The Political Power of the Palace
The morning was still young when the palace bells rang three times, signaling the start of an important meeting in the grand hall. Seraphina stood in the corner of the room, carrying a tray of wine and small bread, trying to observe the atmosphere without drawing attention. However, her eyes couldn't stray from the conversation unfolding among the nobles.
They sat on large chairs draped in red silk, each dressed in their finest attire. Their gazes were cautious, every word spoken like a double-edged sword.
"Your Majesty, the situation at the border is worsening," said Lord Victor, the Minister of War. His deep and firm voice, along with his stern expression, conveyed his concern. "If we do not act soon, the Kingdom of Eloria will advance even further."
Prince Adrian sat in the highest chair, his chin resting on his hand. His gaze was sharp but unhurried. He seemed to be carefully considering Victor's words.
"We will send scouts," Adrian replied, his voice low but full of authority. "There will be no major movement until we are certain of Eloria's intentions."
Seraphina felt the tension filling the room. It was not just the words that mattered, but also the subtle details—the flick of an eye, a brief smile, or a change in tone. Behind all the formality, something much bigger was at play.
**
"Politics here is like a chess game," whispered Clara, the senior maid, who suddenly appeared beside Seraphina. "Every move must be carefully planned, or you'll be taken down before you even get a chance to act."
"It seems more complicated than a game," Seraphina replied, her eyes still fixed on the nobles now engaged in a heated debate about land taxes.
"Indeed," Clara nodded, her voice low. "In the palace, every smile can mean war, and every sweet word can be a trap."
Seraphina was beginning to understand that Valoria's palace was a battlefield of a different kind. It was not about swords and shields, but words and influence. Everyone in that room had their own agenda, and anyone weak would be swiftly eliminated.
**
That afternoon, Seraphina walked through the palace gardens, trying to process everything she had witnessed in the hall earlier. However, she stopped in her tracks when she heard voices from behind the tall rose wall.
"We must ensure Evelyn remains on our side," a man's voice was clear. "If she joins Lucian, we could lose everything."
"You underestimate Evelyn," another voice replied. "She is far smarter than you think."
Seraphina tried to remain completely silent. Those names—Evelyn and Lucian—felt like pieces of a puzzle that were finally starting to form a bigger picture.
Footsteps approached. Seraphina turned and hurried away before she could be discovered.
**
That night in her room, Seraphina pondered. The political power within the palace was far more dangerous than she had imagined. She was no longer just a girl who could live without caring about what was happening around her. If she wanted to survive in Valoria, she had to learn to play the game—and more than that, she had to know who she could trust.
A soft knock on her door interrupted the silence of the night. Seraphina slowly stood up, a bad feeling creeping into her heart.
"Who is there?" she asked, but there was no answer.
**
The twilight cast a golden glow through the stained glass windows of Valoria's reception hall. Laughter and murmurs filled the air, but beneath the lively atmosphere, there was a tension Seraphina couldn't ignore. She stood in the corner of the hall, carrying a tray of wine goblets, watching the guests move about like shadows in a grand theatrical performance.
Seraphina's gaze fell upon a man who had just entered the room. He was different from the others—his face was handsome, but there was something hidden behind his eyes. His dark hair fell to his shoulders, and the deep cloak he wore contrasted starkly with his warm smile. He moved with confidence, as if he knew every inch of the room.
"Who is he?" Seraphina whispered to Clara, who stood beside her.
Clara glanced over, raising an eyebrow. "That is King Lucian of the Kingdom of Eloria—a nobleman, or at least, that is what he claims to be."
King Lucian. The name felt unfamiliar, yet it echoed in Seraphina's mind like a warning she couldn't quite grasp.
**
"Your Majesty Adrian," Lucian said, bowing gracefully before the prince. "It is an honor to be in this magnificent palace."
Adrian gave a slight nod, his gaze never leaving Lucian's face. "What brings you to Valoria, King Lucian?"
"Business, of course," Lucian answered lightly, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "The tales of Valoria's splendor have reached our ears in Eloria. I felt it necessary to see it with my own eyes."
