Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42883 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42883 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
But that’s not my business. My business is cleaning Ella’s quarters, and I turn the doorknob and gently open the door, just in case she’s somewhere in her chamber. I knock on the door one last time to announce myself, but there’s still no answer. Perfect. She must be gone, and I pull the cart into her quarters and get straight to work.
The living area is pretty much in order, but I go over everything anyway, dusting the modern, chic furniture and vacuuming the plush carpet. Princess Ella’s suite isn’t just formal – it’s absolutely lavish. The interior decorators haven’t held back on anything, including the dazzling chandelier and gilt wallpaper, not to mention furniture that must be antique. But again, where it comes from isn’t my business. I head into the bathroom next, entering the sparkling space to replace all of her dirty towels with fresh, clean ones. Ella’s soaps and perfumes are on the counter, and I can see that they originate from foreign lands. I can read the ones in French, but some are in languages I don’t even recognize.
Goodness. Our princess has probably been around the world countless times, shaking hands with kings and queens all across the globe. Meanwhile, I’ve never been outside of Chromia because my working class family can’t afford expensive trips. It’s always been my dream to travel abroad and learn about other cultures, but that day hasn’t come yet. Someday, though, I’ll explore the world. Just not today, seeing that I need to earn a living.
As I open the bedroom door, the scent of fresh flowers permeates the air. I smile as I deeply inhale the scent; the room smells like a garden is growing in the center of it. Unfortunately, Princess Ella isn’t exactly the neatest person in the world. She’s got clothes lying all around the room, many with designer labels. Oooh, are those Christian Louboutin pumps? Goodness, the heels are high.
But still, I have work to do. I roll the cart in with me and grab a fresh pair of sheets before placing them onto a chair next to her bed. Then, I strip the mattress and make her bed anew, making sure everything is perfectly aligned. Then, I hang up the expensive articles of clothing and place them in her huge walk-in closet. Honestly, this woman has the kind of closet that most girls only dream of: racks and racks of couture, with matching purses, shoes, and accessories lovingly displayed. Even her underwear appears to be designer and made of the finest silk and lace. Yet, I wouldn’t trade places with her for a second because Ella’s constantly in the public’s eye, scrutinized for every move she makes that isn’t deemed princess-like. I might not own fancy clothes or live in a castle, but at least I get to make my own decisions without having the entire world constantly watching me. Some girls wish they were a princess, but I know better: that type of life isn’t for me.
Finishing up, I triple check to make sure Princess Ella’s room is spotless, and then wheel the cart out of her chamber, closing the door behind me. I check the time on my watch; it’s almost eleven, so I’m making good time. Still, I need to clean Prince Eric’s and King Wilhelm’s quarters before I can take my lunch.
I roll the cart down the hall to Prince Eric’s chamber. Again, I knock gently to make sure the occupant is gone, and sure enough, there’s no sound. Perfect. He’s probably away on some official business as well, so I can get started without any delay.
I let myself in, gently closing the door behind me. Eric’s living area is much bigger than his younger sister Princess Ella’s, but it’s much messier too. Cigarette smoke lingers in the air as the sound of music blares from the massive flat screen television mounted on the wall. What the hell? Why didn’t he turn it off? I grab the remote and switch off the TV. Some people, sheesh.
I get to work, picking up the trash lying around the floor. I straighten up the pillows on the couch and spray air freshener around the room, hoping to get rid of the smoke smell in the air. Even crazier, the pampered prince has expensive, hi-tech gadgets spread out all around the floor, like they mean nothing to him. I pick up a couple iPads, as well as a the latest iPhone, a GameBox, and a fancy digital watch before placing them on the coffee table. There are probably five figures of electronics right there, but I merely shake my head and turn away. Again, not my business.
Once I finish cleaning the living area, I roll the rickety cart into the bathroom. I snap on a pair of gloves and scrub the bathtub and toilet until they shine, sweat beading on my forehead in the process. Still, a job worth doing is one worth doing well, and after I’m done, I step back and take a look around the sparkling latrine. I’m sure Aunt Nellie would be very proud if she could see this bathroom right now because I’ve made it absolutely shine.