Damien’s POV

She looked stunned, and I scoffed. “I don’t like repeating myself,” I said icily, staring deep into her eyes.

“Urm… my… my Prince, forgive me, I was just talking absentmindedly,” she pleaded again, bowing.

“I just want to know,” I responded, my frown softening, and she looked relieved.

“I… I was…”

“Stop stuttering,” I snapped, and she quickly cleared her throat.

“I was talking about your piercings. I also have a thing for earrings,” she finally said without stuttering, and I smirked.

I knew that was what she wanted to say. I just wanted her to spit it out.

“That’s true,” I replied simply and finally got upstairs.

I pointed at one of the many doors in the long hallway, and she bowed gratefully.

“Thanks so much, my Prince,” she said with a smile, and I nodded briefly.

“My secretary will text you the rules you must follow in order to live in the mansion,” I said and started leaving, but she suddenly ran in front of me, blocking my way. I raised an eyebrow.

She mumbled something under her breath again, but I still couldn’t catch it.

“I have a request to make,” she said, performing the royal curtsy.

“Tell me,” I responded, eyeing her with a blank expression.

“Your secretary… is he the one with you yesterday?” she asked, and I ran a hand through my hair.

“No, he’s my courtier. Can I leave now?” I asked, and she bowed again.

“Hey, stop the fake bowing. I know you hate doing it. You can choose to do it only if we’re in a public space,” I added, and she looked shocked.

She glanced at me for a second and smiled awkwardly.

“I’ll get going, my Prince,” she said, bowing one more time before running into the room I pointed at. I smirked and turned to my private elevator, which took me straight to my room.

---

Calista’s POV

I slammed the door shut, breathing heavily. I did so many embarrassing things today, and it made my cheeks burn red.

But how did Damien know that I hated doing royal gestures?

Was I that obvious to read? Guess I should start masking my expressions better.

The Prince didn’t look like someone who cared much about traditions.

I’ve read stories of princes before, and they always behaved disciplined, dressed in royal robes, strict and formal.

But him? He was always showing off his abs and wearing earrings.

Well… it made him look hot though. Wait, what am I even saying?

He’s my boss. I shouldn’t be drooling. But maybe I’m just admiring a masterpiece.

I looked around my new room with a bright smile. All my clothes and little belongings were already sorted out.

Thank my stars that my underwears were kept neatly in a little box, or else they would have seen… oh gosh, I don’t even want to think about it. And they’re all men.

That would have been so embarrassing.

I quickly shoved the thought away, letting the cool air conditioner brush against my skin.

The room was painted in purple and white. Coincidentally, purple was my favorite color.

There was a nightstand, a reading table, and a big wardrobe. The floor was tiled in purple, too.

All the items from the shopping mall had also been neatly arranged, and I smiled gratefully, whispering a small thank you to whoever did that.

My phone suddenly buzzed in my purse, and I quickly took it out. It was Caroline.

"Hey Calista, I hope you’re settling in nicely? The secretary will soon send you the rules. Please try to speak formally with him, he’s quite arrogant."

I rolled my eyes. Why was she suddenly being nice to me?

Still, I quickly replied." Oh thanks, Caro. What’s his name?"

Her reply came almost immediately. "His name is Alex. He’s the one who interviewed all the contestants."

Realization hit me. That cold-faced guy? I was sure he didn’t like me. The feeling was mutual anyway.

"I really appreciate this, Caro. I want to sleep, I’ll text you later", I typed back and she reacted with a love emoji.

Almost immediately, another text popped up from an unknown number. I clicked it.

**

6 Golden Rules to Follow as the Prince’s Personal Assistant

Rule No. 1: Never try to seduce him.

Rule No. 2: Don’t make eye contact with him unless he asks you to.

Rule No. 3: Never talk back at him or give sarcastic expressions no matter the situation.

Rule No. 4: Don’t ask him unnecessary questions.

Rule No. 5: Always carry out your tasks effectively and efficiently.

Rule No. 6 (the last and most important rule): Never, ever fall in love with him.

Breaching any of these rules equals losing your job.

Welcome once again to Knight Luxe Group, Miss Calista Vaughn. Do have a pleasant day.

My eyes widened as I finished reading the message. It sounded more like a threat,, probably because Alex, the sender, didn’t like me.

What I hated most was being in situations where I couldn’t express myself.

The only three rules that would be easy for me to follow were Rule No. 1, 5, and 6.

But the rest? They would be hard. Very hard.

I would have quit immediately if not for my mother, the only family I had left in this life.

It wouldn’t be easy, but I had to do it, for her.

I promised myself I’d follow the Six Golden Rules.

Especially Rule No. 6.