Seraphine
1059 Words
The golden rays of dusk filtered through the tall stained-glass windows of the Seventh Queen’s estate, casting soft crimson and violet hues across the white marble floors. The scent of lilac incense drifted through the high halls, and a small bustle of maids and attendants moved about in quiet haste. Today was an important day.
Queen Seraphina Valdros stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting the violet silk folds of her royal gown. Her expression, while calm and graceful, carried a quiet weight. She was preparing for a meeting with the elders of the Five Districts under her charge—a rare in-person gathering that spoke volumes of its importance.
Behind her, a servant gently placed the Queen's obsidian circlet atop her snow-white hair.
> “You look radiant, my Queen,” the attendant whispered.
Seraphina gave a faint smile but said nothing, her thoughts occupied. These district meetings were never without tension, especially with growing murmurs of unease among the outer provinces. She needed to appear not only composed, but invincible.
Just then, a soft knock echoed from the door.
> “Enter,” she called, turning slightly.
The chamber doors opened, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man in royal silver and black armor. His long navy-blue cape trailed behind him, the mark of a high-ranking royal knight.
> “Your Grace,” he greeted, bowing low. “Forgive my intrusion. I come bearing a request—and a gift.”
> “Sir Caldrin,” Seraphina said warmly, recognizing him at once. “There is no intrusion. You’ve never once come without reason. What brings you?”
From behind the towering knight stepped a small girl, no older than four, peeking from around his cloak. She had soft raven-black curls, pale porcelain skin, and violet eyes that glimmered with curiosity. She wore a dark red dress with silver trim and clutched a small carved doll in one hand.
> “My daughter, Seraphine,” Sir Caldrin said proudly, kneeling beside her. “Named after the Queen who once saved my life and honored my family with purpose. I wished for her to meet the woman she was named after.”
Queen Seraphina’s expression softened, her voice nearly catching in her throat.
> “You named her after me?”
> “There was no other choice,” Caldrin said, bowing his head. “It is the highest name I know.”
The Queen approached and crouched gracefully in front of the little girl, who was now watching her with wide, awestruck eyes.
> “Hello, sweet one,” Seraphina said gently. “You are very beautiful. And very brave to come before a Queen.”
Seraphine curtsied awkwardly, cheeks flushed.
> “Thank you, Your Grace,” she said shyly. “My papa said you are a hero.”
> “Then he exaggerates,” Seraphina smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair behind the girl’s ear. “But I am honored.”
From behind the Queen’s shoulder, footsteps echoed—light, fast, and unmistakably energetic.
Kenneth.
The five-year-old Prince ran into the chamber with his usual boundless energy, his long black curls bouncing with each step. His piercing blue eyes sparkled the moment he spotted his mother—but then his eyes shifted, landing on the little girl.
And he stopped.
For a moment, neither child said anything. Kenneth stood there, blinking, completely unaware of why his chest felt warm, or why he suddenly wanted to both talk to and run away from the strange girl in front of him.
Seraphine, on the other hand, stared at him without blinking—jaw slightly open, her doll slipping a little from her fingers.
> “He’s... really pretty,” she whispered without realizing, then instantly slapped both hands over her mouth in horror.
Kenneth tilted his head, confused.
> “Did you just call me pretty?”
> “N-no,” she blurted. “I mean—yes! I mean, you are! But—I didn’t mean to say it!”
He blinked again and then grinned with all the confidence only a royal five-year-old could muster.
> “Well, thanks. You’re not bad either.”
The Queen laughed softly, hand covering her mouth. Caldrin stifled a chuckle.
> “Kenneth,” his mother called, “this is Seraphine, daughter of Sir Caldrin. She came to meet me, but it seems she’s met someone even more interesting.”
Kenneth perked up and walked up to her excitedly.
> “Can she stay and play with me? Please?” he turned to his mother with wide, hopeful eyes. “I already finished my reading and I don’t want to be bored again!”
Seraphina gave a mock sigh, standing tall once more.
> “You are to begin training later today. You mustn't be late for it.”
> “I won’t! I promise!” he swore, fingers crossed behind his back. “Just a little bit of play. She looks like she’s good at... running!”
> “Running?” Seraphine asked, confused.
> “Yeah,” Kenneth nodded sagely. “You’ll need it. I’m the fastest person in this castle.”
> “That’s not true!” a maid called from the hallway nearby. “Prince Marek chased the Head Butler across three towers last week!”
> “Marek cheats!” Kenneth yelled back, earning another round of laughter.
Queen Seraphina chuckled again and gave in.
> “Very well. Seraphine may stay. But if you’re late for training, Malrik will not be pleased. And neither will I.”
> “Yes, Mama!” Kenneth said, already taking Seraphine’s hand. “Come on! I’ll show you the best hiding spot in the garden!”
Seraphine giggled, struggling to keep up with his quick steps as he dragged her toward the outer halls.
Sir Caldrin turned to the Queen and bowed deeply once again.
> “Thank you, my Queen.”
> “You have honored me with her name,” Seraphina replied, eyes still on the children as they disappeared into the corridor.
> “She is more than a name,” Caldrin said quietly. “One day, she’ll be someone that matters.”
> “Then let today be the beginning,” Seraphina said, voice distant and thoughtful. “For both of them.”
- Writer
