The afternoon sunlight streamed through the large windows of Seraphina's office, casting long, warm shadows on the walls. She had tried to focus, to keep her mind sharp, but it wasn't long before her thoughts wandered. Her hand paused mid-writing, the quill hovering above the parchment. She couldn't help but think of Kael.
"Enter," she called, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind.
Marielle stepped in, her expression unreadable, yet there was a hint of something—perhaps concern—beneath her composed exterior. "Your Highness," she said, bowing slightly as she entered. "Kael has requested to speak with you."
Seraphina didn't look up, her focus still on the parchment in front of her.
"Tell him I'm busy," she replied flatly, dismissing the request without a second thought.
But Marielle didn't leave. Instead, she took a step closer. "He insists, Your Highness. He says it's something that cannot wait."
Seraphina sighed, the weight of the afternoon pressing down on her. She'd hoped for a peaceful, uninterrupted day to go through these reports, but it seemed that wasn't to be. Finally, she set the papers down with a quiet rustle, her eyes meeting Marielle's.
"Fine," she said, the words more resigned than anything else. "Let him in."
Marielle nodded and stepped aside, allowing Kael to enter. He stood silently in the doorway, his posture still and respectful. He wore his usual quiet expression, but there was something in his eyes—a glimmer of something unspoken—that caught Seraphina's attention. He didn't speak immediately, but his presence in the room was palpable, and it made her uneasy.
"Your Highness," Kael finally said, his voice calm but with an undertone of urgency. "Thank you for allowing me this moment."
Seraphina gave him a brief nod, but her tone remained cool. "What is it, Kael? Have you regained your memory?"
"No, Your Highness," Kael said quickly. "Not yet."
"Then what do you want? Hurry up." Her voice carried a sharp edge, signaling her impatience.
Kael met her gaze steadily, though there was a slight hesitation in his voice. "I want to work for you, Your Highness. I wish to serve."
Her brow arched slightly, and her eyes flicked to the papers on her desk. "Serve? In what way? What exactly do you think you can do?"
Kael straightened, his voice steady. "I can be useful to you. I want to protect you, assist you, and ensure your safety. Whatever task you give me, I will handle it without question."
Seraphina leaned back in her chair, studying him carefully. "I already have guards. Warriors. Maids. Why would I need you?"
Kael's expression didn't falter. "Because I would be loyal to you alone, Your Highness. I have no past, no ties, nothing to distract me. My focus would be entirely on serving you."
"Loyal?" Seraphina's gaze hardened. "How do I know you're not lying? That this isn't some ploy? What if you're a threat to me or this kingdom?"
Kael's jaw tightened slightly, but he spoke without hesitation. "I swear I am not. I have nothing but what I am offering you now. My loyalty. My service. I owe you my life, and I won't waste it."
Her silence stretched for a moment as she weighed his words. There was something raw about his determination, but it wasn't enough to sway her completely.
"No," she said finally, her tone sharp. "I don't need you."
She expected him to protest, but instead, he bowed his head slightly. "As you wish, Your Highness."
Before he could turn to leave, she spoke again. "Wait."
Kael paused, looking back at her.
"You can tend the gardens," she said, her tone sharp. "That's where you'll start."
Kael blinked, clearly not expecting the response. "The gardens?"
"You heard me." Her voice brooked no argument. "Do well there, and we'll see if you're worth more."
He inclined his head, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Don't thank me yet," she said, her tone icy. "Marielle will see that you're moved to the servants' quarters."
Marielle stepped forward. "Understood, Your Highness."
Kael turned to leave, but Seraphina's voice stopped him at the door. "Remember this, Kael. I don't trust you. Fail me, and you won't get another chance."
He bowed his head without argument and left the room.
Once the door closed behind him, Seraphina let out a quiet breath. The tension lingered, but she quickly turned back to her reports. Whatever feelings Kael's determination stirred in her, she pushed them aside. She had bigger matters to worry about than a man with no memory and too much to prove.