Chapter 1

I sit up straight in my bed, covered in sweat. I don't know why I keep dreaming about that garden, those kids. Neither do I know why this is the only thing I remember about my life before I turned seven. It's like a black hole in my brain wiped all my old memories away.

Slowly my heart rate slows down again and I step out of bed towards my little bathroom. Seeing as I’m already later than normal, I quickly take off my nightgown and turn on the shower. I shower as fast as I can and when I'm done I return to my room, putting on a black dress with black tights. I put my dark brown hair in a ponytail, but as I look in the mirror and look at my hair, I can see the golden color coming through. 'I really need to dye my hair again,' I think to myself.

Mentally adding that to my never-ending to-do-list, I reach into my dresser and take out a small box. This is always my least favorite moment of the day but as Madam says, 'as long as it helps me to stay hidden from people who want to hurt me, the pain is a needed evil.' I open the box and take out two colored lenses. They're green, the color of newly grown grass, my favorite. Putting the lenses in my eyes still hurts, even though I've had two whole years to master the skill. After putting the lenses in place I take a last look in the mirror, happy with the result.

Quickly and as silently as I can, I walk out of my room and to the kitchen where I fill a kettle with water. After having put it on the heater I start making sandwiches. Two for Madam, one with bacon and one with egg, just how she likes it. I take a serving tray out of one of the drawers and put the sandwiches in the middle, then I pick up a silver and gold embroidered cup, putting it next to the sandwiches as well as a crystal glass which I fill with apple juice. As the kettle starts whistling I take it off of the heater and put some herbs in it. After having put it on the serving tray behind the cup I pick up the tray and start walking through the manor towards Madam's bedroom.

As I reach the door leading to Madam's bedroom, I shift the tray to my left hand, while I knock on her door with my right.

"Come in," I hear her say.

Quickly I open the door and walk in. "Good morning, Madam. How are you feeling today?" I ask, putting the tray on her lap. Her beautiful black hair with white streaks falls in waves over her shoulders while her grey-blue eyes study me while I open the curtains.

"I am fine, Em. Thank you for asking." She picks up the kettle and starts pouring tea into her cup.

"Madam, I was wondering if I could go to the store today. We need more groceries and I also need new hair dye, so-" Madam raises her hand, shushing me.

"I forgot to tell you, we have company this afternoon, the queen decided to visit us, so I need you here. You can ask that friend of yours to get the groceries."

I stand looking at Madam, very aware I'm gawking at her with my mouth open, but unable to do anything else. After what feels like an hour but is in fact just a few seconds I succeed in closing my mouth, before practically squeaking out, "The queen? W-why would she come h-here?"

"I have no idea," Madam says, looking unaffected by the news. "That is why I need you to clean the mansion from top to bottom before she arrives with princess Persephone."

"P-princess Persephone is c-coming too?" I ask, my palms starting to sweat.

"Yes, so you had better begin cleaning right now if you want to be done on time."

"Yes Madam," I say, bowing respectfully. "I will be back in an hour to collect the tray." After having said this, I turn around walking to the supply closet. 'Oh. My. Gods. The queen is coming to see Madam.' I can hardly keep the excitement contained as I start cleaning.