12. Becoming the Talk of the town

Seraphina had just finished with the Duchess's makeup, admiring her work as the Duchess gazed at her reflection with sheer delight. "You've worked wonders, Seraphina," the Duchess said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Seraphina smiled. "I'm glad you're pleased, Your Grace. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must attend to the Countess and the Marchioness. I understand the banquet starts at six, and it's already five. I'll need to work quickly."

The Countess and Marchioness both nodded, aware of the time constraint. "No need to worry," the Marchioness said, waving her hand dismissively. "We've already done our hair and are wearing the coats we'll take to the banquet. Just focus on the makeup."

Seraphina set to work immediately. She began with the Countess, who had remarkably good skin for her age. "Your skin is lovely, Countess," Seraphina commented as she cleansed and moisturized her face. "I'll use a light touch with the foundation."

After applying a primer to smooth the Countess's skin, Seraphina used a concealer to hide any wrinkles and dark spots. The Countess's skin was naturally fair, so Seraphina opted to skip the heavy foundation, instead lightly contouring her face to define her features. She highlighted the Countess's cheekbones and the bridge of her nose, blending everything seamlessly before setting it with a soft powder.

For the eyes, Seraphina chose a subtle yet elegant look to complement the dark purple coat the Countess was wearing. She applied a touch of dark pink eyeshadow and added a hint of white silver sparkle to highlight the eyes, making them pop. After a delicate application of eyeliner and mascara, Seraphina turned her attention to the Countess's lips. "This deep red will match your coat beautifully," Seraphina said as she carefully applied the lipstick, making the Countess's lips the focal point of her face.

The Countess looked in the mirror, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction. "It's perfect, Seraphina. Thank you."

Without missing a beat, Seraphina moved on to the Marchioness, who wore a striking emerald green dress. The Marchioness also had a large, exquisite emerald necklace, which Seraphina immediately noted.

"You have such a stunning piece of jewelry," Seraphina remarked, already planning how to highlight the emerald. "I'll keep your makeup simple to let the necklace take center stage."

She cleansed and prepped the Marchioness's skin, focusing on concealing any uneven tones. For the eyes, Seraphina chose a light touch of green eyeshadow, blending it seamlessly into a soft eyeliner. The effect was subtle yet striking, drawing attention to the Marchioness's eyes without overshadowing the emerald necklace. She added a light blush to the Marchioness's cheeks to give her face a soft, youthful glow.

Finally, Seraphina selected a muted red lipstick for the Marchioness. The color was just enough to define her lips without overpowering her look. After setting the makeup with powder, Seraphina stepped back to admire her work.

The Marchioness beamed at her reflection. "You've outdone yourself, Seraphina. I look… refined."

Seraphina chuckled softly, pleased with the praise from both women. "I'm glad you're both happy with your looks. Now, you'd best be on your way. You wouldn't want to be late for the banquet."

The Duchess, Countess, and Marchioness all rose from their seats, each looking elegant and satisfied. The Duchess handed Seraphina the silver coins they owed, and with a few more words of thanks, the three women left the store.

As the door closed behind them, Seraphina let out a sigh of relief, glancing at the clock. It was almost six. She turned to her employees. "You've all worked hard today. It's time for you to go home and rest. We'll have another busy day tomorrow."

Elara, Derrick, Liana, Aldric, and Marina nodded, thanking Seraphina as they gathered their things and left for the day.

Once alone, Seraphina took a moment to unwind. She headed upstairs, drawing a bath to relax her tired muscles. As she soaked in the warm water, her mind drifted to her next project. The new bottles she'd acquired earlier were perfect for the skincare products she planned to create.

After her bath, Seraphina went to her small lab area, where she spent the next few hours experimenting with new body lotion formulas. The process was both soothing and exhilarating, allowing her creativity to flow as she mixed ingredients, carefully testing each blend.

By the time she finished, Seraphina felt both satisfied and inspired. She sealed the new products in the elegant bottles, she makes 50 bottle worth of product in 5 hours, so she is exhausted. She decided to go to sleep.

At the palace...

The Baroness chose not to attend the palace banquet that evening, opting instead to remain by her husband's side. He was twenty years her senior and had been in declining health for some time. After the festivities of the previous night, he felt even more weakened and decided it was best to rest at home. The Baroness, ever devoted, decided to care for him, ensuring he had everything he needed.

Thus, the Duchess, the Countess, and the Marchioness departed for the palace together, leaving their dear friend behind. Upon arrival, they were greeted by their respective spouses, who had been waiting for them at the entrance. The three noblewomen, despite their age, radiated beauty and grace as they walked into the grand hall. Their presence commanded attention, and whispers of admiration spread among the guests. The older ladies, it was remarked, outshone even the young debutantes in attendance. They were like the flowers of the night, blooming with an elegance that only years of refinement could bestow.

Soon, the doors at the far end of the hall swung open, and the Queen made her entrance. Every head bowed in respect as the guests greeted her in unison, their voices a harmonious blend of reverence.

"Long live the Queen, the grace of our , the heart of our Eldoria kingdom," they intoned, each voice filled with the deepest respect and loyalty.

