Valerie's POV:
As we drove up to the Palace gates, Mr. Michael spoke into the intercom, "My name is Michael Goodman, and I'm the driver for Miss Mira Weldon. We're here on an invite from His Majesty the King." After a minute, the gates swung open, and we drove into the courtyard, taking in the breathtaking sight of the Palace. The building loomed before us, its walls towering high, with turrets and spires reaching for the sky. Even at night, the Palace was bright with many lights, illuminating its grandeur. The well-manicured lawns and beautifully trimmed hedges added to the Palace's majesty.
We stopped at the steps leading up to the Palace, and Mr. Michael helped us out of the car. The double doors of the Palace opened, and two footmen greeted us, assisting Mr. Michael with our luggage. An elderly man, emerged, dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. He looked strict, with a thin face and piercing eyes. He walked down the short stairs to meet us, bowing slightly. "Hello, my name is Thomas Smart, and I am the Majordomo of this household, the butler."
Mira curtsied gracefully, and I followed suit, my heart racing with nerves. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Thomas," Mira said. "I'm Mira Weldon, and this is my maid and best friend, Valerie Alaric."
I muttered a quick "nice to meet you, sir."
Thomas smiled politely. "His Highness won't be able to attend to you today due to the late hour, but he will most definitely see you tomorrow, Miss Mira." He turned to lead us inside, saying, "Let me show you to your room."
As we entered the grand foyer, I couldn't help but gasp. The ceilings soared high above us, adorned with intricate frescoes. The walls were lined with gilded mirrors and portraits of royalty. The room was majestic, with grand stairways on either side leading upwards. Thomas walked with us, explaining, "This is the south wing of the Palace, and this is its foyer. The state rooms, guest suites, bedchambers, throne room, and the main dining hall are all located here."
He led us through a set of double doors opposite the ones we entered, we found ourselves in an even more majestic foyer. This one was bigger than the first, with a ceiling that seemed to touch the sky. The walls were adorned with portraits of royals, and the clean marble floor was so polished that I could almost see my face in it. The room was breathtaking, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
Mr. Thomas then pointed to our left where there was a set of double doors, "This is the west wing," and to our right where there was also a set of double doors, "and this is the east wing, which is the royal family's suites." He handed us each a pamphlet, saying, "This will help you navigate the Palace"
Just then, a maid, appeared, dressed in a crisp black and white uniform. She bowed to us, and Thomas said, "Julie, please show our guests to their room. And please make sure you use the elevators." I had never seen an elevator in a house before, but I had heard of them.
Mr. Thomas turned to us, continuing, "Miss Valerie, you will stay with Miss Mira for tonight, but tomorrow morning, you have to meet the housekeeper in her office in the north wing."
Mira and I nodded, saying "thank you" in unison.
He smiled politely. "I hope you have a comfortable stay, Miss Mira and Miss Valerie. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Goodnight." We both replied "goodnight" as we followed Julie towards the west wing doors, Mira smiling and taking my hand.
"We're really here, Val," she whispered.
I smiled at her.
As we walked into the west wing's foyer, I couldn't help but notice its grandeur. It was similar to the south wing's foyer, with grand stairways on either side and a set of double doors across the room. I wondered what was behind those doors, but we didn't pass through them. Instead, Julie led us around the stairs to the right, where a hidden elevator was tucked away. I gasped as I stared at it, taking in the crest of Calonia - a lion on a blue background - emblazoned on the door. Julie pressed the button, and the elevator doors slid open, revealing a golden interior. We stepped inside, and Julie pressed the button for the first floor. As we rode the elevator, I felt a thrill of excitement.
YOU ARE READING
Royal Heartstrings
General FictionFor Valerie Alaric, her family was the most important thing to her. Her bestie, Mira Weldon was also on that list. So that drove her to always make them proud in everything. So when, the royal family, decided to pay a visit to the Weldon home; where...
