It’s finally happening. Today is the day I’m moving in with my lover! My dear husband, who I’ve been with for 6 years. He only just proposed 2 months ago, but honestly, everyday goes by so fast when I’m with him.

I press the breaks of my green beetle as I arrive at my new home. It looks beautiful, I can’t wait to come home to this everyday! I start to load off some heavy luggage off my car. It's not too hard for me.. I’m pretty strong. After hauling the last suitcase to the front door, I wipe the sweat off my forehead just as my phone rings.

It’s my husband. Damien. He’s with the moving company. 

“Sannah! Darling! Are you there already?” 

“Yup, I just finished pulling out the luggage from my trunk. When will you get here?”

“I’ll get there in 10, but go ahead and enter first. I’ve placed the keys under the pot plant next to the front door. ”

“Oh dear, why…  there? People might steal it.”

“Sannah, darling. I’m sure nobody will be able to lift that pot except you.”

I chuckle, cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder as I wrap both hands around the massive flowerpot. With a grunt, I lift it just enough to grab the hidden key underneath. 

I shove it into the lock—but pause the moment my hand twists the doorknob.

Somethings wrong… a chill crawls down my spine when I realise the door’s already unlocked.

“Damien, you forgot to lock the door —”

The door swings open before I can finish.

I scream.

A man stands in the doorway.

His face, hidden behind a balaclava. Only his glistening red eyes were visible beneath the fabric. He’s tall—at least six feet—with a muscular frame. In his left hand… gleams a kitchen knife. 

Which has now already penetrated deep into my stomach.

Time slows.

It doesn’t hurt at first.

It feels numb.. no, it suddenly feels like it's burning. Tears run down my cheeks as I realise this might be the end. When all starts to go well… why!?

“You shouldn’t be here,” he says quietly.

I cough out blood and gasp for air. My vision goes blurry as my knee gives out. I plummet to the floor as  more and more tears run down my cheeks. 

But just faintly, through all the nauseating ringing in my ears, I can hear Damien…. calling my name.

Everything is black. 

The next thing I know I wake up inside a carriage. Tears still streaming down my cheeks as I look around. Was that all just a bad dream? 

The carriage door swings open. 

“Woah!” Slightly embarrassed and confused I stared dumbfoundedly at the women who had just abruptly opened the door. She was dressed in a very old fashioned maid dress. Simple but elegant. She looked young, no older than 25 and her hair was done into a neat braided bun. 

She starts yelling in a language I don’t recognize—but somehow, I understand every word..

“Lady Seraphina! What are you doing!? We’re already running late for the Imperial Princesses tea party!”

She grabs my wrist and yanks me out of the carriage.

Outside, we stand before a towering Baroque-style empire, surrounded by shimmering golden gates that no one could ever hope to climb. Every corner, every column, every inch of the empire screams power, wealth and legacy.

The size and beauty of the architecture sent chills down my spine.

I barely have time to process it when a man in a crisp butler’s uniform steps forward.

“Lady Seraphina of the Valemont family. Pleased to meet you. And welcome to the imperial palace.”

“I’ll escort you to today's event in the gardens. Please follow me.” He had his right hand on his chest as he bowed elegantly.

White roses bloom in every direction, trimmed hedges stretch into symmetrical perfection, and a massive willow tree casts dappled shadows over the tea table beneath it.. And on the table in front of me, there layed out desserts of all kinds. Macarons, cheesecakes, madeleines, mille- feuille, fruits, and pies.. all plated on fine china and decorated pleasantly. 

I wasn’t alone though, 7 other young girls who I’ve never once met, dressed in extravagant dresses surrounded the table. Out of all the girls, one stood out. She sat directly across from me, her golden locks curled and decorated into perfection with 2 large pink bows. Her blue eyes sparkled and shone like the ocean reflecting the sun. Her outfit looked perfectly fitted and looked to be made with the highest quality materials. But what really made her stand out was the diamond brooch on her chest. The size of the gem was massive.

They’re rich. And So am I—apparently.

I stare at my reflection through the cup of rooibos tea that was served.. big green eyes with a luscious red hairdo. Who even am I? The man dressed in the butler uniform referred to me as “Lady seraphina of the Valemont Family.” 

I sat there silently, while the other girls chatted and giggled. 

I was terrified.

By now I’ve realised I was no longer in the world I was fond of, I knew nobody, nothing about this world.. heck! I didn’t even know myself. Will I ever make it back? The thought scared me. I wanted to go home. I missed Damien. 

“Lady Seraphina. You’re awfully quiet this afternoon.”

A high-pitched melodic voice cuts through my thoughts. I look up to see the girl with golden locks talking to me, her ocean blue eyes staring straight into mine.

Was Seraphina Valemont a talkative girl? 

“I apologise, I’m not feeling so well.” I say as I force a small smile.

After a second of thinking, her lips curl into a mischievous grin. 

"I heard you’ve been having a scandalous affair with a peasant. Does that have anything to do with it?"

The table erupts in whispers and giggles. 

I stare at her.. shocked at what she just said. 

“Uhm, I don't think this topic is appropriate.” I say, my voice faltering.

Completely ignoring what I said, another girl chirps in.

“I’ve also heard you’ve strolled around town in nothing but your nightgown!” 

“Is it also true that you gambled away your virginity?” Blurts out another girl.

Seraphina Valemont, what kind of girl were you?!

I forced a polite laugh and shook my head. “I don’t recall any of that,” I said softly.

Because I didn't. 

They all looked at me strangely. The air was too heavy.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I slowly rose from my seat, carefully placing the delicate teacup down.

“I think I need a break.”

And before anyone could stop me, I turned around and walked—no, glided— away, past the willows shadows, away from the table and their piercing gaze.

I didn’t stop walking until their laughter faded.

The garden seemed endless, like it could swallow me whole.

Finally, I found myself in front of a stone fountain shaped like a maiden pouring water from an urn. I sat at the edge, gripping the cold marble until my knuckles turned white.