After what felt like hours and many of Eve’s persistent protests, they settled on a simple choice: a purple silken gown with delicate lace sleeves and a matching lace cap. Seraphina tied her hair back with a purple ribbon, opting for something easy. However, with the amount of work to squeeze into the dress, she couldn’t help but wonder if the nightgown would’ve been more comfortable.

“Now, where is the medicine room?” Seraphina asked with a huff, smoothing out invisible creases. Eve, still cradling her injured hand, gestured towards the exit of the room. Just as they were about to leave, Susan stumbled into the room, carrying a large basket filled with cloth. Though with each gentle swing the distinct sound of glass vials clinked beneath the fabric.

“Princess!” Susan bowed her head respectfully, prompting Eve to stand by her sister’s side, their hushed conversation not escaping Seraphina’s notice.

“Please, I am going to help clean Eve’s wound. We were on the way to the medic,” Seraphina asserted, meeting their gazes with determination as Susan stepped forward, closing the door behind her.

“Princess, there are rules you have to follow. Es-” Susan started, her tone deferential as she emphasized the word ‘you’.

“Stop. I will go to the medics. Please, continue cleaning up the bed,” Seraphina interrupted firmly, her authority ringing clear in her voice, I have to play the part. Susan bowed in acknowledgement, her compliance evident. Seraphina couldn’t help but note the understanding in Susan’s eyes; she knows, however Seraphina this time guided Eve out the room, passing by Susan as they made their way out the door. It was clear that winning the trust and allegiance of these two would be crucial in navigating this new role.

As they exited the bedroom, she noted the absence of the guards, likely still occupied with this morning’s guests. Stepping through the door, she found herself surrounded by towering ceilings and a spacious, elegant sitting room. It was a stark departure from the opulent marble chambers, adorned instead with lush furnishings, rich carpets, and a variety of textures. Hate bouquets adorned every table, while a pile of unopened letters gathered dust in the corner. Despite her curiosity, Seraphina resisted the urge to explore further.

"Please, take me to the medic's room," she requested, tearing her eyes away from her surroundings and forging ahead. This time, two French doors caught her attention, and she hurried to throw them open, more curious about the land. Gasping at the sight, she beheld a view vastly different from her own bedroom—a scene of ivy-clad walls and trailing flowers, reminiscent of an ancient castle. Eve turned to the right, leading Seraphina towards a staircase, and she followed eagerly. The layout resembled that of old motels, albeit lacking the elegance. Descending the stairs behind Eve, Seraphina found herself stepping out into a sprawling garden.

They passed by numerous servants and guards, all of whom averted their gaze—a common occurrence, it seemed. Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling that the previous princess had been prone to meanness as well. Determined to maintain her composure, she embraced her icy persona.

"Good morning, sister," a voice called out to her right, drawing out the word ‘sister’ she watched Eve's body stiffen in response. To her right, a path opened up to several archways, where a tall man leaned casually against one side. He tousled his short red hair and flashed a wolfish grin at some of the maids.

"Brother," Seraphina replied icily, straightening her back and tilting her head to the side. His red eyes matched her one and she could feel the similarity.

"It seems isolation did wonders for your temper," the man jabbed as he strode towards them, his gaze lingering on Eve. "However, it's a pity I can't borrow your maid anymore. Eve quite enjoyed her time with me." With a swift motion, he caught a strand of Eve's hair, eliciting a yelp from her. Disgust welled up within Seraphina as she recognized the nature of the man.

"I wouldn't call it a pity," his eyes glinted with a shock that Seraphina leaned into, "but rather a joy to be reunited with her true master, don't you think?" She stepped closer to the man, a sweet smile playing on her lips as she grabbed onto Eve and pulled her closer. The hair dropped from the man's hand, and he straightened himself up, annoyed.

"You must have sharpened your wit, brother," Seraphina replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she tightened her grip on Eve. "You seem to forget your place."

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"I suppose isolation has made you less tolerant of sharing," he retorted, a look of disgust evident on his face. "But it seems it hasn't taught you humility, sister. Have a pleasant day then, sister, Eve," he added curtly before turning and striding away to the left. Eve let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank yo—" Seraphina cut her off, enveloping her in a hug. Too many times had she felt exactly what Eve felt—bound against her will, used without permission. She buried her head into Eve's neck and whispered.

