Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 1- Magna Evans

Valerie's POV:

I woke up early, feeling a bit groggy from the excitement of my first day as a maid. I went through my morning routine, trying to hurry up so I wouldn't be late. I brushed my hair with my comb, attempting to tame the wild, brown locks that always seemed to have a mind of their own. I wasn't proud of my hair, but I loved it, and my mom loved it even more. She always said it was a part of who I was, and I shouldn't try to change it. People often complimented me on my dark eyes, saying they were almost black and could "draw you in." But I never really believed them - I thought they were just being kind.

As I got dressed, my mom called me downstairs. Our house was small, just one story, but it was home. My dad inherited it from his father, who inherited it from his father, who was a bit wealthy but lost everything in a bad business deal. My dad always said he would never make the same mistakes, and he worked hard to provide for us. The house was old, but we loved it. At least we had a roof over our heads, and I had my own room, which was more than some people could say.

I came downstairs, wearing my simple white shirt and black skirt, with a long-strapped handbag slung over my shoulder. I said to my mom, who was busy making breakfast in the kitchen, "I'm so late. I should have gotten ready earlier."

My mom smiled, "It's okay, dear, you're not too late. But before you go, how about some breakfast? You need something to eat before your first day at the Weldon's estate."

I hesitated, "Actually, Mom, I'm not going to eat today. I want to make a good impression, and I don't want to risk being late or feeling uncomfortable during my first day."

My dad protested, "But Valerie, you need to eat something! You can't go on an empty stomach all day."

I reassured them, "I'll be fine, really. I'll grab something later if I need to. And think about it, Mom, you always say that a little hunger can help us focus and work harder. I'll be okay, I promise."

My mom looked concerned but ultimately nodded, "Alright, dear. But be careful, okay? We love you."

Dad added, "And don't forget, we're proud of you no matter what. You're taking a big step today, and we know you'll do great."

With that, I took a deep breath, grabbed my handbag, and headed out the door, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I started my new journey as a maid at the Weldon's estate.

★★★

I walked from our house nestled among the thick trees that symbolized the land of Eldrida. The 15-minute journey to the Weldon's mansion was a peaceful one, with only the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling accompanying me. The long, paved road wound its way through the dense forest, with towering trees standing sentinel on either side.

As I emerged from the trees, the grand mansion came into view, its stone facade glowing golden in the morning light. I felt a sense of awe wash over me, and I couldn't help but admire the intricate architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.

I approached the entrance, and the guards nodded in recognition, and I greeted them with a crisp "Good morning, Mr. Brooks, Good morning, Mr. Thompson." They returned my greeting with a nod, and I passed through the gates.

The main mansion was a marvel, with rooms upon rooms of opulence and luxury. The family's private quarters were located on the upper floors, while the lower floors housed the grand dining hall, the singing hall, and the grand reception room. The library was a particular highlight, with its vast collection of ancient tomes and rare manuscripts. I'm not much of a reader but I sometimes like to spend my free time there because of the serene atmosphere and the smell of old books.