The Queen, resplendent in her regal attire, acknowledged their reverence with a graceful nod. "At ease, my lords and ladies," she said, her voice warm and commanding. "Let us enjoy this evening together."

As the evening unfolded, the guests mingled, music played, and laughter filled the air. The Queen, moving graciously among her subjects, accepted their greetings and well-wishes. When the Duchess, the Countess, and the Marchioness approached to pay their respects, the Queen paused, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as she took in their appearances.

"Duchess Fairchild,Marchioness Winthrop and Countess Ravenscroft" the Queen began, her voice tinged with surprise. "You all look… radiant tonight. Even more so than usual. What is it that has brought about such a change?"

The Duchess, ever poised, smiled softly. "Your Majesty, we owe our appearance to a most remarkable young woman, a newcomer to the capital. Her name is Seraphina, and she is opening a shop here in the city. We visited her this afternoon, and it is through her skill and artistry that we stand before you tonight, looking as we do."

The Countess added, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Seraphina is a true artisan. She transformed us with such care and precision, and all for the modest sum of a single silver coin."

The Marchioness nodded in agreement. "Her work is unlike anything we have ever experienced, Your Majesty. It is no magic, but rather the skilled application of the most refined beauty techniques."

The Queen, intrigued, raised an elegant brow. "Seraphina, you say? I have heard whispers of her name these past few days. Rumors, they seemed at first, yet now I see there is truth behind them. Even I, who must attend to the affairs of the kingdom, cannot deny the allure of beauty. After all, to rule with grace is to embody the spirit of both the crown and the woman who wears it."

As the Queen spoke, the Crown Prince, who had been listening nearby, stepped forward. His eyes, filled with curiosity, studied the three noblewomen closely. "What sorcery is this that has restored your youth so? Is it some rare magic unknown to us?"

The Duchess laughed softly, shaking her head. "No sorcery, Your Highness, but the skill of a most talented young lady. Seraphina has a gift, one that enhances beauty without the need for spells or enchantments. She uses her knowledge of cosmetics and the natural elements to bring out the best in her clients."

The Crown Prince, clearly impressed, turned to his mother. "If such a woman exists, her talents are surely of great value to the realm."

The Queen nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, my son. I believe I shall summon this Seraphina to the palace. I wish to see her work with my own eyes, and perhaps even experience her artistry myself."

The Duchess, Countess, and Marchioness exchanged pleased glances, knowing that their praise of Seraphina had not fallen on deaf ears.

"Your Majesty will not be disappointed," the Countess assured. "Seraphina's work is as elegant as it is effective. She has the touch of a true artist."

The Queen smiled, her decision made. "Then it is settled. I shall send for her. A queen, after all, must maintain her composure and grace, no matter the burdens of the throne."

With that, the conversation turned to other matters, but the Queen's thoughts remained on Seraphina, the young woman from a small town who had captured the attention of the capital's elite. The night continued, with the three noblewomen basking in the admiration of all who saw them, their beauty a testament to Seraphina's remarkable skill.

As the first light of dawn cast its golden hue over the capital, Seraphina lay in her bed, blissfully unaware of the storm her talent had ignited among the nobility. Her name was now whispered in every corner of the city, though many still had yet to see her face. But that anonymity was soon to be shattered.

The serene morning was suddenly broken by the sound of hooves striking the cobblestones with purpose. A magnificent carriage, adorned with the royal crest, rolled to a halt before Seraphina's shop. The intricate design of the crest, depicting intertwined lilies and swords, marked this as an envoy from the highest authority in the land. The carriage, with its polished gold and deep violet hues, was a sight that commanded awe and respect.

A crowd quickly gathered, drawn by the grandeur of the arrival. From the carriage stepped a royal messenger, resplendent in robes of crimson and gold, a symbol of his rank and the gravity of his mission. His presence alone hushed the gathering onlookers, who waited in anticipation. With deliberate movements, the messenger unfurled a long scroll, its parchment fluttering in the morning breeze.

In a voice that resonated with authority and reverence, he began, "By the command of Her Majesty, Sovereign of these lands and all the realms beyond, I bring forth a decree that carries the weight of the throne itself. Let it be known that the words I speak are the words of our queen, to be heeded as law across all domains under her reign."

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle over the crowd. "Seraphina Elysia Vale, you are hereby summoned to the royal palace by order of Her Majesty, Queen of this realm and protector of its people. The queen has heard of your extraordinary gifts, gifts that have transformed the faces of the nobility, and she desires to witness your artistry with her own eyes. You are to present yourself before her, for she wishes to see the skill that has captivated the hearts and minds of all who have spoken your name."

The crowd buzzed with excitement and curiosity, the mention of realms and the queen's decree only adding to the mystery surrounding Seraphina. The messenger's words echoed with the weight of destiny, a call that could not be ignored.

Inside, Seraphina stirred from her slumber, unaware of the spectacle unfolding just outside her door. But soon, she would awaken to a day that would forever alter the course of her life—a day when her name, already famous, would be spoken in the halls of power and across the realms she never knew existed.