CHAPTER 3
996 Words
CHAPTER 3
SERAFINA'S POV
Word of the oracle living among them had leaked across the palace.
"I heard the spirit of the old oracle possessed her." A maid whispered.
"Well, I heard that she received the gift from the heavens from the moment she was born." She included yet another gift.
"Well, I heard she dropped into the river and came back out a different person."
There were several origin stories, and Serafina's lie had grown to be rather significant. She even began to get visits from palace guards. She worked during the prophesied night; sleep had become a luxury.
She quickly had enough money to present to her uncle.
"Here, Uncle, pick your stuff up." She passed him a gold-filled bag.
Shaky hands, he took it and opened it. His breath caught in a gasp. "I have nothing to say. How did you come to have this?"
"It's not relevant. What's important is that you can start anew." I'm
I'm not sure what to say." He took her hand. "Thanks. I greatly appreciate it.
Serafina became agitated. "This is the least I could do for you. You reared me and provided me with a loving family. Uncle, you are due the best.
He tried to wipe his tears. Your parents would be rather proud of you.
"I ought to start getting going. Hey, make sure Aunt and the kids are taken care of. He nodded, then Serafina dashed towards the palace gate.
She came just in time, fortunately, to follow the others to the assembly.
Serafina noted all eyes on her as the head maid announced their daily responsibilities.
"sera Seraphina, the head maid, answered with a strict tone. "Your duty is in the gardens."
indeed, ma'am.
With tools in a basket, Serafina headed to the garden. She ran across a maiden en route.
"I'm sorry, Oracle; forgive me." The maid bowed.
Serafina had been getting this kind of treatment ever since. Despite not being accustomed to it, Serafina had to adapt. "it's good. Stay out of trouble. I hope the heavens make your day brilliant. She plastered on a brilliant smile.
The maid grinned and began to thank her. "Thanks, Oracle."
At last, Serafina arrived at the garden. Perhaps I should just let everyone know I left behind the gift. I have already met my objective. Do I have to keep going? She had no idea how she managed to avoid drawing suspicion for so long. Her only actions were alerting people of impending disaster and urging them to have it removed. Are people that easy to fool? The first one bearing a king had been pure chance. Would her side always be lucky?
She inhaled deeply and then got to work cutting the plants. She watered them afterward and sowed fresh seeds.
She stood up and felt a sudden pain in her back. She heard a pop while stretching. Then footprints.
Panic started right away. She hid behind some plants without thinking.
She could see feet but not faces.
"We cannot keep on doing this." It was said with a man's voice.
"do you not enjoy our time together anymore?" The second voice was known to me. Almost familiar. The eyes of Serafina grew wide. Her hands flew across her mouth to prevent sound production. She was dead if she were found.
"Of course, my queen, but hiding like this—like we're doing something wrong—I don't like it."
"Do you now propose that we do it in front of the king so he may learn? Are you shameless? You believe it's easy for me? I lowered myself so low to be with you! I let only you touch me!
He held her hands. And I find immense honor in this. I apologize for not giving your viewpoint any thought. I responded out of emotion.
The queen laid a hand on his face. "There's nothing to pardon." They kissed.
Her garden tools were still on the ground, Serafina realized, horrifyingly.
The queen and her mate split apart. "What is that??" The queen questioned.
"Their tools are tools." The man retorted. "Do you suppose one of the servants dropped them here?"
"I never know." The queen began to look around.
In her chest, Serafina's heart hammered. Promising she would stop her false prophesies should she survive, she closed her eyes and prayed for the heavens to assist her.
The queen moved in front of me.
Suddenly, a guard appeared. "My Queen, the king has asked for your immediate presence."
Hurrying away were the queen and her lover.
With tears flowing freely, Serafina fell to the ground and inhaled deeply. Suddenly a sword was pointing at her neck.
"I knew someone else was here."
Her eyes went wide upon the face of the queen's lover. She knelt down straight away and bowed.
"Please spare me," she asked, shedding tears. "I didn’t mean any harm, Your Highness." Prince Lorenzo radiated a captivating charm, evoking the demonic.
"Give me one argument against killing you right here, right now. You came across something you ought not to have. Why should I let you go?
She developed cold sweats on her forehead. "Be because I am a poor maid. Nothing from my word means. He would have my head cut off if I even tried to tell the king. He wouldn't likely believe a word I say."
Lorenzo pulled back his sword. "That's right. And to waste my blade on someone as unworthy as you would be a shame. You should not speak to anyone about this. If you do that, both you and that person will die.
Glaring, he turned to leave.
Serafina fell to the ground once more and coughed. She had come out from under death. Twice:
--——
Serafina sat on her bed that evening, fixed on the white roses the king had thrown aside. She lost herself running her fingers over the petals. What mess have I gotten into this time?
- Writer
