Book 1: Chapter 9 - Shopping [Part 1]
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live."
- Gianni Versace
Seraphina de Sariens covered a yawn with a dainty hand, feeling a mix of irritation and fatigue. The servants were taken aback when the young mistress rose so early—it was entirely against her usual custom. They had rushed to present a simple breakfast of oat pancakes, a selection of fresh fruit, fish, freshly baked bread, and a few slices of Adelberry pie. Eloise, her former rival, was of course with her, looking even more out of sorts than Seraphina.
“Why must we get up at such an early hour?” complained the young, dark-haired girl.
Seraphina buttered a thin slice of warm bread before answering. “I do not want to waste this youth, and there are many things to do in the day.”
In truth, the young noblewoman wanted to avoid her mother as much as possible. The woman could be unsettling. She suspected that any more time spent with her might shake Seraphina’s resolve.
“Seraphina…” Eloise began, but upon seeing Seraphina's hard look, corrected herself. “Lady Seraphina, you sound like the old ladies at court.”
Seraphina bristled at this. How easily those of the younger generation forget, she thought, before remembering that she was once again very much part of that group. She pointed her butter knife at Eloise, a small breach of manners, but was pleased when the girl visibly wilted in front of her.
It was good to remind people where they stood.
“As my lady-in-waiting, you are expected to follow my schedule,” Seraphina said sweetly, breaking off a steaming piece of fresh bread and popping it into her mouth. “I do not believe every day will be like this, but when they are, I expect no complaints from you, Eloise, darling.”
Eloise's official position was now Seraphina's lady-in-waiting, a role the Baron de Laney simply could not refuse. The raven-haired beauty had sent back her small complement of servants and staff with a handwritten letter expressing her gratitude for Seraphina's kind and gracious offer that she had accepted.
Now, Eloise was a hostage of the de Sariens, whether her family knew it or not—a bargaining chip to ensure their good behavior. Or, in Seraphina's case, a lever to secure her family's support.
Seraphina nodded to herself absentmindedly. The girl's penmanship had been so lacking that she had made Eloise rewrite the letter seven times before it was acceptable. Eloise should be grateful for her kind instruction.
Eloise, now officially her lady-in-waiting, sniffed, beginning to feel the weight of her new reality.
“Oh, do cheer up, Eloise,” Seraphina commented gently. “I cannot have you moping about; it simply will not do. Since you commented so kindly on my clothing selection yesterday, perhaps you will help me choose some new attire for both you and myself?”
The girl brightened at this prospect, wilfully ignorant of the reminder of yesterday’s events. “I would be delighted to, Sera... Lady Seraphina,” she replied, her eyes lighting up.
How easily a young mind adapts, Seraphina thought with a mental shrug.
“Now stop dithering and finish your breakfast, my dear,” the blonde noblewoman ordered, a thin-lipped smile playing on her lips.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
*****
With only Corporal Frest as an escort, the three girls—Seraphina, her maid Milly, and her new lady-in-waiting Eloise—descended upon the bustling town of Sariens. On foot, they crossed the single stone bridge leading out of the castle, an architectural marvel adorned with intricately carved gargoyles. Each gargoyle stood sentinel along the balustrades, clutching a Zajasite light crystal that absorbed daylight to emit a soft, ethereal glow at night, casting shimmering reflections on the river below. The bridge bustled with activity as townsfolk and travelers moved between the grand castle and the vibrant town surrounding it.
It had been many decades since the Duchy of Sariens—and the town in particular—had known the touch of war, and it showed. The town was a bustling facsimile of a medieval European urban center, albeit cleaner, especially the cobblestone streets. This cleanliness was thanks to advances in plumbing and efficient sewage systems imported from the Empire. A clear river ran through the town, encircling the castle at its center like a natural moat. The town had grown well beyond its thick stone walls, spreading into the lush countryside beyond the original defenses.
Most telling of all were the people themselves. Taxation was light in the Duchy of Sariens, and the Duke was much beloved by his subjects. Here, hope and opportunity thrived, evident in the bright eyes of the townsfolk and the lively energy in their steps.
“Fresh Valnies! Get your fresh Valnies!” a fruit vendor exclaimed from his stall, which was laden with ripe, fruit that glistened under the sun. The Valnies were the size of small apples, their smooth purple skins tinged with hints of crimson and gold. A sweet, exotic aroma wafted through the air, enticing passersby. A young man with an easy smile spotted the ladies approaching and was determined not to let pass him by.
Nervously, he addressed the most approachable of the trio. “A Valny for your lady?” he asked Milly, Seraphina’s maid.
Seraphina felt a sharp sting of irritation as the fruit vendor's attention settled on her maid. Eloise, she could perhaps understand, but Milly—the Palisa Slug? Did men really find such mousy girls appealing? The thought irked her more than she cared to admit, a flicker of jealousy and confusion igniting within her.
“Me!?” cried Milly, looking utterly flustered. She glanced between Seraphina and Eloise, tugging nervously at one of her pigtails.
Corporal Frest kept his expression impassive, scanning the crowd and pointedly ignoring the ladies. If Seraphina did not know better, she might have mistaken him for a professional soldier.
She felt her body begin to roll its eyes—a reaction that seemed almost instinctual—but by sheer dint of her will, she stopped herself. Instead, she plastered a smile onto her face and addressed her maid. “Deal with the good man, Milly. Do you want one, Eloise?”
“I will have to decline. After all, we had quite the morning meal...” Eloise answered hesitantly, her eyes darting away.
“Nonsense, you are a growing girl, and fruit is good for you,” Seraphina stated firmly. “Tell the gentleman we will have three and pay him, Milly.”
With that, Seraphina stepped off a few paces, Eloise and Frest in tow. They waited while Milly followed her mistress's instruction.
As she pretended not to listen, Seraphina's ears caught every word. “Here you are! Three Valnies will be two copper, and I'll throw in another one because you've just made my day,” the vendor said warmly.
“How... how did that happen? I mean...” Milly stammered, her voice betraying her flustered state. Seraphina could almost hear of the maid's blush in her words.
“Why, because you're so pretty... A sight like you could make me smile for a whole day. Your name's Milly, right? Work up in the castle, do you?” the fruit seller asked.
Impatience gnawed at Seraphina. She tapped her foot sharply. “Milly!” she called, her tone edged with irritation.
“No! I mean, yes! And thank you!” Milly blurted out, fumbling as she placed two coppers on the stall’s counter. Grabbing the fruit, she rushed back to Seraphina's side, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
Seeing her expression, Seraphina could not help but a dash of annoyance stain her thoughts. “Now that we have our Valnies, let's continue,” she said curtly, taking a deliberate bite of the fruit. The sweet, juicy flesh burst in her mouth, a delightful blend of flavors that momentarily softened her mood.
Being teenager again meant that she did not need to worry about her diet. This body seemed to put the extra fat in all the right places anyway.
As they walked away, the lingering aroma of the Valnies filled the air. Miriam clutched her own fruit tightly, stealing a shy glance back at the vendor, who waved back with a hopeful smile. Eloise observed the exchange silently, a slightly confused look on her face that mirrored Seraphina’s own.
Oh well, the blonde girl thought to herself, sighing as she pushed aside her negative thoughts. She had more important things to worry about and a very long shopping list to get through.