13. What's wrong with the Crown Prince?

As the royal carriage rolled smoothly toward the palace gates, Seraphina couldn't help but be captivated by the view. The palace gates, which she had only seen from afar, loomed larger and more majestic up close. Their towering height and intricate gold filigree, adorned with the royal crest, left her in awe. The sheer opulence was overwhelming, and as the gates slowly opened, Seraphina found herself holding her breath.

The carriage passed through the gates and into the palace grounds. Every detail was perfection: the manicured gardens, the rows of statues depicting past rulers, and the marble fountains that danced in the sunlight. Seraphina, peeking through the carriage window, felt as if she had stepped into a world far removed from the one she knew—a realm of timeless beauty and power.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt in front of the grand palace entrance. The head butler, a tall and dignified man dressed in immaculate livery, approached the carriage. With a graceful bow, he extended his hand to assist Seraphina as she stepped out onto the polished marble steps.

"Welcome to the palace, Lady Seraphina," the butler intoned with a voice that resonated authority and grace. "Her Majesty awaits your presence. Please, follow me."

Seraphina nodded silently, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. The palace's architecture was nothing short of magnificent—high vaulted ceilings, towering pillars of white marble, and intricate mosaics that told the history of the realm. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, and the chandeliers above glimmered with countless crystals, casting a soft, enchanting light.

As they moved deeper into the palace, Seraphina was struck by the sheer elegance of everything around her. The floors were a polished mosaic of marble, the curtains were heavy velvet, and every window framed a perfect view of the gardens outside. The air was filled with the subtle scent of roses, which seemed to come from the carefully arranged bouquets that dotted the corridors.

Eventually, they reached a set of grand doors, which the butler pushed open to reveal a breathtaking sight—a vast greenhouse, unlike anything Seraphina had ever seen. It was a glass wonderland, filled with the most exquisite flowers and trees, all in full bloom. The air inside was comfortably warm, a stark contrast to the summer heat outside, and a light breeze carried the fragrance of the blossoms.

Butterflies flitted between the flowers, adding to the magical atmosphere. Seraphina followed the butler along a path lined with exotic plants, their vibrant colors creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Finally, they reached a clearing within the greenhouse where a table had been set up—a delicate piece of furniture surrounded by plush chairs, all framed by the greenery.

At the head of the table sat the queen, a vision of regality. Her gown was made of the finest silks, adorned with intricate embroidery and gems that sparkled like the night sky. A magnificent crown rested on her head, its diamonds catching the light and adding to her already commanding presence. Despite her royal status, there was an aura of warmth about her that immediately put Seraphina at ease.

Seraphina's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight before her. The queen was every bit as majestic as she had imagined, and more. She immediately performed the traditional greeting for royalty, bending at the knee and lowering her head in deep respect. "Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice filled with admiration.

The queen smiled, a kind and gracious expression that lit up her features. "Rise, Lady Seraphina," she said, her voice gentle yet commanding. "I am pleased to finally meet the young woman whose name has been on the lips of so many in my kingdom. You are as radiant as the rumors say."

Seraphina stood, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I am honored beyond words to be in your presence. To think that someone like me would be summoned to the palace… I am truly grateful."

The queen gestured for Seraphina to take a seat at the table. "Please, join me. I have been eager to learn more about you and your work. The transformations you have brought about are nothing short of miraculous."

Seraphina blushed at the compliment, still unable to fully grasp the reality of her situation. In her previous world, she had been just another influencer, fighting for recognition in a sea of others. But here, in this world, she was being praised by the queen herself.

"Your Majesty, I am but a humble artisan," Seraphina said, her voice filled with humility. "To have my work recognized by you is the highest honor I could ever receive."

The queen smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Humility is a virtue, my dear, but do not underestimate the value of your skills. Beauty is a gift, and you have mastered the art of enhancing it. You are truly remarkable."

Seraphina could feel her heart swelling with pride and happiness. She had never imagined that she would receive such praise, let alone from royalty. Every moment felt like a dream—one that she never wanted to wake from.

As they sipped their tea and nibbled on delicate macarons, the conversation flowed easily. The queen was not only interested in Seraphina's work but also in her thoughts and experiences. Seraphina, for her part, found herself growing more comfortable with each passing moment, the grandeur of her surroundings becoming a backdrop to the warmth of their interaction. She is so happy that she could barely contain her excitement.

In her Mind Seraphina was screaming "I am fucking living it! Baby"

As their conversation came to a close, the queen extended a gracious invitation to Seraphina. "Come, I wish to show you something," she said, rising elegantly from her seat and leading Seraphina inside the palace. They walked through the grand hallways until they reached a magnificent chamber—the queen's private dressing room.

Seraphina was immediately taken aback by the sheer size of the chamber. It was as large as her entire store back in the city, wide and spacious with rows upon rows of exquisite gowns. The walls were adorned with intricate designs, and the light from a grand chandelier bathed the room in a soft, golden glow. It was a room befitting a queen, filled with luxurious fabrics, delicate accessories, and an air of regality.

The queen glanced around at the array of dresses before turning to Seraphina. "Tell me, Seraphina," she began with a smile, "which of these should I wear today?"

Seraphina took a moment to survey the gowns, her eyes falling on a vibrant red dress that matched the queen's striking eyes. With confidence, she pointed to the dress. "This one, Your Majesty. The red will accentuate your eyes beautifully."

The queen nodded, her smile widening. "A fine choice," she said, instructing her maids to prepare the dress. Then, turning back to Seraphina, the queen added, "Now, show me your artistry."

