Princess Ophelia turned to look at them.
Her long silver blonde hair shimmered beneath the morning light, adorned with soft petals that matched her pale gown. Unlike Celeste's golden hair that seemed to catch the sun itself, Ophelia's was a softer shade, delicate and polished just like the rest of her. Her blue eyes gleamed with pride, and her long lashes gave her beauty an almost unnatural perfection. She wore a royal nude-colored gown, its silk folds flowing gracefully around her as if the air itself adored her. On her hands were white gloves, and every movement she made seemed to say she was above everyone in the room.
But her expression was far from kind.
She looked at Celeste with visible irritation.
"I expect more from you," Princess Ophelia said sharply.
"I'm sorry, my Princess." Celeste bowed deeply, her voice soft and apologetic.
Ophelia scoffed, folding her hands across her chest.
"You need to know your position and behave properly according to it. Your parents worked here before you, and I have never seen them slacking in their duties. As my main maid, you are supposed to be by my side early in the morning, not wandering in whenever you please. Would you like me to tell my mother the High Queen so she can send you back to your little village?"
The princess's voice dripped with arrogance.
"I'm sorry, my Princess. I will do better from today," Celeste said again, keeping her head bowed.
Beside her, Faye also bowed, though her heart burned with anger. She couldn't stand how the princess treated Celeste, yet she dared not speak out.
"You'd better," Ophelia said, standing gracefully from her seat. She looked at her mirror, touching her cheek with admiration. "Now, I need you to go to the Haven Lake and bring me a Moonbloom flower. I heard its nectar softens the skin and gives it a glow. The royal king is choosing a bride soon, and I must look my best."
At those words, Celeste and Faye lifted their heads in shock.
The Haven Lake?
Princess Ophelia noticed their expression but pretended not to.
"And when you return," she added, turning to them with a proud little smile, "I need you to make a new gown for me. I quite like this one you made." She twirled slowly, letting the fabric shimmer as she admired herself in the mirror.
Celeste's heart sank a little.
Sewing was her hidden gift a talent she'd had since she was a child. Her hands could turn simple fabric into something magical.
Fairy dresses were woven from enchanted petals, forest-linen, and moon-silk. Celeste, with her delicate hands, could turn even simple plant fibers into gowns fit for royalty.
But ever since Princess Ophelia discovered her talent, she'd claimed it entirely for herself. She forbade Celeste from making gowns for anyone else in the kingdom.
Even the simple blue dress Celeste wore now was one she had secretly made for herself in the quiet of the night.
"You may leave now," Ophelia said lazily, waving her hand as though dismissing a pair of insects.
Celeste and Faye bowed once more and quietly left the chamber.
Once they were out in the corridor, Faye finally spoke, her voice tight with worry.
"I just don't like the way she treats you, Celeste. Are you really going to the Haven Lake? You know how far and dangerous that place is."
Celeste sighed, looking out the arched window where the light shimmered through. "I don't have a choice, Faye."
Faye looked at her with worry.
Celeste forced a small smile, but her heart already felt heavy.