Jasmin

Jasmin liked working in the bookstore. It was quiet in the shop, apart from the occasional customer. Mert had shown her how the books were sorted and this was her first task.

She got along well with Killian. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she knew him. But where had she met him? He told her in passing what tasks she still had to expect. Mert was happy to leave the training of the new employee to his son. Books had to be bought from the dealers or printers, a cash book was kept and at the end of the day, the income was calculated. Jasmin had already seen cash books. More often than she would have liked. In her family's tailor's shop.

"My family says when it comes to bookkeeping, I'm a walking disaster", she muttered.

"Is that so?" Killian was opening a box of new books that they wanted to sort together. "My father wouldn't have hired you if he didn't think you were up to the mark. But... He seldom lets me look into the cash books. You probably don't have to deal with it." He winked at her.

Did she know him? Had she seen him the other day? On the road?

"Do I have something on my face?"

"What?" Jasmin blinked. "Oh. Did I stare at you? Excuse me."

"You did. Do I look insanely good?", Killian joked. "In that case, I'm happy to be at everyone's disposal!!" Grinning, he threw himself into a pose.

Puzzled, Jasmin shook her head and placed the book, which she had still held embarrassed on the shelf. "What?"

"I don't? What a pity. Well, then we'd better keep working", he grumbled. "It's already scratching my ego!"

"What?"

"And that even more!" He shook his head. "I don't think I'm doing my job very well."

"Your job?", Jasmin asked. "Working in the bookstore? Since I'm here for the first day, I can't say anything about it."

"I'll ask you in a week", he replied, looking even more amused.

"Good. I will answer conscientiously", Jasmin grumbled, still confused.

It wasn't until she was on her way home that she realized he had been flirting with her. "I'm so stupid!", she murmured, laughing, ignoring the looks other people gave her. Her bright eyes always attracted the eyes of others.

But when she turned the corner to walk the last few meters to her home, she saw her uncle and father arguing in the garden. She couldn't hear what it was about, but she watched with shock as her uncle beat her father. Frightened, she ran.

"What's the matter?", she shouted.

"Nothing little girls should worry about!", hissed her uncle. "Go make money, and make sure that the neighborhood has a good impression of you. All that needs to interest you is to match the prestige of our family. You're pretty... Even if it's just that!" He marched into the house with a red head. Jasmin heard him mutter something like a 'weak-headed thing'. She ignored him.

"Dad! What happened?", she asked her father instead. "What were you arguing about? Why did he beat you?"

But her father shook his head. "Nothing, honey. It was my mistake. Don't worry."

"How can I not worry?" Jasmin crossed her arms. "No. What kind of mistake should that have been?"

"Jasmin, darling. Focus on your new work. It's all right." Her father stroked her light hair and pushed her into the house. "Did you have fun? Do you like working in the bookstore?"

"Yes. Very", she replied softly. "But..."

"Good. And I and your uncle have very good news."

"News?"

"Yes, indeed. Poppy will be surprised. But that's all I'm going to say!"

There was indeed a lot to talk about at dinner. The so-called good news was more than just good. A letter had come from the castle. A large fabric order. The royal family needed the finest fabrics for ball gowns. In addition, the queen had heard of Poppy's talent and therefore invited her to the castle to prove her skills. The queen considered having Poppy sew the dresses for the upcoming ball. Or at least one. Depending on how long it would take her to sew a dress.

Poppy stared at her uncle, who had solemnly read the letter. She was pale. "I can go to the castle?"

"Poppy!" Jasmin embraced her sister stormily. "The queen has heard about your talent!"

"Indeed." Her grandmother nodded. "This should be celebrated! A great honor for the family. A great honor."

"And good for business!" Willow added. "Do you remember the fine lady? For which Poppy sewed the ball gown? What was her name again? It's been a few months... She was just passing through. Von Spottweg! Her coat was torn. And then she saw the dress Poppy was sewing and ordered one! Do you remember? A servant picked up the dress! I'm sure she told others about Poppy’s talent."

"Possibly", Archie grumbled. "I don't care how the queen found out about Poppy. The main thing is that she has!"

Meanwhile, Lara and Taio jumped up from their seats to hug their daughter as well.

Killian - 18 years old.