Her highness arrives
555 Words
By morning, the mansion was in chaos.
The walls were being dusted like they were made of gold, mirrors polished like the Queen of England was coming, and someone had even replaced the guest room’s flower vases with fresh orchids that probably cost more than Louisiana’s entire wardrobe.
“Who’s coming?” she asked one of the maids, breathless, carrying a stack of pillows nearly taller than herself.
The girl gave her a pitying look. “Seraphina Blake. Mr. Reign’s fiancée.”
Louisiana blinked. “The what now?”
“She’s staying for a few days. Everything must be perfect. Spotless. No crumbs, no gossip, no staring. Especially you.”
“Why especially me?” Louisiana frowned.
“You’re new. And you’re… you.” The maid gestured vaguely at her face. “Pretty always causes problems when Seraphina’s around.”
Louisiana sighed dramatically. “Perfect. Just what I need. A boss who acts like I murdered his dog and a fiancée who might actually try.”
“Good luck,” the maid whispered and ran off.
---
By noon, all staff were lined up in the hallway. Louisiana stood at the edge of the line, tucking her white hair under a scarf. Maybe if she looked dull enough, she’d disappear.
Alexander appeared, tall and cold, as usual in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, looking like he was about to fire someone for breathing too loud.
He scanned the row of staff.
“When Miss Blake arrives,” he said, “you will show respect. You will obey. You will not speak to her unless spoken to.”
Louisiana muttered under her breath, “Does she bark or bite?”
His eyes cut to her instantly. “Something to say, Miss Vale?”
She blinked innocently. “Just… practicing obedience, sir.”
He stared at her, lips twitching. Not quite a smile. Almost worse. “Keep it up,” he said. “You’ll need it.”
I hope your shoelace comes undone and you trip over your ego, Louisiana cursed silently, smiling sweetly.
He tilted his head slightly. “Are you cursing me in your heart?”
She gasped. “How did you?”
“I can feel it,” he replied dryly. “Like static in the air.”
I hope it shocks you. She smiled again.
---
Later, as the sun dipped low, the air changed. Like something dramatic had entered the atmosphere.
That’s when the black car pulled up. The door opened slowly, like a movie scene.
And out stepped Seraphina Blake. She was tall, model-slim, wearing a white designer jumpsuit that clung to her like silk. Her black hair was slicked back in a perfect low bun, and her heels clicked like war drums as she walked. A bodyguard took her bag. A man in a suit whispered something to her. She didn’t respond. She walked up the steps, sunglasses on, not sparing a glance at anyone until her eyes fell on Louisiana.
She paused.
For one tiny, painful second Louisiana swore time slowed.
Then Seraphina looked away. Dismissed her. Just like that.
Alexander appeared behind Louisiana. “Don’t provoke her.”
Louisiana didn’t look at him. “I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said sweetly.
But if she starts anything, I’m ending it with bleach in her shampoo.
- Writer
