This time, her attire was more elaborate, a stunning display of tulle layered over fabric in shades of blue and red. Two longer pieces cascaded from the back, creating a regal cape adorned with embroidered golden leaves and encrusted jewels. As Eve and Susan fussed over her dress, Seraphina caught sight of the freshly cleaned bed, adorned with crisp sheets and plump pillows. A feeling of warmth spread throughout her body. Susan had worked tirelessly to conceal the nasty truth and had yet to be thanked.

"Thank you, Susan. Your efforts are truly appreciated. I realize I may have been a bit difficult before, but I've come to understand that ruling through fear isn't the mark of a true leader," Seraphina said, clasping Susan's hands warmly and bowing her head. Tears welled in Susan's eyes as she sank to her knees.

"It is my duty to ensure your safety, my Princess," Susan murmured earnestly. She bowed her head in reverence and Seraphina could feel the unbridled loyalty and kindness both had to offer.

"Please, let's move past formalities. Call me something else. We can be friends, can't we?" Seraphina urged, gently helping Susan to her feet. Surprise crossed Susan's features as fresh tear tracks glistened on her cheeks.

"Your Grace?" Eve suggested tentatively, seeking confirmation from Seraphina, who responded with a warm smile.

"Yes, a new me and you," Seraphina replied with a warm smile. The significance of her words took a moment to register, and both maids immediately dropped to their knees, embracing her waist tightly. Seraphina patted their heads as they clung to the tulle, sometimes a kind word was all that was needed. As they wiped away their tears, a renewed sense of determination seemed to fill the air, infusing them with newfound energy as they made their way to the doors with a spring in their step.

“Come, your grace!” They opened the double doors and this time heading the opposite direction. On her right more of the garden was seen and she could get a better idea of the castle as a whole.

On first glance as she noted, there was an inner courtyard surrounded by the castle. It’s three stories loomed over her and engulfed the garden. She knew her room sat on the north side as the sun never really left her room throughout her time spent. The kitchen sat towards the west side on the bottom floor, where there was a service entrance and possibly a small farm, but she couldn’t see in the corridors. Somewhere below her was the library on the northwest corner, and along the south wall was the entrance to the castle where the red-haired prince came from, as she had noted it had opened up beyond the pillars he was initially leaning on. 

Counting each door they passed, Seraphina estimated the vastness of the castle's interior, surmising it housed upwards of a hundred rooms, not to mention the various bathrooms scattered throughout. The sheer size of the castle explained the extensive staff she encountered, each face new and different. Yet, despite the bustling activity, signs of neglect were evident—the gardens held untamed weeds, and dust settled on the stone railings, hinting at a need for care and attention.

“Susan, how many staff are employed in the castle?” She called as they began to ascend to the third floor.

“Your grace, do you mean just in the Tulip castle or in all the castles?” The information took Seraphina by surprise. How big was the city actually, and the castles? If this place felt like the Palace of Versailles, she wondered what the other castles looked like.

“Both,” Seraphina’s reply faded as as they ascended the stairs, the air seemed to shimmer with anticipation, and upon reaching the summit, they stepped onto a breathtaking outdoor patio. The large space was covered with a soaring arched roof, its expanse adorned with gleaming glass panels that afforded a view of the star-studded sky above. In the center of the patio stood a grand dining table, its surface gleaming in the soft glow of ambient light, from the surrounding floating crystals. At the head of the table sat a striking older woman, her regal presence commanding attention. Seraphina noted the simple dress with only a few embellishments. However, even with the lack of adornment, the woman was striking her white hair and blue eyes, reminding Seraphina of an icy lake. What caught Seraphina’s eye was the large swirling gem that sat in the soft hollow of her neck. It sat firmly adorned with gentle green vines intertwined to look like lily leaves.

“My daughter!” The woman exclaimed, her voice echoing with both joy and longing as she opened her arms wide, her eyes bright with tears of happiness. Seraphina moved towards her, playing the dutiful daughter, and they held each other tightly.

“Mother,” Seraphina murmured softly, feeling the warmth of newfound motherly love.

