I found myself in some kind of deemly lit circular... library, "uh... What's this place supposed to be" I looked around the wide space,
An empty table and two chairs set in the middle, a lit lamp settled in the air, the book shelves seemed unendingly high
"hmm... Is this where I meet my maker?" I took a seat
"not very impressed" i sat patiently and silent, waiting... for someone to walk in, or an ominous voice to speak out of the darkness,
but after so long ...nothing,
I took a deep breath and got up "alright!, I want outta here!" I screamed
Somehow, a part of me knew this wasn't an ordinary dream, (I was invited here)
"can you hear me?!, I want-" I heard a lock click behind me, I turned around and saw a doorway that wasn't there a moment ago,
it was really bright, I couldn't tell what was on the other side, still... I walked towards it cuz..
"right, em... next time turn on a buld or something, I'm dreadfully afraid of the dark, thanks" I walked out closing the door behind me.
..><><><..
Slowly I opened my eyes, looking up at my familiar ceiling, I was in my room again
"A dream, ...or maybe- "
my door bursts open!, Mother rushing in after "Iris dear!, are you up yet?"
(I am now!)
I sat up on my bed "good morning Mother" I yawned
"why it is a good morning indeed".
(no it's not)
This family... My family, were all morning people, especially Mother.
"I doubt there's anything I could do for you so early, but.. you couldn't have came all this way just to wake me, so... what is it?" I said with a straight face
"Why are you always so..so hostile in the morning"
(It's cuz I'm not awake yet)
" Well...I know you'll refuse, but you have no choice in this"
Mother had a tendency to want to be liked by all, she never does anything displeasing to others, even if it cost her, I always saw it as immature and childish, but that's who she is... It's not my place to judge
"Madame Claire's coming to take your measurements"
I arched a brow at her "why?"
"For the memorial of course" I sighed slightly frustrated
"no, send her back, I have many untouched garments" I layed back on my bed and cover up with my sheets
"but dear, this is the first time you'll be coming out to society in so many years!" I could feel her sitting on the bed,
"no mother, I'm not changing my mind on this" she patted my head over the sheets,
"okay"
she got up, after the door clicked closed "God woman!, coming out to society, really?!, it's not like I'm making my social debut".
..><><><..
Days went by and the memorial day came, Mother wore an all black dress suitable for the occasion,
whereas I wore a gown adored with jewels and silk lace, I looked...
"Like a pretty fairy" were the words mother used,
Emily, my stupid maid wasn't even helping at all!, my hair was over accessorized to practically imitate a red peacock, I don't know what she envisioned when she created this spectacle
"it completes the look my lady!" So she says.. it was indeed a black dress, but... (Ugh!)
..><><><..
"We gather here today to honor the memories of two very remarkable individuals, whose departure left a hole our hearts and a viod...in our lives, my beloved brother ~~~~~~~"
Even though we left the manor rather too early on my part, and in a hurry, we were still late to the ceremony,
I can hardly make out anything the Dowager Princess is saying with my heart pacing so much,
(I didn't realize I was so out of shape, and these heels!)
"Even now, I'm reminded of the laughter, tears and beautiful moments we shared as a family ~~~~"
She had a pitiful expression on her face as she spoke softly, with a sympathetic tune...as if she was still mourning,
The Dowager Princess was the stud younger sister of the late Emperor
(of course, that's not what's she's actually referred as...they just call her different)
Although after the death of her brother and sister in-law, she had to becoming a mother to the prince...
She did her best, but she was hardly mother material.
(reading about those two bickering were the funniest part of the book)
I turned to my mother, who was focused on the Dowager Princess's speech
(I suppose I'm actually lucky...) A soft smile settled on my lips,
mother was beautiful in her own innocent way, she fit perfectly into any female protagonist's bio, beautiful, kind, and a lil bit stupid (uh...)
It suddenly occured to me that I have no idea of my parents love story.
The whole hall suddenly erupted in laughter, it was only for a few seconds, but it snapped me back from my far thoughts. "What just happened?"
"~~~proud of the man he is, and will inevitably become..."
Everything progressed just fine from there, after which everyone went to pay their respects to the deceased,
then came the tiring part of any noble occasion... socializing...
"My the young lady grows with such grace and beauty" the woman smiled staring at me,
" Yes, I birthed her after all " mother laughing softly but cheerful
I stood in-between the two straight faced (so boriiinnngg).
"Oh goodness, it's Marquess Veron, if you would excuse me your Grace" she curtsied and scurried away
I'd heard a lot of the new young lord, he inherited the title after the sudden death of his father, he's a looker I'll give him that, with a broad build, ash grey eyes.. resembling the moon, with dark hair.
(This Man was going to pose quite an obstacle for the Crown prince in about 5years time ... right?)
I didn't really fully remember the plot, I read the book only once after all, and I only cared to look out for myself
"I need to greet the Dowager Princess, I'll be right back, okay?" Mother excused herself
(What ever happens to the other characters was no concern of mine).
I couldn't wait for the whole thing to end, on top of this suffocating dress I wore, I'd being standing for what felt like at least an hour!, with these terrible heels!,
(How do you people party like this?!!)
The hall was busty with small talk and needless gossip, I slowly slipped out without much notice.
..><><><..
I wondered about not too far from the ceremonial hall, for fear of being mistook for a trespasser.
(If I could just find somewhere to rest...)
I spotted a pretty small carpet grass field, there was a big tree at the edge, probably for shade.
I approached it without much thought, and sat leaning against the tree, it reminded me of the willow tree in my garden back home
Yep!, I had a personal garden! hehe,
(It's no where near as comfortable of course, but the air here is little easier to breathe)
I felt eyes on me, so I instinctively looked up and there he was, a boy.. hiding in-between one of the larger branches,
"Who are you?!" He questioned
I'd say we were the same age, only...we weren't...(Raymond...)