CHAPTER 2
1190 Words
CHAPTER 2
SERAFINA'S POV
The queen emerged from the bath, her perfect skin adorned with water droplets. Stepping forward, Serafina and the other maid gently draped a silk robe over her shoulders. They moved precisely to make sure they never lingered too long or stepped too near. The queen's presence begged respect as much as dread.
She raised her arms once more, standing in the middle of her opulent chamber. She removed her robe and dressed royally. Carefully,rafina fastened the delicate jewels around her neck, another knelt to slide golden slippers over her feet.
A quick sneeze broke the quiet.
The maid who had been kneeling gasped and started to straighten herself. Your Highness, I deserve to die.
The queen's face turned furiously angry. Echoing off the marble walls, the slap came harshly and quickly. "Hodaring areng you is? Have you lost respect? Not fear?"
Pushed to the floor, the maid moaned. "Forget me..."
With her eyes darting to Serafina, the queen kicked off the slippers. Burnthem,he said.
Serafina bowed her head, scooping up the discarded footwear as the queen swept past them, her robe billowing behind her. The maid remained on the floor, shaking. Serafina muttered. The queen imposed more punishment than privilege.
Serafina hesitated back in her quarters before putting the slippers in a woven basket. The slippers alone could help my uncle with his expenses.
"What do you have in mind?" A voice startled her.
Serafina spun to find Beatrice, her closest friend—possibly the only one. only one. She raised a smile. "The queen gave me directions on burning her slippers. At first, I thought I would take a break.
Smirking, Beatrice pinched Serafina's cheek. "You cunning weasel. One day, someone will catch you sneaking out of the palace. You are aware of its forbidden nature.
Serafina stammered and rubbed her cheek. "That hurts. No one will find me. My uncle needs assistance urgently. The house has kicked him out."
The face of Beatrice slumped. "Oh no; That is terrible."Serafina
He nodded. "I have to act—even if it means personally going to the king."
Beatrice laughed derisively. "The king? Are you mad? Do you have a death wish?"
"If I don’t help, they’ll be on the streets."
Beatrice let out a sigh. Serafina was always prepared to put everything online for others. "Let us wait." Something will happen.
Serafina nodded with a sigh. "I should back off before the head maid spots me here."
Beatrice smiled. "I will call her personally if you do not leave right now. I need some sleep.
Serafina mimicked a bow. Indeed, they were night shifters.
Laughing, Beatrice asked, "You are also on night shift. We will be sleeping tonight together.
Serafina let out a sigh. Fantastic.
Sitting in the palace gardens, the king watched the lake's glittering surface bathed in golden sunlight. There was still the aroma of fresh flowers. Closing his eyes, he remembered early years when his father would walk next to him, a giant of a man sporting a gentle smile.
"Your Highness."
The familiar voice astonished him. Born to one of the concubines of the king, Lorenzo stood before him, his stepbrother.
"What brought you here?"
"Does visiting my brother motivate me?" Lorenzo asked," Lorenzo took a seat next to him. Usually, their close relationship led others to believe they were full-blooded brothers. "WHY are you out here alone?"
"Is it criminal to appreciate my own company?"
Not quite. Still, you are always by yourself. I sometimes forget you have a queen.
The king's smile faded.
Lorenzo murmured. "She still distances herself even after eight years?"
The king did not respond.
"Why not take a concubine?" Pressing Lorenzo was difficult.
The jaw of the king tightened. That is not at all reasonable. It would merely drive her even further away. She might already be resentful of me, but I won't offer her another excuse.
Lorenzo laughed sarcastically. However, the story cannot continue forever. When was the last night you even—" He paused. "—shipped together?"
Quietness.
Lorenzo gave a headshake. "Tell me she refuses even that?"
"I will not cover such things."
Lorenzo got up and changed his tunic. "Good. Consider what I mentioned just now.
The king exhaled strongly as his brother left. He took a concubine. He had never given the idea any thought. Three was what his father had. countless, his grandfather. Still, he was the only king to stick to one woman—one who hated him. Though he had given her everything, she looked at him with only contempt.
Why is she so hateful of me?
Tidying the queen's quarters, Serafina and another maid
"Where is Her Highness?" Serafina asked in a lower voice.
The maid laughed mockingly. She went. She stated that she didn't require an escort. Not even her eunuch travelled with her.
Serafina gave a frown. "That's strange. Where might she have disappeared to?"
"Maybe to see the king?"
Serafina's gaze locked with the other maid's. Both of them were considering the same thing.
"Enough ruckus." Empty the bath, then top it with fresh water.
Serafina sighed. "Why do I always get the hard tasks?"
"Just do it, lazy ass."
She sighed and started towards the bath. She heard quiet voices as she pulled water from the well. She hid behind a bush, listening intently.
One maid quietly asked, "Do you truly believe in that old myth?"
"Sure! I had heard that an oracle predicted the king's catastrophe at his birth. There might be another oracle among us.
Serafina nodded with a smile. Is she a fortune teller? That helps me to get ideas.
"Not!" gasped Beatrice.
Serafina pushed her lightly for fun. "Come on, it's a great idea."
Scrubbing the king's clothes, they were outside under the full moon.
"You are going to con others out of money? Do you know what will happen if you get caught?"
"I won't." It's just harmless. Only among the maids"—a small lie here. Please? just for a little period. For Uncle".
Purposively splashing Serafina, Beatrice dipped a cloth into soapy water.
"Stop it!" Serafina protested, shielding herself.
"You're on your own."
Serafina laughed. "this is the reason you are my best friend."
Beatrice rolled her eyes, experiencing a feeling of completion. I will not help you this time.
Draped in a ragged red shawl, a lace veil covering her face, Serafina sat in her dimly lit quarters with the queen's thrown-off slippers on her feet.
She said, in a deep voice, "Give me your hand."
The reluctant maid spread out her palm.
Serafina ran her fingers over it. "I foresee disaster. The king is filled with a deep-seated anger. The king—he is enraged with you. Bring me something valued at ten gold pieces if you want to be safe.
The maids hopped back. Sure, right! Scam artist!"
Serafina cursed as they hurried out. Perhaps I ought not have asked for so much.
A frantic maid came back with a hairpin in hand the next morning. You were accurate! Please remove my suffering!
Serafina smiled. The moment was only the beginning.
- Writer
