Chapter 2: Chapter Two

The morning sun bathed the palace grounds in brilliant light, causing the polished marble floors to gleam like mirrors. Excitement buzzed through the corridors as rumors swirled about the need for new maids to serve the concubines, a highly sought-after position that promised a better life and proximity to the royal family.

The selection process had been announced, and every maid in the palace eagerly prepared to showcase their skills. This was a rare opportunity, and I had been well-prepared by Mrs. Anna for it.

The palace's matriarch of maidens summoned the younger maids to gather in the courtyard. It was a chance to escape the menial work in the palace grounds, but it also meant leaving behind the familiar presence of Mrs. Anna. As we lined up, standing with utmost rigidity, the palace's matriarch inspected each of us with great scrutiny.

This selection was a serious affair, as any mistakes could have dire consequences. The palace's matriarch of maidens tapped the shoulders of some maids, including mine, making us stand apart from the others. We had no idea who had been chosen or why. Looks played a role in this, too, and some maids took great care with their appearance, believing it could lead them to prestigious positions in the royal court.

However, I hoped my hard work and dedication would not go unnoticed, as I lacked confidence in my own looks. I wanted to earn respect among my peers and superiors, and I hoped this was the day I would be rewarded for my efforts.

"The ones who were tapped have been promoted," the palace's matriarch announced. "You will serve the royal concubines directly, and there is no room for mistakes. You can easily be replaced." I was overwhelmed with joy when I heard these words. We bowed our heads in acceptance and returned to our quarters after being dismissed. I searched for Lilian and saw her waving her hand as she approached me.

"I got promoted," she said with a beaming smile as we clasped each other's hands in excitement.

"Me too," I replied, and we quickened our pace to catch up with the others.

Mrs. Anna called me aside and held my hands with a smile on her face. "I'm so proud of you. I'm going to miss you so much. Don't forget to serve the concubines with great care and dedication. Ensure that you fulfill every task to the best of your ability, and you will soon earn their appreciation." She handed me a bag, and despite my protests, she insisted. "I've bought some clothes, shoes, and jewelry for you. You won't be able to wear what you have because of your promotion."

She reached out to brush a stray hair behind my ear, her smile filled with warmth. I pulled her into a hug and expressed how much I would miss her, promising that I would make time to see her.

I left Mrs. Anna to return to my quarters and pack everything I had before the assembly.

As the clock's hands inched toward midday, an air of anticipation filled the palace. It was the moment my fellow maids and I had eagerly awaited, as we were about to be presented to the King's concubines, the enigmatic figures who held a great place in the palace.

We gathered in a vestibule just outside the grand dining hall, exchanging hushed whispers filled with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. We were on the threshold of a new chapter, one that would take us to uncharted territory, a part of the palace we had never ventured into.

The head chamberlain,Mr Luke exuding reserved elegance, arrived to lead us. His presence lent a solemnity to the occasion, emphasizing the significance of this glimpse into the inner place of the palace.

The grand doors leading to the palace's inner corridors swung open. A sense of trepidation coursed through me as I walked through the doors.The inner corridors were unlike any I had ever seen, adorned with tapestries that depicted intimate moments in the lives of the royal family, unlike the grand scenes of the outer palace.

The frescoes adorning the walls of the inner palace's hallways were exquisite. They portrayed human emotion and experience with vivid brushstrokes, capturing tales of love, valor, and grandeur.

As Elara walked, she marveled at the artistic mastery that brought these scenes to life, and each step felt like an immersion into history.

The architecture of the inner palace had a more intimate feel, with ornate arches and intricately carved doorways leading to hidden courtyards filled with vibrant, cascading blossoms. She noticed that the inner palace possessed a quieter grace, a place where moments of solitude and reflection were cherished.

We followed Mr Luke in hushed tones, our heads bowed.