Elena stood in front of the mirror, with trembling hands as she applied the makeup over the "ugly" birthmark on her face. This was a routine she had gotten used to over the years. To her, it helped in shielding her from the mockery and stares of people who made her feel like she was a monster. But today was not like any other day. To her, today was special and different.

She was about to step into the would she had never imagined she would step into. She was leaving behind the only life she had ever known to mix up with the world of the rich, and by rich people, she meant the Emperor of Valtoria.

Elena was a poor 19-year-old girl who lived with her mother, Medline. Her father used to live with them until he died by an illness.

Ever since his death, Elena and her mother had been struggling to survive. Elena couldn't take it anymore and decided to look for jobs against her mother's wish. Luck was on her side when her best friend, Tia, who worked in the palace brought her some good news.

"The emperor's daughter, Princess Natalie, is looking to employ new handmaidens. I think you should apply for the job," Tia had said to her when they were together.

The offer sounded really nice to Elena but taking up the offer meant she would be far away from her mother. She was the only family her mother had left. She didn't know if her mother would be able to cope with her absence for that long. Elena also had never been apart from her mother since she was born. She wondered if she would also be able to cope without her mother around.

"I'll do it," Elena finally said with a firm voice.

This was the key to bringing her family out of their struggling phase. She knew she just had to do it. When she got back home, Elena told her mother about the job offer at the palace. At first, Medline was angry that Elena disobeyed her by going behind her back to look for jobs but her anger immediately turned to worry.

"If you accept to go and work in the palace, that means you will be far away from your mother, Elena. I wouldn't be able to see you often. I don't think I can be able to cope with that. I would miss you too much," Medline said with a frightened voice.

"I know, Mother and I will definitely miss you too but you must understand that this could possibly be our only chance of coming out of this struggle we call life. I can't just sit back and do nothing when I know that there is something I can do. Besides, I am doing this for the both of us. Please try to understand, Mother," Elena pleaded with her mother.

It took a while before Medline could respond and when she did, she said,

"Let us retire for the night but first thing in the morning, I will let you know what my answer is."

That night, Elena couldn't sleep. She kept rolling from one side of the bed to another. She feared what her mother's response would be in the morning. The following morning, Medline called Elena and as Elena stood before her, anticipating her response, Medline took a deep breath before she spoke,

"I have thought about what we discussed last night and all I have to say is this…"

Elena held her breath, her heart pounding.

"…When you get there, don't forget about your poor mother. Try to visit whenever you can. And lastly, be on your best behavior. I don't want to be called to the palace because you did something bad. Continue being the good girl you are. I don't want people talking bad about you or your parents, okay," Medline finished speaking.

Elena released her breath, a smile appearing on her face.

"Does that mean I can go?" she asked.

"Sure. You have a good reason for wanting to go. It would be bad of me to stop you from going," Medline replied.

Elena pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you so much, Mother," she said.

"You're welcome. So, when do you intend to leave?" Medline asked.

"Today," Elena answered.

Her mother immediately pulled out of the hug and said,

"That early?"

"I have to. If I don't leave today, someone else might get the job," Elena answered.

Medline's face fell but she answered,

"In that case, we better get you ready then. Let's go to your room so that I can help you pack."

They made their way to Elena's room. Medline pulled out an old traveling bag and asked Elena to bring out all her clothes and every other thing she would like to take with her. Elena did as she was instructed and they began packing.

When they were done packing, Medline asked Elena to get ready while she goes to make breakfast. Elena got into the bathroom while Medline walked out of the room. Elena came out of the bathroom few minutes later, got dressed and applied her makeup. 

She joined her mother in the living room and they had breakfast in silence. When they were done, they realized it was time to leave. Medline began to cry and it was the first time Elena saw her crying. She almost wanted to change her mind but she knew she couldn't.

"I need to get to the bus stop in time. Goodbye Mother," Elena said as she picked up as suitcase and quickly walked away, not wanting to be reminded of her late Father.

Her mother watched with tears as her nineteen-year-old daughter struggles with the briefcase in her hand. Letting her go to work as a maid in the palace of the emperor was a very tough decision to make and she began to think if it was even the right decision to make.