“Good man, now go.” He said, shooing me away.

“As you wish,” I said and walked back out the doors.

“Shit...” I mumbled as I walked down the hall.

There was still so much to get done, and even more to do now. I needed to find someone to cover for the princess’s handmaiden, I had to finish the preparations for tonight, and I had to check in on the kitchen staff.

My job as the head housekeeper was not an easy one. We were constantly understaffed and I often found myself doing the work of many people. The hours were long and hard, sometimes I didn’t have a moment to myself.

I decided to check in on the kitchen staff, and I was relieved to see that they had everything under control. They had all the food prepared and ready to go, and it looked and smelled divine.

After a few minutes of inspecting and tasting their work, I made my way to the servant’s quarters. As I expected, there were very few and they were all very busy with the preparations for the evening. Even short staffed, they seemed to be in good spirits, and I was happy to see that they were all getting along well.

“Hello, Arthur.” One of the maids, Lucy, greeted me as she scurried past.

“Lucy, how are you doing? I’ve been looking for you.”

“Is something the matter, sir?” She turned back and asked, concern written all over her face.

“No, no, nothing like that.” I assured her. “I was wondering if you could fill in for the princess’ hand maiden tonight. She has fallen ill, and I need someone to fill her duties.”

“I have so much work to do preparing the quarters for the guests to stay the night, Arthur. I don’t know if I can take on any more responsibilities.”

“I understand Lucy, as you were.”

“Thank you, sir.”

As she walked away, I felt the stress start to creep in.

“Fuck, who am I going to get to do it?” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

I was starting to panic. The handmaiden was responsible for the princess, and for making sure she was bathed and dressed and ready for the evening. It was a big responsibility and not one that could be taken lightly. I left the servant’s quarters and paced the halls to see if anyone else was available.

As I rounded a corner, I saw the princess walking towards me. She was a sight to behold, with her long blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. She wore a loose white gown that was cut low in the front, showing off the skin of her breasts. It appeared to be her sleepwear from the previous night, but it was a far cry from what she should have been wearing that day.

“Ah, your highness. What a pleasure to see you this morning.”

“It’s Amethyst, Arthur. How many times have I told you to call me by my name?” She smiled and held her hands behind her back.

“I’m sorry, Amethyst. I didn’t mean to offend.” I bowed.

“Oh, hush. You never offend me, Arthur. I know you are just doing your job.” She said, rolling her eyes.

“I couldn’t help but notice you are not dressed for the day, let alone the party the King is hosting this evening.”

“Well I haven’t seen Gretta all morning.” Amethyst replied, her eyes searching. “I wanted to have a bath and I’m afraid I don’t know how to go about drawing one.”

“It seems your hand maiden has fallen ill and I am looking for someone to replace her.”

“What about you, Arthur?”

“Pardon me, your highness?”

“Well I haven’t the slightest idea how to even start the bath. You’re the head housekeeper after all, surely you can draw a bath.”

“Yes, your majesty, but-”

“Amethyst,” She smiled. “And Good. So, it’s settled then. Come, Arthur, help me draw a bath.”

“As you wish, Amethyst.” I sighed, knowing I didn’t have a choice in the matter.

The princess was stubborn her whole life, and once she had her mind set on something, there was no changing it. I followed her as she made her way to her chambers.

“Amethyst,” I spoke as we entered her room. “Are you sure it’s appropriate for me to be in here, helping you undress and bathe?”

“Why of course it is, Arthur.” She turned to me, smiling. “I trust you, and besides, Gretta helps me every day.”

“I understand, your highness, but Gretta is a woman. I am a man, and I am not married to you.”

“Yes, thank you, Arthur.” She rolled her eyes again. “I know the difference between a man and a woman.”

“I only meant that I am not family or betrothed. If anyone sees me, it will cause a scandal. Your father would have my head.”

“Oh, don’t be such a baby, Arthur.” She waved her hand at me. “My father adores you and your efforts towards this family. Now, hurry up and start the bath.”

“Of course, your highness.” I replied, giving in and heading to the bathing chamber branched off from her room.

I opened the bathing door and stepped inside. A tub rested at the very edge of a wide open arched window, offering a full view of the castle’s courtyard below. This allowed the Princess to rest on the edge of the bath while she soaked, and gave her a full view of the surrounding grounds. It was a luxury the king spent a lot of gold making a reality for her.

