Jasmin

Poppy left the next night. Shortly after the sun had set. A carriage would first take her to an inn halfway, and from there to the castle. She would be gone for several days, maybe weeks. The fabrics were to be sent off a day later, as they still had to be packed.

It was difficult for the two sisters to say goodbye. But Poppy promised to write letters and come back soon.

"Good luck!" Jasmin whispered in her sister's ear as they hugged one last time. "Queen Neda will be delighted with you. I'm sure of that."

"I hope so!" Poppy replied. Then she hugged her parents and got into the carriage. Jasmin waved after her until she could no longer see the carriage. Her gaze lingered wistfully on the long street while her uncle and grandmother talked about all the prestige Poppy would gain for their family.

At breakfast, there was the next good news. At least for her uncle and aunt. Shortly after Poppy's departure, a postman had brought them a letter from Alfie, which Willow now read aloud:

 "Dear Mother, Dear Father,

the university is a delightful place.

Unfortunately, there is a rumor that it will soon close its doors forever.

Due to the opening of the new university, there are probably too few applications for study places. Well, I'm in good spirits to finish my studies here. It's just rumored.

My grades are more than just satisfactory. A lecturer offered me a small position as a tutor. I'm not going to make a lot of money, just a few coins, but I've agreed. It is no small feat to get such a job. My achievements have been noticed and my skills are recognized. This is a true confirmation of my decision.

Some time ago I came across some artists in the market who were selling their magnificent paintings. Three special pieces adorn the walls of my modest room now. Maybe I'll become an art collector? That sounds very intellectual, doesn't it?

I've made a few good friends I can count on, and I'm admired by other students for my skills. So you don't have to worry.

Well, I can't wait to see you again soon and to be able to tell you about my successes in person. Certainly, the family business is doing wonderfully.

Yours, Alfie.

Pride of the family, future mayor, and one day the head of the dyeing factory."

Jasmin wanted to roll her eyes. If there's one thing Alfie was, it's a horrible show-off. And he sounded as if he had just begun his studies. Not a year ago... But her family was already bragging about everything he had already accomplished. Only the art thing displeased her grandmother.

"He'd better buy something useful," she grumbled. "Pictures just get dusty. Does the boy want to drag dust collectors into our house?" In fact, not a single painting adorned the walls of the house. Something that Jasmine regretted.

"Art is useful!", Willow objected. The two started arguing devotedly about it. Jasmin assumed that this quarrel would last the night. Therefore, she was relieved when she was on her way to work, instead of having to listen to the family discussion, which the argument had become.

Throughout her working hours, there was a strange atmosphere in the bookstore. But no one wanted to tell her what was going on. She had no choice but to accept this. Although the strange looks that her employer and his son threw at each other were more than just suspicious. And she became terribly nervous as soon as Killian spoke to her. Today he did not flirt with her, the mood seemed too tense for that. But she noticed how good he looked. Dark red hair and blue eyes. He looked like she imagined a Prince Charming as a child. And she also noticed how he looked at her.

Jasmin was used to being looked at. But Killian's looks were different. He didn't stare, because of her eyes. Nor did he look at her strange or even lustful. No. His cheeks were flushed every time, and he looked away in embarrassment when she caught him.

Shortly before closing time, she met Mert's wife Lana, and their youngest child Angelika. Lana was a friendly lady and Angelika was a loud and bright child. While Killian, with his dark red hair and blue eyes, looked almost exactly like his mother, Angelika had inherited Mert's green eyes. The girl kept her brother on his toes with pranks and told Jasmin a bad vampire joke as a greeting.

Lana wanted to know everything about Jasmin's family. Jasmin therefore proudly told the older mortal about her sister Poppy. "She must be very talented!", Lana murmured in astonishment.

"She is", Jasmine confirmed. Angelika shrieked loudly. Just like Lana, she looked at the two siblings who were fooling around. Killian grinned triumphantly.

"How about you have dinner with us?", he called out to her. He had thrown his little sister over his shoulders.

"Let me down!", Angelika screamed. "Or I'll bite you!"

Killian ignored her. Instead, he looked at Jasmin expectantly.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go home after work", she said softly. "I can't stay any longer." Her family attached great importance to the meals they shared. Archie used the dinner to find out about the day's successes and to announce his expectations for further achievements. And she didn't want to have to explain to him where she had been. She feared his wrath. It would be a disaster if her uncle learned that she worked for humans. Of course, the rest of her family wouldn't be thrilled either, but she was afraid of her uncle's reaction.

"What a pity", Mert replied. "Then we shouldn’t hold you up any longer.

"Thank you. See you tomorrow!", she said goodbye, feeling as if she already had her uncle's scowl on her neck. Would this go well? A job with humans? Her home was not home. It had become a cage.

As she left the store, she heard Killian scream. Apparently, Angelika had made good on her threat.

Angelika - 9 years old.