The Rebel Servant

The Lyserae family

Rosalya: "Roxy, wake up, we need to go do Miss Lyserae's third hallway."

Rosalya looked at Roxanne with her blood-red eyes. Roxanne threw her a dark look, then growled.

Roxanne: "Screw you, Rose..."

Roxanne growled again, turning slightly to burrow back into the comfort of her blankets, clearly showing her disinterest in this chore. Rosalya sighed, used to her friend's attitude. She grabbed the quilt wrapped around Roxanne and gave it a sharp tug.

Rosalya: "Come on, Roxy, hurry up! If you don't get your butt moving, I'll punch you right in the face!"

Roxanne opened one eye, now fully awake due to the direct threat. She glared at Rosalya with irritation, knowing her friend wouldn't hesitate to follow through. She let out an exasperated sigh as she slowly sat up, trying to pull the blanket back, but Rosalya held on tightly, a mischievous smile on her lips.

Rosalya: "Get ready."

Roxanne: "Yeah..." she muttered, her voice dragging, still a bit reluctant.

She finally got up, her face still marked by fatigue and annoyance, and shuffled over to her things, casting one last jaded look at Rosalya, who watched her with a triumphant smile.

Rosalya: "Good, Roxy. The sooner we go, the sooner we're done."

Roxanne mumbled something unintelligible but still started to get ready, knowing any further resistance would be pointless. Silently, she promised herself to get back at Rosalya for this forced wake-up—but for now, she simply sulked.

After 30 minutes of venturing through the palace halls, the two friends finally reached the third hallway. Rosalya began tying up her long, snowy white curls, while Roxanne sighed, already wishing the task was over.

Roxanne: "I'd give anything for this to be done already..."

Rosalya heard the comment and looked up.

Rosalya: "I don't like it either, Roxy, but we need money to live. And seeing the royal family every day is an honor."

Roxanne rolled her eyes, unimpressed by her friend's enthusiasm.

Roxanne: "I don't remember you being such a bad actress... you who can manipulate anyone."

Rosalya let out a slight laugh, knowing Roxanne was right. She was well aware that the "royal honor" had long since faded for them both, and honestly, they had never even seen a member of the Lyserae family. With a resigned sigh, Roxanne walked away from Rosalya and headed to a corner of the hallway to begin her servant duties.

Roxanne found herself in a dim, empty corridor. Though not one to get scared easily, she had to admit that the atmosphere in this hallway was rather unsettling.

Roxanne began cleaning, each movement accentuating her sighs of boredom and frustration. She despised her life, this monotonous existence of chores in a freezing palace. She wanted to travel, to live thrilling adventures, to explore unknown lands, and, above all, she dreamed of becoming a mage. But she was born without powers and had never known her mother, who had died too soon.

Lost in her thoughts, she stopped for a moment, gazing at the shadowy end of the hallway. Suddenly, a young, clear voice behind her interrupted her reflection.

???: "Hey, you! What are you doing here, all alone?"

Surprised, Roxanne turned and saw a girl of about twelve. Her skin was almost unnaturally pale, highlighting her golden eyes, which shone with a mysterious light. Her silvery, silky hair was styled in two long braids that fell on each side of her delicate face. She wore a white dress with golden accents, and the fine, precious fabric seemed to float around her, enhancing her ethereal appearance.

Roxanne stared at the young girl, perplexed, as if struggling to believe what she saw. This child, so frail yet noble, exuded a presence that seemed both gentle and unsettling.

Roxanne: "Who... who are you?"

The girl gave an enigmatic smile, one that seemed both kind, infinitely wise, but above all, empty. The young girl's eyes sparkled with amusement, as if she found an odd satisfaction in watching Roxanne's unease.

???: "Is that how you speak to a member of the Lyserae family?"

Roxanne, though rattled, tried to regain her composure. She looked the girl over, searching for any hint, but nothing seemed normal. Her appearance, her way of speaking—everything about her seemed out of place in this deserted corridor.

Roxanne: "Huh...? Stop lying, kid!"

The young girl smiled even more, her gaze glinting with a spark that Roxanne couldn't understand.

Cyn: "I am Cynthia Lyserae, the third princess of the Lyserae family, in other words, the third princess of the royal family."

Roxanne realized she wasn't lying and bowed before Cynthia.

Roxanne: "I... I apologize, Princess Cynthia. I had no idea who you were."

Roxanne was scared, afraid she might be dismissed or, worse, executed. However, Cyn smiled.

Cyn: "You can call me Cyn, and stand up—you're making me look like a tyrant."

Roxanne, though surprised, obeyed and slowly stood up, avoiding the princess's gaze. She tried to hide her discomfort, but Cyn's relaxed attitude, so far from the strict formality she was used to, unsettled her.

Cyn: "Sorry for scaring you. It's just rare to see anyone venturing into this hallway."

Roxanne nodded timidly, starting to relax despite the princess's imposing presence. She found the situation surreal: a princess who apologized for scaring her, who spoke to her almost like a friend. Cyn sighed and looked at Roxanne.

Cyn: "I have to go now. Goodbye."

Before Roxanne could respond, the young princess was already gone. Roxanne remained motionless for a moment, staring at the empty spot where Cyn had stood seconds earlier. Everything had happened so quickly that she'd barely had time to register Cyn's presence, let alone ask the questions burning on her lips.

Roxanne: "Goodbye... well, back to work..."