Chapter 4 A taste of trouble

As the maids escorted her down the castle corridors, Emily tried to memorize the route to her actual room, which felt like a maze of stone walls and twisting halls. The two maids walked on either side of her, glancing at each other every so often with curious expressions. Finally, they stopped at a large wooden door and opened it to reveal her chambers.

Once inside, Emily took a moment to look around. The room was grand, with a large canopy bed, a fireplace, and a dressing area filled with ornate combs, perfumes, and enough gowns to make her head spin. She let out a low whistle, impressed. *Alright, at least I'm living in style in this crazy time,* she thought.

The younger maid, a girl with big, innocent eyes and a constant smile, looked at her nervously. "My lady," she began tentatively, "I don't mean to be rude, but... you've been acting... a little unusual since the incident."

"Oh, you think?" Emily muttered, plopping down on the bed and letting out a long sigh. She looked up at the maids. "What are your names, by the way?"

The young, wide-eyed maid looked pleased to be asked. "I'm Lila, my lady," she said, giving a quick curtsy, her cheeks flushing. "And this is Bridget." She motioned to the older maid, who gave a respectful nod, her face calm and unreadable.

"Lila and Bridget. Got it," Emily said, leaning back and making herself comfortable. Lila looked at her, still fidgeting.

"My lady," Lila said softly, "are you... are you feeling well? You've been saying such... bold things. If the Empress were to hear-"

*The Empress,* Emily thought, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Just thinking of that cold, judgmental woman was enough to ruin her mood. Emily let out a dramatic sigh, muttering under her breath, "That woman could use a nice, long vacation. Or maybe a one-way ticket to 'Lighten Up City.'"

Bridget's expression remained carefully neutral, but Lila's eyes widened in horror. "My lady!" she whispered, her hand over her mouth as if Emily had just uttered a dangerous curse. "Such words...!"

Emily gave her a faint smile. "Alright, alright, I'll be careful." She leaned forward, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Actually, I really did lose my memory. I don't remember... well, anything. Not even basic stuff. So, I need your help to get me through this without, you know... getting in trouble."

Lila's face softened with sympathy, and she nodded eagerly. "Of course, my lady! I'll help you in any way I can."

Bridget also nodded, though her expression was more reserved. "As will I, my lady."

Emily's stomach growled loudly, and she realized just how hungry she was. "Great! Alright, first things first... I need some food. Something filling and delicious."

The maids curtsied and hurried off, leaving Emily to relax in her room. She lay back on the bed, imagining some hearty roast, maybe a warm stew, and some fresh bread slathered with butter. Her mouth watered just thinking about it.

After a few minutes, Lila returned with a silver tray and placed it on the table beside her bed. Emily's eyes lit up-until she saw what was actually on it. A small pile of steamed vegetables, mostly greens, sat on the plate. Beside it was a bowl of bland-looking broth.

She looked up at Lila, eyes wide with disbelief. "What... what is this?"

"It's your usual meal, my lady," Lila said cheerfully. "Vegetables and broth, just as you requested."

Emily raised an eyebrow, poking at a piece of broccoli with a skeptical look. "Wait, wait, *I* requested this? Why would I do that?"

Lila's face lit up, eager to explain. "You said it was to keep your beauty and health for Prince Alexander, my lady! You said it was most important to look perfect for him."

Emily stared at the plate, then back at Lila, who was practically beaming. "So, let me get this straight," she said slowly, "I, Lady Eleanor, have been eating... this... to look good for *Mr. Grumpy*?"

Lila blinked, confused. "Mr... Grumpy?"

Emily sighed. "Alexander. His Royal Grumpiness."

Lila looked scandalized, while Bridget gave her a quiet, knowing look. But Emily was too hungry to care. She scowled at the plate, muttering, "Do I look like a rabbit to you? Or a horse? I mean, seriously, who wants to eat this *grass*?"

Lila's mouth opened and closed in horror, clearly not sure how to respond. "But... but it's very nutritious, my lady," she said, as if trying to convince her.

"Yeah, well, it's also very bland," Emily said, pushing the plate away. "If I'm going to be stuck here, I want *real* food. Something tasty. Meat, bread, desserts, you name it."

Lila exchanged a worried look with Bridget, who cleared her throat and spoke up. "But, my lady, you always insisted on this... simple diet. For the sake of... looking your best for the prince."

Emily crossed her arms, looking thoroughly unimpressed. "Tell you what-forget the diet. And forget the prince. If Alexander likes me, he'll have to like me *and my food.* Got it?"

Lila's jaw dropped. "But... but, my lady! Such boldness..."

Emily grinned, realizing just how much fun it was to shock these maids. "And besides, Mr. Grumpy can deal with it. Bring me something delicious, okay? Extra dessert."

Bridget gave her a nod, but a hint of something cold flickered in her eyes. "As you wish, my lady."

Lila, however, seemed thrilled at the idea of defying the usual rules. "Of course, my lady! I'll bring the finest dishes!"

As the maids hurried out, Emily couldn't help but smile. She'd already made waves in this world, and if she was going to be stuck here, she might as well make the best of it-and maybe shake up a few royal feathers along the way.