"Eloria," Adrian murmured, half-smiling. "A kingdom always full of surprises."
Lucian chuckled softly. "Kingdoms are the spice of life, aren't they?"
Seraphina continued to watch from a distance. There was something unsettling about the way Lucian spoke—too smooth, too confident, as if he knew more than he should.
**
A while later, Lucian stepped toward the table where Seraphina stood. He took a glass of wine from her tray, his gaze piercing as if he could see straight through her soul.
"You're not an ordinary servant, are you?" Lucian said, his voice gentle yet filled with meaning.
Seraphina stiffened but quickly steadied herself. "I am merely a servant, sir."
Lucian smiled faintly. "Oh, but your eyes say otherwise." He leaned in slightly, his voice almost a whisper. "Be careful in this palace. Not everyone who smiles is a friend."
Before Seraphina could respond, Lucian had already turned away, leaving her with a storm of questions swirling in her mind.
**
The night deepened, but Seraphina's thoughts were still filled with the image of Lucian. She walked through the quiet palace corridors, trying to decipher the meaning behind his warning. Was Lucian truly a noble from Eloria, or was there something darker lurking beneath his facade?
When she reached her door, Seraphina found a letter slipped beneath it. The black ink scrawled across the yellowed paper felt like a veiled threat:
"Do not get too close to the shadows, or you will be lost within them."
Seraphina quickly turned, sensing someone watching her from the darkness of the corridor. Footsteps echoed softly, drawing closer.
"Who's there?" Seraphina called out, her voice nearly breaking.
But only silence answered her.
**
Seraphina stood in the middle of the vast, cold hall. The sharp gazes of the senior servants bore into her, scrutinizing her every movement. The scent of burning candles and the chill of the marble floor only heightened the unfamiliarity that enveloped her.
"Seraphina," Evelyn's sharp voice shattered the silence. "You will clean the banquet hall on your own before sundown. Not a speck of dust should remain, or I will make sure you regret ever setting foot here."
Seraphina stood in the middle of the grand, cold hall. The sharp gazes of the senior servants bore into her, scrutinizing her every movement. The scent of burning candles and the icy marble floor only deepened the unfamiliar feeling that engulfed her.
"Seraphina," Evelyn's sharp voice shattered the silence, "you will clean this banquet hall by yourself before sunset. Not a speck of dust should remain, or… I will make sure you regret your existence here."
Seraphina swallowed the anger rising in her chest. She already knew this was Evelyn's way of humiliating her in front of everyone. She bowed her head, choosing not to retaliate.
"Yes, Lady Evelyn," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
As Evelyn walked away with a satisfied smirk, Seraphina took a deep breath. The banquet hall was massive, with towering ceilings and large windows that allowed the afternoon sunlight to filter in. Cleaning it alone seemed like an impossible task, but she refused to give up.
**
Hours passed. Sweat dripped down her temple, and her hands trembled with exhaustion. She glanced at the window; the sun was nearly set, painting the sky in shades of orange. Wiping her forehead, she looked at her work with pride, despite her body threatening to collapse.
However, footsteps echoed from the entrance. Evelyn reappeared, accompanied by Queen Helena, who regarded her with a look of pure disdain.
"Pathetic," Queen Helena said, folding her arms. "I don't understand why Prince Adrian brought someone like you here. You're not even fit to be a palace servant."
Evelyn smirked. "Oh, I agree, Your Majesty. But perhaps we could give her a chance to prove herself—with something much harder."
"Make sure she knows her place," Queen Helena added before turning away.
Seraphina felt her chest tighten, but she stood firm. She would not let them see her break.
"What else must I do, Lady Evelyn?" she asked flatly, masking her exhaustion.
Evelyn stepped closer, so near that Seraphina could smell the overwhelming scent of her rose perfume.
"You will serve at tonight's banquet," she said, her voice laced with malice. "And make sure you don't make any mistakes, or I will make you regret ever setting foot here."
**
When night fell, the once-empty hall was now filled with nobles. Seraphina stood in the corner, gripping a silver tray with trembling hands. Evelyn watched her from across the room, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Seraphina, hurry! Wine for Prince Adrian!" another servant urged.
