~~~~
In a possible future, in a world not unlike our own, one single kingdom rose as the dominant and only power. It was an ethereal realm with castles made of gemstone and technology so great it was indiscernible from magic. A land where humanity had advanced so far that to live in comfort and excess was the standard, and a life of hard labor and servitude was a rarity. It was known as the kingdom of Celene.
To be a worker, a servant, or a laborer in this kingdom was seen as a mark of honor. They were the 1% who slaved their lives away so others may prosper. Such a great sacrifice was recognized and rightfully praised. Alas, to be a worker was not a simple choice but a burden granted at birth. As in our time, where to be noble meant to be part of a family lineage, in this kingdom, a worker was a sort of birthright. Grand worker families spread their branches across the domain. To be born in one meant a life of hard work and labor, no matter your personal opinion.
However, their best and brightest were chosen for the highest of honors. To be personal servants for the eternal royal family that ruled this ethereal kingdom. Among those best and brightest exists one family. For generations, that family has held the grandest honor of being the only ones allowed to attend the Queen and her daughters. However, such an exclusive honor can create odd results in exceptional circumstances. Such abnormal results greatly influenced the life of a certain young woman who knew naught of what her family history truly meant.
~--~
“Serena, wake up!” Her mother’s familiar voice caused the young woman’s eyes to flutter open. It was a weekend, so she had allowed herself to sleep in, which made the urgency in her mother’s voice all the more confusing. Serena gingerly stepped out of bed with a yawn and brushed locks of long raven hair out of her face. She passed before a mirror and glanced at her own reflection; a seventeen-year-old girl with bright blue eyes and medium-length raven hair stared back. A brief thought to brush her bed head and wash her face passed through her mind, but she dismissed them.
‘I’ll do it after I know what has mother so worked up,’ Serena assured herself and shuffled out her door and down the hall. Another yawn escaped her mouth as she lazily stepped down the stairs. As she moved into the kitchen, the first thing she saw was her mother. Serena was her mother’s spitting image, but her mother was clearly much older and had longer hair. As they locked eyes, the older woman had a flash of panic. “What’s her proble-?” Serena thought until she realized they had a houseguest.
The woman stood tall, with an air of authority. Serena instantly recognized their royal garb from TV and pictures. The formal outfit was almost militaristic in design, resembling a military officer’s uniform, but was softened enough to fit a formal occasion. Now the only problem was putting a name to the face. Blonde hair was fairly popular; the only question was who wore it so short? The deep blue eyes and soft face looked familiar to Serena, but they didn’t match the hair.
“Lady Aphros, I apologize for my daughter’s disheveled appearance!” Serena’s mother bowed. Serena looked down at her person, and her cheeks went beat red as she realized she was still in her pajamas.
“It’s fine. I did come by unannounced after all,” Lady Aphros giggled. Serena tried her hardest not to die of embarrassment on the spot. Of all the people in the world to see her in such a state, the only way it could be worse was if the royal family itself was here. Aphros was literally the highest-ranking noble, the Queen’s left hand, and here Serena was in her jammies, with unbrushed hair and probably dirt on her face.
“I’ll go and make myself presentable,” Serena bowed and tried to scramble back upstairs.
“There’s no need,” Aphros shook her head. “You don’t need to be in formal dress to be delivered news.”
“News?” Serena paused and looked to her mother for guidance. The older woman clutched her left arm in discomfort.
“Serena Moffat,” Lady Aphros began, “do you know your mother’s maiden name?”
“No, I don’t,” Serena replied honestly.
“Well, let me be the first to tell you then,” Lady Aphros smiled. “Your mother is from the Diane family. The Queen’s personal attendants.”
“Bu-Wha?” Serena was taken off guard. She looked to her mother, and the older woman only replied with a nod.
“I know this is coming from nowhere; however, it is a somewhat urgent matter,” the blonde woman explained. “One of your cousins was set to be the personal maid to the Queen’s youngest daughter. Alas, some complications arose, and your cousin has been deemed…unfit to hold such a position anymore. You are the only other member of the family of age to take over the role. The rest are either too young, too old, or are already in a position.”
“You want me,” Serena pointed at herself, “to work in the palace as the princess’s maid?”
“That’s what I said, yes,” Lady Aphros replied flatly.
“I see,” Serena nodded and turned to her mother. “When were you going to tell me you were a worker?”
“I was hoping it would never be relevant,” the older woman clutched her arm again. “It’s not something you should have had to worry about.” Serena’s mother looked at Lady Aphros, and a renewed panic suddenly consumed her eyes. “I mean… it’s a great honor to-.”
“It’s fine,” Aphros held up her hand, “I understand your reservations, but yours is the only family we trust with such a responsibility.”
“So, you’re saying I don’t have a choice?” Serena asked.
“Well, I was trying to put it more gently than that, but yes,” the blonde admitted.
“Of course,” Serena gathered herself. “When do I start?”
“Before year’s end,” Aphros answered.
“That’s not even four months away,” Serena was taken aback. “This is all happening so fast-.”
“I apologize; I should have been more explicit,” Lady Aphros continued. “You’ll be starting at the palace before year’s end. However, there is a certain amount of training and preparation you must be put through to fulfill your role properly.”
“How long does that take?” Serena asked, unable to hide her concern.
“Normally, upwards of ten years,” Aphros revealed to Serena’s shock and horror. “However, due to the unique circumstances, we’ll put you through an accelerated course of two or three months to cover the essentials. Then the rest can be taught on the job, so to speak.”
“W-wonderful,” Serena forced a smile. ‘Oh Lord, why me? I don’t know the first damn thing about being a worker. I can’t do this. But what am I supposed to do, tell her no?’
“I understand your reservations, but this is an important job,” Lady Aphros began to walk away. “I shall return in a week’s time. Please get your affairs in order and prepare only your essential to take with you.” With that, the noble left Serena’s home, leaving the young girl and her mother with more than a bit of whiplash.
“Mother, what do we-?” Serena looked back to see her mother failing to fight back a flood of tears.
“I’m sure this will be good for you, Serena. You’ll make me proud, I know it,” her mother assured. Serena said nothing and gave her mother a hug. The two stood there silently in the kitchen for what felt like forever.
To Be Continued…
~~~~
Sometimes a life changing event can come from out of nowhere, but perhaps it was always laying in wait.
Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy
No comments:
Post a Comment