"He will never be allowed near you again," she promised, her words firm. Tears welled up in Eve's eyes, but she blinked them away quickly, putting space between the two.

"Let's go to the medic," Seraphina suggested, and together they navigated through several turns before arriving at a thick oak door. Eve knocked and opened it up and Seraphina covered her mouth overwhelmed with the cloying smell of herbs and decay.

"Healer Kevler?" Eve whispered tentatively, stepping into the dimly lit room. It smelled of dust and dried herbs, an unpleasant combination that made Seraphina wrinkle her nose in disgust. As she entered, her eyes fell upon a figure buried under a pile of papers. The man looked ancient, with a beard adorned with crumbs and dried herbs stuck in various places. His bald head seemed to gleam under the lack of light.

"Ahhh, Princess Seraphina, it is indeed a rare pleasure to have you grace me," the man greeted with a condescending smile, his eyes twinkling with concealed amusement. "How may I be of service to you today? Are you in need of my expertise to cure some ailment, perhaps?" He shifted slightly, causing a few vials tucked into his sleeves to clink together. Seraphina couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she took in the disarray of the room, with roaches scurrying over mounds of rotten food.

"I..." she faltered, struggling to find the right words. It was evident to her that this man was no healer, and she doubted he could mend even a scratch, let alone cure an illness.

"The Princess wanted to accompany me," Eve interjected smoothly, stepping forward to present her injured hand. "I had the misfortune of burning my fingers on a flame rock." Seraphina suppressed a sigh, silently hoping that the doctor would at least provide some semblance of competence.

"Ahh, boils from the heat, no doubt," the old man remarked, inspecting Eve's hand with an air of condescension. "Fear not, I possess a remedy of myrrh that shall alleviate your suffering. But first, we must address these wounds properly." With a slow and labored movement, he rose from his stool, prompting Eve to assist him around the corner. Seraphina followed, her patience wearing thin as she braced herself for what was to come. This room was equally in disarray, medicine drawers hung open as flies gathered in the corner on an unknown piece of flesh. Papers and scrolls were tossed to the ground and the only chair was full of fabric and metallic instruments.

"If only I had been graced with prior knowledge of your visit, Princess, I might’ve had a chance to clean up," the doctor patronized, gesturing towards the chaotic mess around. Annoyance simmered within Seraphina as she resisted the urge to retort, recognizing the veiled attempt to belittle her station. She maintained her composure, biting her tongue as the elderly man rummaged around for a needle, his actions dripping with arrogance. He found what he was looking for stabbed into the unknown flesh and Seraphina had enough.

"Ahh, Healer Kelver," Seraphina began, her tone laced with disdain. "It would be most troubling if you were to administer that particular needle to my maid. Who's to say your experiments wouldn't inadvertently afflict her?" Her words carried a subtle threat, challenging the doctor. "Considering the state of your surroundings, one can't help but wonder how you manage to locate anything amidst this chaos. There's a possibility that your 'treatments' could pose more harm than good."

The old man bristled. "I can assure—"

"The assurance you provide is precisely the issue at hand," Seraphina cut him off, her voice steely. "At present, I find myself far from reassured. The unsanitary conditions of your quarters pose a threat to those who seek your aid. I demand you rectify this before tending to any further patients."

The doctor's mouth hung open in disbelief, his protests silenced by Seraphina's unwavering resolve. He recognized the futility and instead bowed to her with a reluctant nod. "Of course, my Princess."

"Excellent," Seraphina replied, her expression unyielding. "I expect significant improvements by tomorrow evening. Failure to comply could mean a reconsideration of your position, perhaps one more suited to the squalor of the city slums."

Kelver's brow furrowed, a mixture of frustration and resignation evident in his features. "But my Princess, this workspace is integral to my methods."

Seraphina's gaze remained unyielding. "I believe a true healer adapts to the needs of those they serve."

The doctor's shoulders sagged slightly, a begrudging acceptance settling over him. "Very well, Princess Seraphina."

Seraphina nodded, her tone softening slightly. "I appreciate your cooperation, Healer Kelver. Take two servants to help," With a final glance around the cluttered room, Seraphina turned to depart, leaving Kelver to contemplate the daunting task ahead.