I went over to the bath and adjusted the spigots, testing the water with my hands. When the temperature was just right, I allowed it to fill up and turned back towards the Princess’s chambers.

“Amethyst, your bath is filling.” I called as I returned.

“Excellent, Arthur.” She stood up off the bed. “Now help me out of this gown.”

“Pardon me, your highness. How do you expect me to do that?”

“Well, come and undo the buttons to start.”

“If you would allow me to call for another maid, one that is more suited for this task.”

“Oh, for God’s sake, Arthur. Just come and unbutton me.”

“Yes, your highness.” I relented.

She stood with her back facing me. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back in loose curls. I approached her and began to unbutton her gown. The dress was made of the finest silk and had delicate lace trimming around the edges. As the buttons came undone, her skin became exposed and the fabric started to fall off her body.

“All finished your highness,” I said, finally getting the last button undone.

“Are you going to remove it from my body? Or will I have to do that, too?” She smiled, teasing me.

“As you wish, Amethyst.”

I pulled the sleeves of her gown down, freeing her arms. Her dress fell to the floor and pooled around her ankles. Her skin was flawless, creamy, and smooth, and the muscles of her back moved gently with each breath. Her entire backside was exposed except for the simple white undergarment that hugged her hips.

She stepped out of the pile of silk and turned around to face me. She was completely bare except for the thin slip of fabric covering her lower private part. Her breasts were small, but firm, and her nipples hardened against the cold air. Her waist was slim, and her stomach was flat and toned. Her legs were slender and smooth, and her thighs were slightly parted.

“Now for my undergarments.” She said.

“Of course.”

She lifted her arms up in the air, and I reached forward and hooked my fingers into the sides of her undergarment. I pulled them down her thighs and over her legs. My face was inches away from her royal slit, I only stared for a moment as I moved down to her feet. She stepped out of the small piece of fabric and I tossed it into the pile with her gown.

“Thank you, Arthur.” She said. “Now, can you please assist me into the bath?”

“Of course, Amethyst.”

I turned off the running water and helped her step inside. She lowered herself into the water.

“I’ll be waiting just outside if--”

“Arthur, please.” She sighed, interrupting me. “Stay and talk with me. Sometimes I feel you are the only one I can speak openly with.”

“As you wish. But if anyone catches me, I worry it will be my head.”

“Then we must pray no one will enter without knocking first.” She smirked

“Very well Amethyst, I’ll stay.”

I stood at the door attentively and watched her from afar.

“How will we speak if you are so far? Pull up a chair.” She gestured.

“Are you sure, your highness? It seems highly inappropriate.”

“Please, Arthur. You’ve already seen me naked, I think sitting and talking would be alright.”

“If you insist, Amethyst.”

I pulled a chair up to the edge of the bath and sat down. Amethyst lay back against the tub and rested her head on the edge near the open window. Her breasts sat just above the water line and her nipples were still hard from the cold. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it Arthur?”

“Yes, it is.” I nodded. “It will be a shame when the colder months arrive.”

“Yes, I hate the snow.” She frowned. “It is so dreary and wet. The roads become treacherous and it is nearly impossible to travel.”

“But it’s so beautiful.” I smiled. “The castle becomes a winter wonderland and all the servants decorate the halls and the dining areas with candles and garlands and holly.”

“Oh yes, I forgot how you loved Christmas.” She laughed. “You always seem to be in a jolly mood then.”

“What’s not to like? A big feast, a celebration with family, and the servants get to stay and enjoy it all as well.”

“Yes, my parents always make sure to treat the servants well. It is a time for joy and giving. We are quite blessed to have so much.”

“That is very true, Amethyst. I think there are some days when I take it all for granted.”

“I understand what you mean, Arthur.” She sighed. “I’ve been sheltered my whole life, and have wanted for nothing. Yet I know one day I will given away as some type of possession, a pawn for the future prosperity of our kingdom.”

“Oh, Amethyst, I-”

“No, no, it’s alright.” She shook her head, dismissing my worry. “I may be young but I understand my role in this family. That doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it though.”

“You deserve to be happy, Amethyst. I wish I could offer you some form of advice.”

“Do you really mean that, Arthur?” She looked up at me.

“Of course, I do.”

“Do you think we could be ... friends?” She asked.

“We are friends, your highness.” I assured her. “I’ve known you since you were a little girl. Though I must admit, you have grown up to be a fine young woman.”

