Of Royalty And Humility

The Horse Whisperer

The kingdom of Sylora was beautiful as it was cut throat. You needed connections to survive. Sehren Holde learned that firsthand today, one month of her father's death day.

Mistress Brenna crossed her arms and looked Sehren up and down with a sneer.

"Well, girl, it seems like you've got yourself a guardian angel in high places. Word has it Lord W wants you to stay on here. Some people would say it's good fortune to have friends like that."

Sehren with eyes downcast said in a steady voice, "Thank you. I didn't know where else to go,"

"Don't thank me, I had nothing to do with it. In my time, we were selected based on our quality and not connections,"

Being slighted so brazenly was something she had never experienced before. Her father was well liked, and had many friends. Who knew everyone's behavior would take such a drastic turn after his death. She involuntarily insisted, "I didn't ask for any favors,"

"Oh, I know you didn't ask for it, but that doesn't change the fact that you've been handed a favor. Plenty of orphans out there don't get work handed to them on a silver platter. Not just because their father was friends with a lord."

Mistress Brenna circled Sehren slowly, her eyes narrowing with each step.

"So, you've got two choices. The kitchen, where you'll be peeling vegetables, scrubbing pots, and working with the rest of the lot. Or, if you think you're too delicate for that, you can work up in the princess's palace."

A flash of surprise crossed Sehren's face. "I'll serve the princess?"

Brienne barked a wild laughter and shook her head.

"Oh no, don't get ahead of yourself. You'll clean up after her ladies-in-waiting, maybe. Sweep the floors, polish the silver, wash linens-nothing that'll bring you within a mile of the princess. You'll be a maid, not a lady."

Sehren clasped her hands together, her knuckles paled as she tightened her grip.

"I understand. I'll choose the palace."

Brienne raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

"Of course you would. Fine, then. But mark my words, girl-just because Lord W likes you doesn't mean you'll get any special treatment from me. You'll work hard, or you'll be gone. Your father isn't here to protect you anymore."

"I'll have Sebil show you your work. Stand right there and don't move,"

Mistress Brenna left Sehren feeling cold and empty. Her stomach felt heavy and her arms tingled with apprehension. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. This isn't what it was supposed to be like. Father had told her that he would always be there for her. He should've been here. He shouldn't have left her alone. The only memory of her father was that of his stiff gray sunken face with his mouth hanging limply open and his arms cold hanging over the edge of the bed.

'Why can't I even remember his voice?' She clenched her dress tighter and forbade herself from crying.

Father had left behind at least one lifeline for her. Lord W was someone her father had trusted with her care. And he had taken care to find work and lodgings for her. She felt she should thank him for his generosity. But she did not really feel grateful. 'My house is not my own anymore, and I have to live among strangers now.' She thought solemnly.

Sebil, a younger servant girl, entered the room and glanced nervously at Sehren, nodding toward the door.

"Come on. I'll show you where you'll be working." Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper, as if afraid of being overheard.