Michelle stood in her room, holding her suitcase tightly, her heart heavy with the memories that adorned every corner of the space. Each brick seemed to whisper of the moments etched in her heart. The door creaked open, and two young boys entered, their presence bringing both joy and sorrow to Michelle's soul.
Jack, with his brown hair and eyes, and Marcus, with his black hair and blue eyes, rushed to hug their beloved sister with all their might. Tears streamed down their cheeks as they pleaded,
"Sister! You can't leave us."
She smiled through her own tears and pulled them into a warm embrace.
"Your sister has to leave, boys, so she can buy you lots of chocolate and ice creams!" she said, trying to lift their spirits.
Their faces lit up at the thought of treats, and they asked eagerly, "That means you'll come back after buying us treats? Yipeee!"
Her heart ached, but Michelle knew she had a mission to fulfill. "No, boys. I'm going on a long journey. Perhaps I'll come back when you'll be big adults."
Their pleas turned into desperate sobs, and Michelle held them closer, her love for them pouring out in that tender moment.
"I promise you won't ever starve to sleep ever again," she assured them, hoping her words would bring them some comfort.
As she left her room and descended the stairs, the children followed, some holding gifts, others sobbing at the thought of her departure. All twenty of them, her little siblings, gathered to bid her farewell. The weight of her decision pressed upon her, but she steeled herself for the road ahead.
The orphanage director and the wagon boy waited at the gate, their faces a mix of pride and sorrow. Michelle approached them and bowed slightly, acknowledging their support over the years. The director couldn't contain her emotions and embraced Michelle tightly, whispering words of encouragement and love.
The children gathered around her, eager to show their affection one last time. "Big sister Michelle, I made you this card!" one exclaimed, offering a handmade creation.
"Sister Michelle, will you bring us treats!" another asked, eyes full of hope.
"Sister! Can you bring me a big dress! I wanna wear it," yet another chimed in with a smile.
Michelle beamed at them, cherishing each moment. She was leaving these idiots, and she saw sure she was gonna miss them.
The scene was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, and the director couldn't bear to watch Michelle leave. With a heavy heart, she finally bid her goodbye, and Michelle found her seat inside the wagon.
One month remained before she would arrive at the royal palace. For her it was no less than hell.
The days passed, and the wagon rolled on. Along the way, Michelle wrote letters to the children, sharing tales of her adventures and the wonders she encountered. She bought treats and gifts, sending them carefully along the letters. Each town felt foreign and new to her.
Michelle took a small stop before changing her hair colour from red to brown. She has to look as normal as possible as a palace maid.
One month felt both like an eternity and a fleeting moment. Finally, the wagon arrived at the imposing gates of the royal palace. Michelle's heart raced as she stepped out, bracing herself for whatever waited for her inside
Michelle smiled at the guard, handing him the entry letter she had received back at the orphanage. After a brief inspection, the guard allowed her inside the royal castle. She bowed respectfully and proceeded toward the imposing gates, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty. Today marked the beginning of her journey within the castle's walls.
As she approached the palace, her jaw tightened, and she felt a peculiar sense of both familiarity and unfamiliarity. Though she had been here a few times before, it was still a place filled with mysteries and secrets. Michelle knew the layout well enough to head straight for the servant quarters, clutching her suitcase tightly.
However, her attention was diverted by movement in the trees. A boy of her age, with mesmerizing black hair and an air of nobility, caught her eye as he casually ate an apple.
He exuded an allure that made her heart skip a beat. He noticed her gaze and looked back at her, an amused smile playing on his lips. He looked like a nobleman but not a prince. His appearance was too simple. Who was he?
Michelle waited for him to speak first, curiosity mingled with caution. The stranger kept the eye contact for a few second before taking another bite of his apple. As he gulp the bite, he smiled at Michelle.
"Who are you?" he inquired, twirling the apple in his hand. His pristine blue eyes holding some sort of mischief. Michelle raised her eyebrows in confusion but still bowed slightly. Perhaps he was a noble visiting the palace.
"I'm the new maid, Sir," Michelle replied, maintaining her composure despite the fluttering in her chest. The boy tiled his head and smirked.
Without warning, the boy jumped down from the tree, causing her to gasp and instinctively step back. He approached her with an air of nonchalance, and Michelle took a few more steps backward, her guard up.
"You look pretty," the boy stated, and a rosy blush immediately colored Michelle's cheeks. She was caught off guard by his candid compliment.
What the hell?!
Annoyed yet flustered, Michelle shot him a glare and decided to leave the scene. She controlled her racing heart and pursed her lips. Who does this idiot think he is?!
The boy seemed confused by her reaction, scratching his head as she walked away. Did he say something wrong?
He took another bite of his red apple and glanced at the girl who practically jogged away. This was the first time he saw someone with this huge aura.
He smirked at the realization.
Chapter 1 out everyone. My chapter length is around 1k to 1.5k words >< ✨