Arkenhall's palace stood like a vision pulled from a dream.
It wasn't just a building...it was a kingdom wrapped in stone and glass, perched atop the highest rise in the city. Ivory-white walls stretched high, crowned with golden battlements that shimmered under the sunlight. Ornate towers pierced the sky, and long banners of deep blue and silver danced in the breeze, bearing the sigil of the royal house: a phoenix rising from flame. Grand archways, gardens of crystal fountains, and trimmed hedges shaped like mythical beasts lined the path to the main gate.
Caelia and Mira stood just beyond the palace's towering gates, their travel-worn clothes clashing starkly against the elegance surrounding them. Mira stared in awe, and even Caelia, though she'd seen this place before, felt breathless. In her first life, she had never entered these gates—not like this.
A knight, tall and armored in silver, stepped forward, his sword gleaming at his side. His face was unreadable beneath his helm, voice stern.
"What brings you to the royal palace?"
Mira stepped up before Caelia could speak. "Good morning, Ser. We're here for the maid recruitment."
The knight studied them for a moment. Then, with a curt nod, he motioned for them to follow. "Head through the main path. You'll be taken to the staff grounds for assessment."
They curtsied slightly—awkward, unsure—and hurried through the gates.
As they walked under the vast archways, the palace opened up like a whole new world. Footmen and maids scurried with silver trays and silken linens. There were guards posted at every corner, and grand statues of past rulers lined the walkways. The scent of blooming roses and lemon trees filled the air.
Caelia glanced at Mira. "What will you do after this? Are you heading back to Wrenford… or—?"
Mira scoffed softly. "And leave you here alone? Never. I'm applying too."
Caelia stared at her. "You don't have to."
"I know," Mira grinned. "But I want to."
They reached the recruitment grounds—a large courtyard where several young women had already gathered. Some looked nervous, others excited. All were dressed simply, hair tied, shoes clean. The royal staff, mostly stern-looking women in elegant uniforms, stood behind a long table, holding parchment scrolls and quills.
The assessment began.
Each girl was made to state her name, origin, and demonstrate tasks: carrying heavy trays, folding linens, cleaning, composure tests, and etiquette drills. It wasn't easy—especially under the unblinking gaze of the head maid, Mistress Ilena, who seemed to miss nothing.
Then came her.
A girl in a dress too fine for the occasion stepped forward. Her dark red curls were pinned with golden clips, and her expression was soaked in arrogance. She barely bowed.
"I'm Lysandra Vale. My uncle is a merchant who dines with the high lords. I'm here simply because I wish to serve royalty," she said, looking down her nose at the others. Her eyes lingered on Caelia and Mira with disdain.
Mira muttered under her breath, "She's dressed like she's applying to marry the Prince."
Lysandra caught it and sneered. "Some of us were raised with class."
Caelia said nothing. She didn't need to. She knew her purpose.
Despite the tension, Caelia and Mira gave their all—scrubbing, folding, pouring tea, and answering etiquette questions. Caelia's hands were steady, her movements graceful. Mira's energy and attention to detail didn't go unnoticed either.
After what felt like hours, Mistress Ilena stepped forward with a scroll.
"We will now read the names of those selected."
The silence was deafening.
"Mira Calloway."
Mira gasped and clutched Caelia's hand.
"Caelia Rynn."
Relief and pride surged through her chest.
"Lysandra Vale."
Of course.
Each of them was given their new assignments.
"Mira Calloway—you'll serve in the West Wing kitchens. Caelia Rynn—you are assigned to the royal residential quarters. Lysandra Vale—also assigned to the royal residential quarters."
Caelia blinked. The royal quarters? Already?
Lysandra turned to her with a cold smile. "Looks like I'll be seeing more of you, Wrenford."
Caelia met her gaze without flinching.
This time, she was ready for anything.