anything and everything

Scenes of Seraphine pt. 2

Age 12 (shortly after marriage)
Seraphine had moved in with Astriel the day of their wedding. Well, technically they went on a honeymoon first which Seraphine spent most of in hiding. Closets, blocked doors, beds, and cupboards were great places she could squeeze into.

Astriel had been busy these last few days giving Seraphine some freedom to roam the palace. She could see Astriel was spoiled. He was used to getting what he wanted the moment he desired it. He didn't like how much she was fighting. He probably didn't expect it either after how easy it was to make her agree to marry him.

"Lady Seraphine." Seraphine turned to see who was speaking to her.  A golden skinned elf woman somewhere in her twenties bowed to Seraphine. "My name is Gweneth. I will be your lady in waiting for the foreseeable future."

"What's that?" Seraphine asked. Shed never heard of a lady in waiting.

"I'm going to be your best friend. I'll be here to help you with anything you need." Gwen offered a reassuring smile which Seraphine did not return. Seraphine hadnt smiled since the last time she saw her grandmother. She'd refused to take off her necklace as well.

"I already have a best friend."

"Then I'll be like your big sister. You don't have one of those, do you?"

"No."

"Good. I'll be your sister." Gwen offered her hand to Seraphine. "I was told you refused breakfast today. let's get some food into you."

Seraphine looked up at the elf before accepting her hand and following her to the kitchen for a meal.

. . . . . . .

"Eat with your right hand." Astriel spoke, looking at Seraphine sat to his right.

"This is more natural to me." Seraphine continued to bring her fork to her dinner, using her left hand.

"It's not proper."

Seraphine ignored him and instead took a bite of her food, enjoying her meal. She only had a moment to swallow before she saw something flash in the corner of her eyes and a sharp sting in her cheek.

Astriel had hit her. That was the first time he'd physically gotten aggressive with her.

Seraphine was stunned for a moment before she dropped her fork and left the table. Her stride was fast but meaningful until she heard a second chair slide back. Astriel was coming after her.

Seraphine took off running towards her room. She just needed to lock the door before he caught her.

"Gwen!" Seraphine saw her lady in waiting some distance down the hall.

"Lady Seraphine?"

Seraphine ran up to Gwen and hid behind her legs for protection.

Astriel stormed up to them looking absolutely furious. "Step aside." He commanded the servant.

Gweneth lowered her head in a bow and took a step to the side.

"Wha- Gwen? You said you were my big sister!"

"I'm sorry, I must do as our ruler tells me. He's my boss." Gwen didn't make eye contact with Seraphine, even looked away when Astriel grabbed Seraphines arm.

"Let go!"

"Shut it!" Astriel snapped, letting his fingers dig into Seraphines arm. "I'm tired of your temper tantrums."

"Then leave me alone!"

Astriel pulled Seraphine around and shoved her against the wall. "If you want to act like a child, I'm going to treat you like one when you misbehave."