As dawn's pale light seeped through the tall windows of my modest chamber, I finished the last touches of my morning routine with practiced care. Slipping into my crisp maid uniform, I braced myself for the day's tasks—it was the final workday before my much-anticipated day off.

These past few days had stretched my human limits in a realm ruled by magic and beings far beyond my own nature. My limbs ached more deeply than I ever remembered, but the satisfaction I found in labor made every ache worthwhile. Here, in the palace's sprawling heart, I was no longer just a lonely girl deprived of family—I had begun weaving threads of friendship and purpose.

Life in servitude was far from glamorous, but it was mine. My mother’s words echoed in my mind, a soft mantra that had carried me through my darkest hours: "Live life on your own terms, cherish every moment, seek the light in every shadow." Only now was the wisdom of those words blossoming within me.

A sharp rap at my door interrupted my quiet reflections just as I bent down to lace my work shoes. Puzzled—I wasn’t expecting Mason yet—I hurriedly slipped on the other shoe, smoothing the fabric of my skirt with an anxious hand. Was that a crease? No time to worry.

I opened the door to reveal Elizabeth, the palace's head of staff, her pale face framed by neat silver hair, the embodiment of authority wrapped in an unexpected warmth. "Good morning, Miss Shaw," she greeted, her tone overly cheerful, betraying a hint of urgency. In her hand was a small bag I hadn’t seen before.

“Good morning, ma’am,” I replied, masking my curiosity with a polite smile.

She handed me the bag. "Today, you’ll be with me. Change quickly, and I’ll explain everything on the way." Her eyes twinkled with a secret I hadn't yet uncovered.

Curious and slightly apprehensive, I unzipped the bag. Inside lay a uniform similar in color but distinctly different—a dress, sleek and elegant, not the maid’s practical attire I was accustomed to. A server’s uniform, perhaps? My heart fluttered with doubt; was I truly qualified for this role?

Hurrying into the adjoining room, I changed with trembling fingers and slipped on the shoes provided—delicate heels that lifted me modestly but wobbled beneath my novice steps. I prayed silently not to stumble in front of anyone.

Phone silenced and pocketed, I returned to the door. Elizabeth clapped her hands delightedly, the sound sharp in the quiet morning. "Perfect fit! Now, let’s make haste—there's much to accomplish and little time to spare." She glanced at her silver pocket watch with a sharp tick.

Following behind her, the unfamiliar rhythm of heels on marble echoed my own nervous cadence. "What exactly will we be doing today?" I asked, trying to keep my balance.

Her smile deepened. "You’ll serve the King and Queen today. They require assistance preparing for the upcoming event—surely you’ve heard of the grand celebration this Sunday?"

“The centennial birthday of the twins?” I asked, seeking confirmation.

Elizabeth nodded solemnly. "Prince Caelan and Princess Lisla. Remember to address them properly." She led the way toward the palace kitchens—a hive of activity and clattering utensils that seemed almost surreal in its grandeur. Hundreds of staff moved like a well-oiled machine, each absorbed in their duties with fervent focus.

Suddenly, a towering figure approached. An imposing man, broad and muscular, his aged face lined yet kind. "Ah, dear, this is the new girl, Acela Shaw," Elizabeth introduced formally, gesturing to me. "Acela, meet my husband, Ricardo." His grin was disarming as he bowed slightly. "My pleasure, Miss." I stood frozen, unsure whether to bow, curtsey, or simply smile. My hesitance must have looked odd.

Ricardo chuckled softly, eyes twinkling. "Quiet thing, aren’t you? Here, the teas are all ready. Have a good day, poppin’." He winked and kissed Elizabeth's cheek tenderly before returning to his work.

“Poppin’?” I murmured to myself, amused by the endearing term.

With trays of steaming tea in hand, Elizabeth and I wound our way toward the grand dining hall, the gravity of my task settling like a weight in my chest. My hands trembled slightly, the tea threatening to spill despite my best efforts.

Elizabeth noticed and gave me a reassuring smile. "They’re quite lovely people, dear. No need to be nervous." Her calm helped steady me as the heavy doors swung open at our approach, guards bowing respectfully.

The hall was breathtaking—walls draped with sumptuous tapestries, ceilings painted with vibrant frescoes depicting the royal family's storied history. The air held a mixture of polished wood and faint floral scents from vases nearby. It was a place where centuries of power and grace converged.

And then I saw them. The King and Queen, seated regally in a chamber that seemed almost too grand to be real. My heart thudded against my ribs, sweat prickling my palms.

The Queen’s gaze found us first, her smile radiant and genuine. She wore a flowing cream gown that complemented her warm skin and soft brown hair tucked neatly behind her ears, embodying a serene beauty that felt almost otherworldly.

"Elizabeth! How are we this morning?" she inquired with an easy familiarity that suggested true friendship.

Elizabeth returned the warmth with practiced grace as we set the trays down carefully. The King, meanwhile, remained engrossed in a leather-bound volume, his presence commanding yet inscrutable.

"Very well, Your Majesty," Elizabeth replied, her tone formal yet fond. Then, both their eyes turned toward me.

A flush rose to my cheeks as I stood awkwardly, caught in the spotlight. "And you? I don’t believe we’ve met. Are you new?" The Queen’s voice was gentle, laced with genuine interest.

I nodded, words catching in my throat. "Y-yes, Your Majesty. I’m... eager to help," I managed, chastising myself silently for sounding so unsure.

A soft, musical laugh escaped the Queen’s lips. "Oh, Kane, doesn’t she remind you of a younger me?" she teased, turning to the King.

The King finally looked up, his piercing eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my legs tremble. Yet, a faint smile tugged at his lips. "I see some resemblance," he said quietly, "but no one can surpass your beauty, my mate." His gaze shifted to the Queen, who blushed deeply, punctuating their unspoken bond.

The sudden intimacy in the room left me feeling like an outsider, yet I couldn’t help but smile at the rare glimpse behind the regal facade.

Elizabeth stepped beside me, placing a steadying hand on my shoulder. "This is Acela Shaw," she announced proudly. "She’s new, but capable and dedicated, Your Majesties. She will assist in the preparations."

The Queen’s smile broadened. "Welcome, Acela. Oh, Kane! She’s perfect for my painting." Her eyes sparkled with excitement, hinting at the lighter moments that threaded through palace life.

I felt the tension ease as the King resumed his reading, the room settling into a comfortable rhythm. Though nerves still fluttered within me, I sensed that I had taken another step into the complex, enchanting world of the Vale’s royal family.

As Elizabeth and I departed, heels clicking softly on the marble floor, I whispered to myself, "Maybe I can do this. Maybe I belong here after all."