She quickly approached the main table, but her foot caught on the thick carpet. In an instant, red wine spilled, soaking Prince Adrian's silk cloak. The room fell into silence.
Evelyn's smirk widened, while Queen Helena's eyes burned with fury.
"Leave," Queen Helena whispered coldly. "And don't let me see your face again tonight."
Seraphina lowered her head, holding back the tears threatening to fall. She turned and walked out of the hall, her steps slow and heavy. In the deserted corridor, she finally let her tears slip.
But hidden in the shadows, a pair of eyes watched her—curious and something more.
**
Soft footsteps echoed through the dimly lit halls of Valoria's palace. The golden-framed windows let in faint streams of moonlight, casting long shadows on the marble floors. Seraphina walked slowly, her heartbeat slightly faster than usual. That morning, she had been summoned to meet Queen Helena—a request far too formal for a mere new servant.
Inside a small meeting chamber filled with the scent of sandalwood, Queen Helena sat on a red silk-covered chair, a living statue of elegance, yet utterly cold. Her sharp eyes studied Seraphina, who stood before her.
"Seraphina, isn't it?" Queen Helena's voice was flat, yet something about her tone cut deep. "I almost didn't notice—the girl my son brought here was you."
Seraphina bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Queen Helena crossed her arms. "I've heard many things about you. A girl from an unknown world. Truly… intriguing, that Adrian allowed you to stay here."
Seraphina fought to remain calm despite the chilling aura surrounding the room. "I only wish to work and fulfill my duties as expected."
Helena's lips curled slightly, though her smile was full of hidden meaning, like a snake watching its prey. "Duties? Do you truly believe you can blend in here? You're fortunate that my husband and son allowed you to stay."
Helena rose from her chair, her gown flowing like water as she moved toward the large window, gazing at the sprawling gardens below.
"You see, Seraphina, Valoria is not a place for the weak. Only those with noble blood or exceptional wit survive here. And you… you are neither."
Seraphina straightened her posture, meeting Helena's gaze with quiet defiance despite the unease twisting inside her. "I am not seeking honor, Your Majesty. I only want to survive."
Queen Helena turned her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Survive, you say? Let's see how long you last. This palace has swallowed many souls far stronger than you."
**
Several servants entered, carrying trays of tea and delicate pastries, momentarily breaking the tension. However, Helena's gaze remained fixed on Seraphina, as if carefully weighing whether the girl deserved to stand before her.
"Listen closely, Seraphina," Helena said slowly. "You are a foreigner here, not part of this palace. Do not make me regret allowing you to stay."
Seraphina lowered her head, though the fire burning in her chest was hard to suppress. This conversation was not just a warning—it was a declaration of war.
**
In the quiet hallway, Clara waited with a worried expression. The moment Seraphina stepped out of the room, Clara quickly pulled her aside.
"What did the Queen say?" Clara whispered.
Seraphina took a deep breath, steadying herself. "She doesn't like me. She sees me as an outsider who doesn't belong here."
Clara stared at her seriously. "Queen Helena keeps a tight circle. She won't allow anyone she sees as a threat to remain in the palace. You need to be very careful, Seraphina."
Seraphina nodded slowly, though her mind was still replaying the Queen's cold words. She knew that from now on, she would have to tread carefully in the palace.
**
As Seraphina tried to sleep, a faint tapping sound came from her window. When she pulled back the curtain, she caught a glimpse of a shadow disappearing into the darkness of the garden.
"Who is that?" she whispered, but only the night wind answered.
Slowly, Seraphina rose from her bed, determined to find out who had been lurking outside her room every night. But when she stepped into the hallway, she found nothing but silence—no one was there.
Returning to her room, she quietly opened a diary filled with lyrics she had written. In it, she documented everything that had happened, including how Adrian's face eerily resembled John's. She was also investigating her mother's past—along with Adrian's secrets.
No matter what dangers lay ahead, Seraphina was determined to uncover the truth and seek justice.