Image of Perfection

Chapter 1. Change

SERENITY. 

My feet slide carelessly off the bed and onto the cold tile floor. My chambers are illuminated by the bright sun. I smile to myself; I love when the morning starts so beautifully. It was like mother nature's promise to you that the day is destined for greatness.

"Madam Spencers." I hear a familiar voice call out from behind my doors.

"Come in."

The sun makes his eyes glimmer. I've known him for a long time and I'm still astounded by how green his eyes were. It seems impossible for someone to even possess that eye color naturally.

"Good morning." He greets with a toothy smile.

"Good morning Mali."

Malachai Steele has been my guard and friend for five years. My dad says Malachai is very skilled for a man of his age. At fifteen he became a protector of our home, he carried a position outside our palace. A year later, my father reassigned him to be my guard. Since Mali was only a year older than me I made it my mission to be familiar with him. He was the only person I could communicate with daily.

"It's cold, isn't it?" I ask, making conversation. I cover my arms with a thin robe.

He points at his armor. "I wouldn't know." I take this opportunity to admire his form. His skills were very apparent through his appearance. When he wasn't his armor it was hard not to see his toned body.

"Madam." He calls, snapping me from my thoughts.

"You don't have to call me that Mali."

"I'm on duty." He argues.

I don't reply, surrendering myself in this pointless argument. Though I saw Malachai as much more than a guard he couldn't afford to risk his position at the palace. A guard was the best occupation to have for a man in our country, unfortunately. 

"Your mother ask I escort you."

"Of course. I will meet you outside my chambers after I am properly dressed." He bows his head and exits the room without saying goodbye.

My servants rush in, bombarding with dresses and accessories. Exchanging conversation on what color suits me best in what lighting. I don't input much because after all they know me best.

***

Mali escorts me in silence down the corridor to meet my mother. I can see her in the distance. My mother is wearing a violet dress; she's representing our colors. It was never my mother who requested I be escorted, it was usually an instructor or my father. Today must be important.

"Serenity." Her ocean blue eyes stare at me. She does not look amused by my presence. "Today is very important for your father and myself. It should be important for you too. I need you to behave, kind and how a princess should be." Now it makes sense. My father was never good at instilling discipline. That was something my mother was an expert at. It wasn't too harsh but it wasn't said in a nice manner either.

"What is today?" I ask.

"That is what I mean. No questions, Serenity. No sarcastic remarks. We need you to be appropriate when you speak. Not stepping any boundaries whatsoever. Do you understand me?"

I can see the pressure my mother has been put under. Even the make-up can't cover the dark-circles that have become an accustomed feature in her face. Her brown hair is in an up-do and her crown weighs heavily over her head. Beads of sweat lay on her forehead. Why is she so nervous?