Chapter 4: Seraphine

The carriage pulled away, leaving me standing at the castle gates with my suitcase in hand. Before me stood a stern-looking woman who appeared to be in her early forties. Her expression was unreadable as she assessed me with sharp eyes.

"Miss Hawthorne," she said curtly.

I nodded, feeling her gaze linger on me, likely weighing every stitch of my patched dress. It wasn't an unfamiliar feeling—back home, the girls often stared too, whispering behind their hands. I was always the odd one, the girl with her nose buried in books, wearing clothes mended with scraps my mother had managed to get for free.

"Follow me," she commanded, her tone brisk.

I trailed behind her as she walked quickly, her heels clicking against the stone floors. The castle was grander than anything I could have imagined, and it was hard not to gape at the intricate tapestries and towering archways as she guided me through the corridors.

"This," she began, gesturing to the hall we had just entered, "is one of the areas you will be responsible for cleaning. At the end of each day, your work will be evaluated. Staff rankings are updated weekly, and those who perform well may earn incentives, such as permission to visit the capital market on weekends or coin bonuses."

I nodded, trying to take it all in.

"This is the crown's home," she continued, her voice firm. "The jewel of our kingdom. Everything must be spotless at all times."

We turned down a narrower hallway, the light dimmer here.

"What happens if you rank last?" I asked hesitantly.

She stopped abruptly, glancing over her shoulder at me with a cold stare. "You will be dismissed."

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

"However," she added, her gaze returning to the corridor ahead, "you were recommended by the prince himself. I expect nothing less than excellence."

The prince? My eyes widened in shock. Why would the prince recommend me? Perhaps this was divine intervention—a chance gifted by fate.

We descended a staircase, the wooden steps creaking slightly underfoot. As we went deeper, the torches lining the walls flickered to life one by one. I gasped in surprise.

The woman sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Have you never seen mana stones before, Miss Hawthorne?"

"Yes," I admitted, "but only in books. Never in person."

"They are used throughout the castle," she explained. "For light, heat, and even cool air in the summer. You'll become accustomed to them as you work."

At the bottom of the stairs, the muffled sounds of voices grew louder. We entered a large, bustling room that resembled a cafeteria. People in maid and footman uniforms moved about, talking and eating at long wooden tables.

"This is where you will take your meals," she said, pointing to the room. "Down that hall," she added, indicating one of the many doorways, "is where the staff lodges. Men are on one side, women on the other. Under no circumstances are men allowed in the women's quarters, and vice versa."

"Of course," I murmured, feeling my cheeks warm.

"Each room is shared between two people. Yours is number 96. There are separate uniforms for each season—winter, summer, and spring. Get settled in tonight, and your training begins tomorrow."

She gave me a curt nod and turned to leave, but I reached out instinctively, lightly brushing her sleeve.

Her sharp eyes snapped back to mine. "Yes, Miss Hawthorne?"

I quickly withdrew my hand. "Oh, um... What is your name?"

She adjusted her glasses, the movement only emphasizing her stern demeanor. "My name is Hilda. I am the housekeeper. Is there anything else?"

"No, that's all," I said softly, stepping back.

Hilda gave a brisk nod and disappeared into the crowd. I turned my attention to the tables of staff members, each engrossed in their own conversations. Clutching my suitcase tightly, I set off down the hall, reading the numbers on each door until I found room 96—the last door on the right.

I opened it cautiously and was immediately met with an exuberant voice.

"You're here!"

A tall girl with fiery red hair and twin braids bounded toward me, her freckled face glowing with excitement. Before I could react, she wrapped me in a tight hug.

I stiffened, unsure how to respond, and pulled back awkwardly.

"Sorry!" she said quickly, her grin unfaltering. "I'm just so excited! I haven't had a roommate in ages. I'm Sofia, by the way. Where are you from? Is this your first time being a maid?" She paused, her eyes going wide. "Oh no, I should've asked the most important question first. What's your name?"

Her energy was overwhelming, but I managed a small smile. "I'm Seraphine."

"Seraphine!" she exclaimed, as if the name itself was delightful. "You're so pretty!"

I blinked in surprise as she grabbed my arm and pulled me further into the room, shutting the door behind us.

"I can tell we're going to be great friends," she declared. "Sorry for bombarding you with questions. You can tell me all about yourself later. I'll let you get settled in first."

I glanced around the room. It was bigger than the one I shared with my siblings back home. Two beds stood on opposite sides of the room, with matching desks and a small adjoining bathroom.

I placed my suitcase on the empty bed and began unpacking the few belongings I had brought with me.

"Is that all you brought?" Sofia asked, her cheerful tone softening slightly.

"Yes," I said quietly.

"Don't worry," she said with a bright smile. "When we go to the market, we'll find you all sorts of things!"

I couldn't help but smile faintly at her enthusiasm.

"Bet you're hungry, aren't you?" she said, her eyes glinting mischievously.

I nodded, realizing how empty my stomach felt.

"Come on," Sofia said, grabbing my arm again. "Let's get you some food, and then I'll give you the real tour—and maybe even some dirt on the castle." She winked conspiratorially.

Before I could respond, she was already leading me back down the hall. Her lively energy was contagious, and for the first time since arriving, my nerves began to ease.

I couldn't help but wonder, though—would I be able to keep up with her boundless enthusiasm?