The cool evening breeze brushed gently against the stone walls of their small cottage, carrying the soft scent of lilacs from the nearby meadow. Inside, Seraphina's mother sat on the edge of her bed, her fiery red hair cascading down her back in untamed waves. The light from the setting sun streamed through the window, casting a golden halo around her figure. With her delicate, pale hands, she held her daughter close, brushing a stray lock of hair from the little girl's face.

"My beautiful daughter," she whispered softly, her voice filled with warmth and tenderness, "you must never tell anyone who you are, no matter what. Do you understand?"

Seraphina, no more than five or six, looked up at her mother with wide eyes, her small lips slightly parted. She didn't fully understand why, but she nodded, sensing the seriousness in her mother's tone. Her own crimson hair, though not as wild as her mother's, framed her face in soft curls. It was her eyes, large and bright, that shone with innocence a mirror of the woman before her.

"But why, Mama?" she asked in a tiny voice, fiddling with the edge of her dress. "Why can't I tell anyone?"

Her mother's eyes, deep and soulful, met hers. For a moment, there was hesitation, as though she was weighing how much to say. Then, she gently cupped Seraphina's face, her pale fingers tracing the soft freckles scattered across her daughter's cheeks. The only physical trait that truly set them apart.

"Because, my love, you're special. And special things like you are often sought after for all the wrong reasons. There are those out there who would hurt you if they knew. And I cannot bear the thought of losing you."

Seraphina's heart swelled with both confusion and love. Her mother always made her feel cherished, like she was the center of her world. But there was something about the way she spoke, a sadness lingering beneath her words, that made Seraphina cling to her tighter.

"I promise, Mama," Seraphina whispered back, burying her face into her mother's soft gown, feeling the steady rhythm of her heart. "I won't tell anyone."

Her mother smiled, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of worry. "Good girl," she murmured, planting a gentle kiss on the top of Seraphina's head. "Now, go outside and play for a little while before dinner."

Seraphina bounded off, her tiny feet tapping lightly against the wooden floor as she skipped out the door. Her mother watched her with a soft sigh, her fingers absently running through her own hair. She knew the dangers that lurked in the world for someone like Seraphina. As much as she wished to protect her forever, she knew there would come a time when she wouldn't be able to shield her anymore.

Years passed, and the vibrant energy that once radiated from Seraphina's mother had dimmed. The illness had crept up on her slowly at first, subtle enough that she could hide it from her daughter. But now, it was unmistakable. She lay in bed, her skin pale, her once lustrous hair now dull and thinning, though it still held a glimmer of its fiery hue. Despite the clear signs of her deteriorating health, she fought against being bedridden, her stubbornness and pride keeping her on her feet whenever possible.

It was mid-morning, and the sunlight filtered into the small room, casting long shadows on the floor. Seraphina sat beside her mother, gently dabbing a cool cloth to her forehead. The concern in her eyes was evident, her heart heavy with the weight of their circumstances. The money had run dry, and they had sold most of what they could. She couldn't bear to see her mother suffering any longer.

"Mama," Seraphina began, her voice trembling slightly, "I've decided… I'm going to work in the palace."

Her mother's eyes snapped open, and she struggled to push herself up, coughing as she did so. "No," she rasped, her voice weak but firm. "Absolutely not, Seraphina."

"Mama, we don't have any other options," Seraphina pleaded, her heart breaking at the sight of her mother's frail state. "I can't sit here and watch you suffer. We need money for your treatment, and working at the palace is the best way to get it."

Her mother shook her head vigorously, a pained expression crossing her face. "You don't understand, Seraphina. The palace… it's dangerous. You've heard the rumors. The royal family… they are not people you want to be involved with."

"I'll be careful," Seraphina said softly, trying to reassure her. "I know how to keep my secret, Mama. I won't let anyone find out what I am."

Her mother's eyes filled with tears, and she reached out, grasping Seraphina's hand tightly. "It's not just about your secret, my love. It's the king… and his court. They are ruthless. They care for no one but themselves, and if you get too close…"

Seraphina nodded, her throat tightening. She had heard the stories—the whispers of the king's cruelty, the manipulation and betrayal that thrived in the royal court. But what choice did they have? She had no other means to provide for her mother, and time was running out.

"Mama," she said softly, squeezing her mother's hand. "I have to do this. We don't have any other choice. I promise I'll stay out of trouble. I'll avoid the royal family. I'll just be a maid, nothing more."

Her mother's grip tightened, and her voice dropped to a desperate whisper. "You must avoid them at all costs, especially the king. He is… dangerous, Seraphina. Promise me you'll stay far away from him."

Seraphina swallowed hard and nodded. "I promise, Mama. I'll stay away from the king."

Her mother's eyes softened, though the worry did not leave her face. She pulled Seraphina close, resting her head against her daughter's chest, as though trying to gather strength from her presence.

"My brave girl," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper now. "You've grown so much. I just… I want to protect you from this world. I wish I could keep you safe forever."

Seraphina's own eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away, determined to stay strong. "I'll be okay, Mama. I'll take care of everything."

As her mother's breathing slowed and she drifted off to sleep, Seraphina sat there in the quiet room, her heart heavy with the weight of the promise she had just made. She knew the palace was a dangerous place, but for her mother's sake, she had to take the risk.