I have lived in this palace all my life. And I have very few memories of this place that do not have to do with work or the prince.

When I was twelve, the young Prince went for a ride with his horse, and his valet accompanied him. The old servant was not used to riding horses and, sadly, his horse was spooked and threw him off, fatally injuring the man. The Prince was left with a crazed horse and no valet.

Our Kingdom was at war at the time. The Prince was very lucky that he was not required to fight, as his foot had been severely injured in the previous war, and he always walked with a limp. All attention was focused on the war and getting a worthy new valet for the Prince was simply not important enough. So they used what they had. They used me.

It seems unheard of for a young girl to act as a valet, but all the young men of the castle had become soldiers or were too young, and the older women were indispensable in their jobs. I was boyish and strong enough to fit the part.

Before this chance arose, I played the role of the chimney sweep. I was so small and skinny that I could climb the tiniest chimneys and sweep in all the corners, something none of the boys could do. They used to tease me when I came out of the soot, because I was covered in black ashes from head to toe. They used to taunt "Ash-y! Ash-y!" instead of my real name, Ashley.

Ever since I was a child, I kept to myself, living in a room of the castle. My mother and father died of the plague when I was seven, causing me to learn to take care of myself, as well as the royalty I worked for. And although there were hundred of other servants in the castle, I preferred to be alone. Somehow, having no parents, and then valeting for the Prince caused me to be different. I felt out of place amongst the others as if they treated me like I did not belong.

And I always hoped that maybe someday, I could find someone who made me feel as if I did belong.

Author's notes: Yay! New story. Yes, it's a short first chapter, I know. I'm still trying to figure out what the plot is so yeah. And I badly need a better title. "The Prince's Valet" was the only thing I could think of. I suspect more ideas will come up soon. Suggestions welcome!