“I've missed having you grace these halls, my dear daughter,” her mother confessed, her voice trembling with emotion as she held Seraphina at arm's length, her gaze filled with love and regret. “I pleaded with your father to release you, but his stubbornness...”

“Mother, please,” Seraphina interjected gently, placing a comforting hand on her mother's arm. “Let’s not dwell on the past. My time in isolation has brought me clarity and newfound strength.” She smiled sliding into a chair beside her. “Tell me everything that has gone on in my absence.”

Seraphina's mother smiled warmly as she signaled for the first course to be served, her demeanor graceful yet tinged with an undercurrent of concern. "I've been hearing some promising reports lately. The orphanages seem to be managing well, which is a relief. I had hoped to visit them soon, but alas, my current state of fatigue may delay those plans," she remarked, her expression momentarily clouded with worry. "And as for the state of the castle, well... It's been rather disheartening to witness the lack of attention from the staff. With you confined and Catherine attending to her own matters, it's become increasingly challenging to ensure proper upkeep." Her words seemed pointed and a few servants bowed their heads no doubt to hide a smirk.

Seraphina listened attentively, her mind already spinning with thoughts of the castle's internal affairs and the implications of her mother’s absence on its functioning. So, the princess was a sort of guard dog. As she nibbled on the salad, her senses detected the telltale signs of neglect in the wilted leaves and lackluster presentation, this must’ve been what the chefs had been preparing. She dreaded the rest of the meal.

"And what about you? I heard you had a couple of visitors from the stables..." The queen's voice was playful, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she glanced at Seraphina from across the table. As the next course—a chilled vegetable soup—was served, she leaned in, clearly enjoying the moment.

Seraphina couldn't help but chuckle at her mother's teasing tone. "Yes, well, they were quite forgettable," she replied with a sly grin, playing along with the banter.

"Oh, the joys of youth!" The queen exclaimed with a hearty laugh, leaning back in her chair as she reminisced. "I remember when I was your age, the adventures and romances, even within these castle walls!" Her tone was lighthearted, filled with the warmth of fond memories. "Just be careful not to let your father catch wind of it. You know how he can be."

"Of course, mother," Seraphina replied with a knowing smile, sharing in the playful exchange. They sat together in companionable silence until the next course arrived—a monstrous sight that made Seraphina inwardly cringe. As she attempted to discreetly dissect her new meal, she broached a different topic.

"Mother, I've been curious about the library. I couldn't help but notice its lackluster collection," she mentioned, hoping to steer the conversation toward something else.

The queen's expression softened, her eyes clouding with nostalgia. "Ah, yes. Your father had plans to convert it into his new office, but those plans fell through, especially with opposition from Lady Verdanzia," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "It's a place I dearly miss. I spent countless hours reading to you and your brother there." A wistful sigh escaped her lips as she glanced at the empty seat across Seraphina.

“I think that’s wonderful. Mother, how about I finish that project, and while I’m at it, what do you think of me helping you just until Catherine comes back?” A new plan began to emerge. Her mother looked at her for a moment, dubious of the authenticity of her words.

“I think that’s a lovely idea. It will be good to see you challenged, this place takes so much from you dear. Look at me, and your brother, off to find some cure that doesn’t even exist,” her words tinged with a deep sadness. Seraphina reached out to her grabbing hold of her wrist and the older woman smiled fondly. She lowered her fork and placed her other hand on Seraphina’s.

“I truly believe the isolation helped me find myself again Mother. I want to help and get this place back up just until Catherine is back.” Her words are honest and true with a hint of self serving nature. This would give her a plausible reason to begin searching for information as well as supporting the woman beside her. They finished up dinner and she kissed her mother’s cheek. 

“Tomorrow let’s go for a walk in the garden,” Her mother grinned, grabbing onto Seraphina’s arm. A few servants started to protest but she held up her hand silencing all. A smile tugged at Seraphina’s lips.

“Of course mother! You can show me everything you do! Goodnight,” She turned both Eve and Susan standing tall. 

“Goodnight oh daughter of mine!” Her voice echoed and a pang of sadness circled in Seraphina’s stomach. Hopefully she could be the daughter that mother needed for the time being.