In another life

Chapter 7: Serphaine

I had gotten used to my daily task alone. Cleaning the windows, cleaning the dishes then sweeping the walking path of the garden. Now being alone since Ms. Hilda believing I was ready. However, Sofia pouted at the news. I to would missed her however it was refreshing being alone.

I hummed to myself as I swept the stone path.
I heard footsteps and looked up. "What are you doing here"? Anthony smiled "Just taking a stroll". I paused frowning slightly "Shouldn't you be handling the horses. It isn't lunch time".
"Aren't you a stickler. Just needed a break" he sighed ruffling his hair back.

He walked over to near by tree laying down on the grass. "You're gonna get in trouble. You can take your break during lunch" I argued. He sighed and pulled my arm. I fell on top of him. Our eyes locked on one another. My heart hammered into my chest and I quickly got off him. To embarrass I looked away.

His laughter echoed around us. I couldn't help but frown and bring attention back to him. "You know this was a nice way to relieve my stress". "I'm glad I was able to cheer you up" I remarked. He sat up causing our shoulders to brush against one another. He looked at the clouds breathing deeply.

"Everyday it's the same thing. Work, work. Even if I'm ill. Even if I'm not happy" he muttered. "It's the job. Being a maid is hard work. The only thing that is satisfying is knowing my family will do well" I whispered.
When I turned back to him he was already looking at me. "I can tell you and your family are close".

"We are usually. However, they didn't agree with me taking this job" I confessed. "Why" he asked. Holding my knees I coughed changing the subject. "How about you? You close with your family" I inquired. He chuckled ignoring my change of subject luckily. "I'm all alone. My parents cold and had me out of obligation for their parents. For our King...our village" he spat harshly.

Before I knew it I had held his hand trying to comfort him. He smiled painfully rubbing the back of my hand. "Parents shouldn't have their kids if they don't want them" I muttered. "True" he whispered. A breeze had set in and made the moment even more peaceful. For some reason I felt that I had known Anthony for years.

"My Prince" A voice called out. We both stood up alert. Not only had I stopped doing my job but was just sitting around. "Well as always it was nice speaking to you, Serphaine" Anthony said quickly. He grabbed my hand and kissed it. He winked and walked off into the tall bushes leading into the maze.

Grabbing my broom I went straight back to work. The voice finally face. A man with a brown hair and glasses. He look to be noble by his outfit. "You" he called out. He stalked towards me with a frown. "Have you seen the prince" he asked sternly. I shook my head "no sir". He sighed pinching his temple "God. Why does he keep running from his duties" the man groaned.

He gave me one off look and quickly ran off.
I sighed with relief once we were gone. That wolf be last time I get swayed by Anthony. The pathway was clean as headed back inside. The sound of swords clanking I hadn't got used to.
The guards trained like clock work. One of them being Sofia's boyfriend Alec.

"Seraphine" someone called. I turned around seeing Alec wave me over. I went down the step entering the training grounds. A guy I never seen before stood next to Alec. "Hi" I greeted.
"Just got done with cleaning outside"? "Yea. Now about to head to the cafeteria for lunch" I explained.

Alec smiled "Great why don't you go with my brother Ryan, here". I looked at the guy Ryan.
Alec and him brothers? You would understand the confusion. Alec was tan with jet black hair. Medium height and muscular build. While his brother had red hair tanned skin. His body big and bulky. Way taller than his brother.

Ryan pulled at his neck smiling down at me. "I know what you're thinking. We look nothing alike" he joked. "No,no" I disagreed. "We have different mothers" Alec confessed. I nodded in undertandment. "Um sure. I don't mind Ryan coming". "Great" Alec grinned. He pushed Ryan towards me and waved goodbye.

We walked in silence awkwardly. Not being the most talkative person I didn't make conversation well. "I'm sorry about my brother. He thinks I don't like people. So, he is rushing me to get to know more people" he clarified.
"I think it's nice he wants to help you out."
"Oh no. Trust me he is only doing this so I won't interrupt Sofia and his date again".

I couldn't help but let out a light laugh. After that it seemed like we were able to make conversation. I even enjoyed having lunch with him. But after going our separate ways. Something in my heart made me feel guilty.