PRINCESS SERA
950 Words
“Lady-in-waiting?!” she half-yelled, her voice echoing through the hall, robes slipping from her shoulder as she stared at the messenger, her parents, and Celeste in disbelief.
The messenger paused, surprised by the reaction, then continued reading anyway, his voice steady.
“She is to report to the palace by tomorrow morning. This appointment is effective immediately.”
The Duke stiffened. The Duchess’s eyes widened. Celeste looked between them, stunned.
“A Veyrant… serving the princess,” the Duke said slowly, forcing a composed expression. “It is an honor.”
“Indeed,” the Duchess added quickly. “Our daughter will serve with utmost loyalty.”
The messenger bowed again. “His Majesty trusts so.”
Selene said nothing, her mind already racing.
After a brief exchange of formal courtesies and polite words about duty and honor, the messenger was dismissed.
He bowed once more and left as promptly as he had arrived.
The moment the doors closed, the dining hall erupted in quiet disbelief.
Selene stared at the table.
Lady-in-waiting.
To a princess she barely knew.
What… exactly did I do?
---
Selene packed quietly.
Not much had changed in her room over the years. Clothes folded neatly, a few books stacked at the corner, her sword hidden where no one ever bothered to check. Everything she owned fit easily into a single trunk.
Lady-in-waiting.
The words still felt strange in her head.
She had barely spoken to Princess Sera. A few words at the ball. And yet, by imperial command, she was to leave her home and serve at the palace.
That night, Celeste hovered around her room more than usual.
“You’ll really be gone tomorrow,” Celeste said softly, standing by the door.
Selene paused, then nodded. “Yes.”
Celeste walked in and sat at the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting together. “I’ll miss you. Can I… can I visit you at the palace?”
“You can,” Selene replied after a moment.
Celeste smiled, relieved.
Then she tilted her head, studying Selene’s face with an odd expression—sad, curious, almost thoughtful.
“It feels strange,” she said slowly. “Like we’ve only spent a few days together… not sixteen years.”
Selene turned to her sharply.
Celeste blinked, startled by the sudden movement, then laughed lightly. “Ah....maybe it’s just because I’m already missing you.”
Selene said nothing, her gaze lingering on her sister’s face longer than necessary.
After a brief pause, Celeste brightened again. “Can I sleep in your room tonight?”
Selene sighed. “…Alright.”
Celeste immediately climbed onto the bed, wrapping her arms around Selene without warning.
Selene stiffened, then stayed still, her expression unreadable.
That night, they slept side by side, the room quiet except for steady breathing.
----
Morning came too soon.
Selene stepped outside to find a carriage waiting. Celeste stood beside it—and, surprisingly, so did their parents.
Of course, Selene thought. Now that she’s useful.
She moved forward anyway.
Just as she was about to step into the carriage, Celeste called out, “Selene.”
She turned.
“I love you so much,” Celeste said, smiling warmly.
Selene froze.
Before she could respond, Celeste hugged her tightly. Selene gasped, her hands lifting instinctively—then the hug ended just as suddenly. Celeste stepped back, smiling like nothing had happened.
Selene stared at her for a second… then smiled back.
Awkward or not, past or future, she wanted to keep this version of Celeste.
The bright one. The innocent one.
Their parents nodded stiffly. Selene returned the gesture and entered the carriage.
As it pulled away, Celeste kept waving until she was completely out of sight.
Selene looked ahead, her smile fading into something calmer, sharper.
The palace awaited.
----
Selene was led past tall white halls and quiet corridors until she arrived at the Princess’s villa.
She was escorted inside and allowed into the princess’s room. Selene immediately curtsied, posture perfect.
Princess Sera sat before a mirror while a maid brushed her hair. Her expression was calm. Unbothered. Almost bored.
“I’m glad you came, Selene,” the princess said.
“With all due respect, Your Highness,” Selene replied with a polite smile, “could you not have found someone else to trouble? Someone quieter. Or duller. Or less likely to regret every life choice leading to this moment.”
The maid froze.
The princess blinked once.
“…Maybe,” Sera said simply.
Selene exhaled.“Then why me? Surely someone less troublesome would suit you better. I talk too much, complain too often, and I have a bad habit of saying things I shouldn’t.”
“Because I like you.”
Selene stared.
That absolutely explained nothing
“Hah…” Selene sighed, rubbing her temple. “Of course.”
“You looked very sure of yourself the day before” she said casually. “Certain that we wouldn’t meet again.”
Selene froze.
“And yet,” the princess added, taking a step closer, “fate seems to disagree.”
Selene sucked in a breath.
Then it hit her
The market. The alley. The girl with sharp words, poor direction, and an alarming talent for causing trouble.
Selene’s eyes widened.
“You—”
She stopped herself, inhaled slowly, and straightened.
The universe is truly mocking me.
Princess Sera smiled faintly at her reflection. “I hope you serve me well, Selene Veyrant.”
Selene’s smile twitched.
Tears threatened to form—not from emotion, but from pure disbelief.
“Yes, Your Highness,” she said softly.
She bowed again, her voice barely above a whisper.
“…I am doomed.”
- Writer