Seraphina nodded, her heart racing with both excitement and nerves. She approached the queen gently, her voice soft and reassuring. "If you would kindly sit in front of the mirror, Your Majesty," she requested.

The queen obediently sat down, her elegant posture reflecting her royal status. Seraphina began by spreading her makeup kit across the dressing table, carefully laying out her tools and products. She picked up a bottle of face wash she had crafted herself, applying it to the queen's face with delicate precision.

As the citrusy scent of orange filled the air, the queen arched a brow in curiosity. "Why does it smell like oranges?" she asked, her tone light and intrigued.

Seraphina smiled brightly, her passion for her work shining through. "All of my products have delightful scents, Your Majesty, but they are not edible," she replied with a cheerful laugh. The queen chuckled in return, clearly charmed by the young woman's lively spirit.

Next, Seraphina applied a moisturizer she had also made, carefully massaging it into the queen's skin. This product had a much subtler scent, prompting the queen to ask, "Why doesn't this one have as strong a scent as the first?"

Seraphina explained with enthusiasm, "I added only a little bit of scent to this one to mask the herbal smell. There's still a hint of orange, but too much scent would upset the balance of the ingredients." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, her love for her craft evident in every word.

The queen noticed this too, her gaze softening as she observed Seraphina's dedication. With every answer, Seraphina's face lit up, her passion for beauty and artistry clear to see.

With the preparations complete, Seraphina moved on to the queen's makeup. She worked with meticulous care, applying each product with the precision of an artist creating a masterpiece. Every stroke was deliberate, every choice thoughtful. Finally, she finished with a bold touch of blood-red lipstick, completing the look.

When the queen gazed at her reflection, she was stunned by the transformation. Her regal beauty was accentuated in ways she had never seen before. "You have done wonders, Seraphina," she praised, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "The rumors did not exaggerate—you truly are as skilled as they say."

As the queen rose to change into her gown with the help of her maids, she turned to Seraphina once more. "Thank you, Seraphina. Your work is exceptional. You have a rare talent, indeed."

Seraphina, overwhelmed with gratitude, could only bow deeply. "It was an honor, Your Majesty."

The maids then escorted Seraphina out of the queen's chambers. Just before they parted ways, one of the maids handed Seraphina a small, ornate bag. "This is your fee for today," she said.

Seraphina opened the bag and was shocked to find it filled with gold coins—fifty in total. She knew this was far more than any makeup session would normally cost, but with a wry smile, she thought, "Well, she is the queen, after all—the richest in the realm." Deciding not to question the generous payment, she gratefully accepted it.

As Seraphina walked down the grand corridor, her heart was light, and she couldn't help but smile to herself. She was in a royal palace, having just served the queen herself—this was a dream come true. But her thoughts were soon interrupted when they encountered a man dressed in the finest clothing, with red eyes and a chiseled jawline. His noble demeanor was unmistakable as he walked with purpose down the hallway.

The maid beside Seraphina immediately bowed her head in respect, and Seraphina followed suit, lowering her gaze. As the man approached, she expected him to pass by without a word, but to her surprise, he stopped directly in front of them.

"Lift your face," he commanded.

Seraphina slowly raised her head, her heart pounding. The man studied her intently before asking, "Are you the queen's guest?"

"Yes," Seraphina replied, her voice steady.

He then inquired, "Do you know who I am?"

Seraphina glanced at the maid, who was still bowing, offering no clues. Taking a guess, Seraphina said, "Are you the prince?"

The man chuckled, his deep voice echoing through the corridor. "Indeed, you do know who I am. I am Crown Prince Lucien Vaelhart."

With that, he turned and continued on his way, leaving Seraphina standing there, perplexed.

"What the heck is wrong with this dude?" is what her mind is saying, but what she choose to say is "Is he really the crown prince?how old is he anyway?"

As soon as the prince was out of sight, the maid raised her head and confirmed, "Yes, he is the crown prince, and he is only seventeen years old."

Seraphina nearly lost her composure at this revelation, her mind racing. "Seventeen? How is he so young, yet looks so mature—more mature than me?" she thought, struggling to reconcile the prince's appearance with his age.

But with a deep breath, Seraphina composed herself and continued down the corridor, her thoughts a whirlwind of excitement and disbelief. The day had been full of surprises, and she had a feeling there were even more to come.

A Glimpse into Seraphina's True Personality

While Seraphina may present herself as the epitome of grace and decorum, flawlessly playing the role of a refined lady to match the expectations of her new world, beneath the surface lies a vastly different persona. The truth is, Seraphina is not the demure and soft-spoken person she appears to be.

In reality, Seraphina is a modern girl through and through. She is funny, eccentric, and has a deep love for sports, especially those that involve water. Whether it's surfing, swimming, or just splashing around in the ocean, Seraphina thrives in the water, where she feels most alive and free.

Her vibrant personality is loud and expressive, a far cry from the composed demeanor she maintains in public. She's the kind of person who doesn't shy away from voicing her opinions, laughing out loud, or cracking a joke in the middle of a serious conversation. Seraphina is far from mean or calculating, but she certainly isn't afraid to stand out and be herself.

Despite the constraints of her current environment, where she has to carefully navigate the nuances of courtly behavior, Seraphina's true self is always bubbling just beneath the surface. She's role-playing, adapting to the vibe of this new world, but at her core, she remains that spirited, unapologetic modern girl who refuses to be confined by anyone's expectations.

So while she might be sipping tea with a queen today, in her heart, Seraphina is still that girl who'd rather be diving into the ocean or laughing with friends at a beach bonfire. She's living a grand adventure, but she hasn't lost sight of who she truly is—and she's ready to bring a little bit of her world into this one.