Chapter 3 : Serphaine

My father stepped outside just as I turned back to the letter in my trembling hands, my heart still racing.

"What is it, Seraphine? You look pale," he said, his brows knitting in concern.

I blinked, trying to form the words. "The castle," I whispered, the weight of the moment settling over me. "The head maid has invited me to work there."

Before I could say more, my father snatched the letter from my hand, his expression darkening. Without a word, he stormed into the house.

"Father!" I called after him, hastening to follow.

The door slammed behind me, and my mother turned from the stove, confusion etched on her face. "Seraphine, the door," she scolded gently.

"I've received a letter from the head maid," I said quickly, ignoring her rebuke. "They're offering me a position at the castle."

My father's face hardened as he paced the room. "You're not going," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"What? Why not?" I demanded, my voice rising.

My mother glanced toward my younger siblings, who were seated at the table, their wide eyes darting between us.

"Aggie, Ren," she said softly, "take your breakfast upstairs."

They obeyed without question, bustling up the narrow staircase with their plates in hand.

Once they were gone, my father turned to me, his expression grim. "The royals," he began slowly, "are not kind people. They look down on us common folk, and they will not hesitate to trample on your spirit. I will not allow you to subject yourself to that."

I shook my head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I know how they treat us," I said, my voice trembling, "but I'm doing this for us—for our family."

My mother's features softened as she stepped toward me, taking my hand in hers. "What do you mean, child?"

I hesitated, then let the truth spill out. "I saw the notices on the door. We're behind on payments. Father lost his job when the factory closed, and the money you earn barely covers our meals. This job could help us get back on our feet. Please, let me do this."

The room fell silent as my parents exchanged a look. Finally, my mother gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "You're so young, Seraphine. Too young to carry such burdens. You've always taken on more than you should—always worrying, always striving. You get that from your father," she added with a faint smile.

"But," she continued, "you should be living as a seventeen-year-old. You should be making friends, laughing, and exploring life—not serving in a palace where you'll be nothing more than a shadow."

My father nodded in agreement. "She's right, Seraphine. Focus on being young while you still can."

I clenched my fists at my sides. "So, it's a no," I said flatly.

They both nodded, and I pulled my hand free from my mother's grasp. "I need some air," I said, my voice tight.

Without waiting for a reply, I left the house, walking down the hill that was speckled with mellow flowers. My heart ached with a mix of anger and resolve.

In a year, I would be an adult, free to make my own choices. But a year was too long to wait—not when my family was struggling. They wanted me to stand idly by, to pretend everything would fix itself.

I sat down in the soft grass, gazing at the castle in the distance. Its towers pierced the sky, a symbol of wealth and power. "I'm doing this for you," I whispered.

That night, when the house was silent and everyone was asleep, I packed my belongings into a single suitcase. By the light of a flickering candle, I sat down to write a letter.

Dear Mother and Father,

Do not be afraid or worried when you find this. I have accepted the offer to work at the castle. I know you will be angry, and I can only hope you will not hate me for this decision.

Please understand that I love you all deeply. It pains me to see the stress you both carry. You were right—I am not an adult yet. But soon, I will be, and I must begin carving my path in this world.

Tell Aggie and Ren that I will miss them dearly. I will send my earnings to you to help lighten your burdens.

With love,

Your daughter

Folding the letter, I set it on the table and blew out the candle. I lingered in my room for a moment, taking in its familiar warmth. Quietly, I closed the door behind me and crept into my siblings' room.

I kissed their foreheads as they slept, the weight of my decision settling on my heart. Who knew when I would see them again? I thought of waking my parents, of saying goodbye, but I knew they would stop me.

Steeling myself, I stepped into the night.

The journey to the castle was long, the moon my only companion for much of the way. When I arrived at the gates of the capital, my heart quickened. This was a place for nobles, for those who belonged to a world I had only seen from afar.

I handed my invitation and papers to the guards, who inspected them before waving me through.

The road, once gravel, became smooth stone lined with grand estates. Each home was larger and more opulent than the last, but none compared to the castle that loomed ahead. Its beige walls gleamed with a soft golden hue as the rising sun painted the sky in warm colors.

The sight was breathtaking, and for the first time since leaving home, a small smile touched my lips. Despite the uncertainty and fear that lingered, I felt a pull toward the castle—a strange sense that this was where I was meant to be.

The heaviness in my chest lifted, replaced by a tentative hope. I would make this work. I had to. This was more than just a job; it was a chance to change everything.

And though my hands trembled, my resolve did not falter. This was my first step into a new life. I would not fail.