In another life

Chapter 6: Serphaine

He smirked eyes peaked with interest. "Me" he repeated. I stumbled out of his arms. "Um, thank you," I said flustered. My heart was running a thousand miles an hour and I could still feel the weird tingle from his contact. "It's funny we ran into each other again" he beamed.

I nodded looking at the sparkly window I had just got done cleaning. I collapsed the ladder and before I could pick it up. He had already thrown it over his shoulder. "You don't have to do that. It's my job. Hand it over"  I encouraged. He walked ahead. "Come on. Shouldn't we work together. I mean we are both a part of the staff".

I looked over his clothes that I remember Sofia describing. He was a stable hand. Each of the staff wore different colors and uniforms. Blue for the ladies in waiting, red for cooking staff, black for the regular maids, and light green for outdoor workers. I followed behind deciding it would be faster to get to my next task.

"I told you would get a job" he playfully sang. "I guess you were right. I'm tremendously grateful and this job came at a perfect time" I added. "Really" he chirped. "Yes, I can help my siblings and parents back home". "I bet they're proud," he said warmly. I stayed quiet tightening my lips. I had done it again. Slipped and told him things.

We got to the storage room near the entrance for the staff quarters.  I could hear the rest of the training maids coming. He leaned the latter against the wall. "You got it from here" he questioned. He looked rather nervous glancing over his shoulder. I nodded and he looked me over. "See you soon, Serphaine ". He turned around and I caught his sleeve.

"Wait, what's your name"? "Anthony" he blurted. I watch him scurry down the hall. I turned around holding my lip as a smile crept up. "Anthony" I repeated. A hand landed on my shoulder and I jumped. "Serphaine, come on. Lady Hilda has made me your trainer" Sofia beamed.

Shaking myself out of my thoughts I attempted to grab the ladder. "Leave it there. We will come back for that" Sofia concluded. Following close behind Sofia she rattled on about the different parties that go on throughout the year. The Celeste festival,  The prince's birthday, and Grand Marche.

Coming towards a wide door I could hear the bustling of voices. Sofia turned around causing me to bump into her. "I see someone wasn't listening" Sofia smirked. "No, I was". She planted her hand on her hips. "Loosen up. I'm guessing it's nerves"? "Yeah," I blurted.

Sofia gently patted my arm giving off a warm smile. "You got this. I will be here to help you. If you do as good as you did on the windows you're gonna do amazing". Nodding we moved through the door. There was a bustling of people. A Chef and other attendants a preparing food. While other maids placed silverware into cabinets.

"Alright, first we are gonna wash the dishes" Sofia chirped. She would hand me a plate and I would scrub till it shined. This continued till we did the last silverware. "I told you this would be easy. The last girl we had broke three plates" Sofia sighed.

We eventually ended up in the Royal dining room. I carried the decor sitting on the table.
Sofia clasped her hands "Okay, watch closely. To set up the table you need to do four things. Step One a clean table. Step two needs all the coverings for the table. Step 3 make sure the decor is detailed. I usually go with napkin swans. The centerpiece piece is an arrangement of flowers. Then step 4. Look at the divine work you've done" Sofia grinned.

She watched me as I did each step. She squealed once I put the last touch to the napkin   Swan. "You're amazing and a fast learner. Lunch should be served soon. We might just get to see the prince". "The prince" I murmured. She held the side of her cheek swooning.

"Have you seen him before"? "No, the Royal family has never visited my home town". She gasped "The heavens have not looked upon you. You haven't seen our prince's gorgeous smile and charming eyes. He's so nice to everyone" she giggled. I shook my head stopping myself from laughing.

From what I knew from the royal family the Queen and King fell in love quickly. The native princess met the king when they were children.
Everyone thought the story of the two growing up together was quite cute. I'm guessing that they were a close-knit family. Unlike mine right now.

As we made our way back Hilda came around the corner. "Sofia" Hilda called. As if a ruler was placed up the line of her back her posture straightened. "Have you trained her properly"?
Sofia gave a tight-knit grin. "Of course, she is a fast learner". Hilda looked me over consciously.

"We're you two going now" she asked. "To with the lunch," Sofia explained. "No, how about you teach Serphaine the yard patience". Clenching her fist Sofia obeyed. Hilda passed us and Sofia stumped her way down the hall.
Just before going outside, I saw a man following behind another. However, what made me pause was the first man looked a little like Anthony.