“I don’t mean the formal, obligatory friendship of servant and royal. I mean an actual friendship, where we can be ourselves.”

“Your highness, that sounds wonderful. But if your father or mother found out, they would have me executed for treason.”

“No one has to know, Arthur.” She pleaded.

“What do you suggest, Amethyst? Meeting in secret?” I scoffed.

“If we must. We could continue meeting in my chambers, just like this. But instead of calling me by my title, you can call me Amy. We can remove the formalities and just be ourselves.”

“Alright, your high ... Amy. If that’s what you want.”

“That’s exactly what I want.” She smiled. “You can’t tell anyone, alright? We have to keep it a secret.”

“I promise, your majesty.”

“Amy.” She corrected and smiled.

“I promise, Amy.” I smiled back.

We both sat there for a while, talking and laughing and enjoying each other’s company. For a brief moment, I was able to forget about my responsibilities as the head housekeeper. I felt like a regular person, not a servant of the crown. I had a friend, a good friend, a naked friend.

“I think I’ve bathed long enough,” Amy said, standing up.

Water dripped off her body and she stood in the tub naked. Her blonde hair was wet and hung down to her breasts. The sun shone through the hole in the wall and bounced off the droplets of water on her skin. She looked like a painting against the view from the grand window behind her.

“Can you hand me the towel, Arthur?”

“Of course, your ... Amy.” I stammered at her beauty.

I reached over and grabbed the soft cotton towel off the shelf, and held it open. She stepped out of the bath and into the towel, allowing me to wrap it around her. Her arms were at her side, and her skin was flushed from the warm water.

“There, much better.” She smiled.

“Shall I get you dressed for the evening, Amy?”

“That would be lovely, thank you Arthur.”

“Of course, now, let’s see what we have for you.”

I left her and made my way into the bedroom. I pulled out her dress for the night, her corset, and a pair of shoes. I laid them out neatly on the bed and called for her.

“How would you like me to prepare you?”

“Obviously with my corset.” She said, walking out from the bathing room.

“If you would just stand here, Amy.” I directed her to a spot in the center of the room.

I walked over and stood behind her. She dropped her towel to the ground, exposing her entire body. Her hair was still wet and hung down her back, dripping down her smooth skin. I reached forward and put the corset around her chest, pulling it tight and lacing up the strings in the back.

“Is this too tight?” I asked.

“Not yet.” She replied, and I pulled it tighter.

“How about now?”

“Yes, I think that will do nicely.” She breathed.

“Very well.” I said, tying the strings in the back.

I walked around to her front and gazed upon what were once small breasts. They were pushed up and squeezed together from the tight corset, making them look bigger than they were.

I went over to the bed and picked up the blue dress. It was a beautiful gown that had intricate silver trim and was covered in small jewels. Amethyst giggled as I approached her.

“What is so funny?” I asked.

“You may have difficulty putting on my undergarments once that is on.” She smirked. “Unless you think I need not wear any tonight.”

“You’re right, that was my mistake. I apologize.”

“Actually, Maybe you are right,” she said, and her smirk grew into a mischievous smile. “Perhaps, no undergarments would be the best option.”

“I’m not sure that would be a wise decision.” I cautioned.

“Well, I’m not so sure either but it’s what I have decided.” She said confidently. “You may proceed with the dress.”

“If you’re sure.” I said, holding the dress over her.

She raised her arms up and allowed me to put the blue dress over her. The neckline was cut low, exposing the top of her cleavage and the back was low as well, showing off her soft skin and her thin waist. Below her waist, the dress was flowy and covered the ground as she walked. The silver trimming and jewels glistened in the light and complemented her pale skin and bright eyes.

“How do I look?” She turned and asked, twirling around.

“You look stunning, your highness.”

“It’s Amy, Arthur. And thank you. I appreciate all you’ve done but I can finish my hair and makeup on my own. Unless you believe you are skilled in that field as well.” She laughed.

“Very funny.” I chuckled. “I will leave you be, and I will be checking in throughout the night to make sure everything is in order.”

“Perfect, and thank you Arthur, for today.” She smiled. “It meant a lot to me.”

“Anytime, Amy.” I returned her smile and left the room.

I went back to performing my duties and checking on the preparations for the evening. The cooks were busy putting the final touches on the dinner, and the guests were starting to arrive.