That particular morning, was the first majorly different morning since Theo's birthing, all the maid were rushing around hectically, my room was a disorganized mess, and I had my head pressed against a wall as two maids squeezed the life out me, in the name of tightening my corset.
"A lil more dear" Mother stood behind me, directing the entire cascade
(How did I end up in this situation? )
..><><><..
A few hours prior, Emily bursts into my room "Milady!, you must wake up this instant!" she pulls my sheets off me
"Get out!" I yelled, covering my face with a pillow,
"Oh I really can't, the duchess with be here in moments" she said excitedly, pulling the pillow away "and we must have you ready by then"
"Mother's coming?, why?" I questioned, sitting up
"To prepare you"
"For what?!" I inquired angryly, my eyes glint faint red
"To meet the Prince!" She beamed brightly, all smiles
While I stared in shock "What!!"
..><><><..
I sat faced him,the uninvited guest that disturb my beauty sleep, he faced me, alone, my eyes shut, I couldn't dare open them, I was having a panic attack.
(Why is he here?, could it possibly have something to do.. last time, is it because I didn't recognize him, no.., that can be it, if it was he would have said something )
"You don't have to feel intimidated in my presence, we're probably the same age, besides this isn't our first meeting" he leans over, picks up a cup of tea.
"My..." I took a deep breath, opened my eyes "my apologies for not recognizing you the other day "
"It's alright, you aren't accustomed to society yet" crossing one leg over the other, leaning back.
(Shouldn't he be apologizing for also deceiving me?, or is that beyond him. )
I don't know if it's because of his icy blue eyes, but his stares gave me goosebumps, he looked so composed for a twelve year old, straight raven dark hair, long enough to shade his eyes as he siped the tea, his demeanor wasn't exactly intimidatingly scary, but it definitely wasn't that of a twelve year old
He looked up, I didn't expect it and we locked eyes, I quickly looked away,
(Did he notice?, I'm sure he did...main character don't miss those kind of moments )
Father and the Dowager Princess walked into the parlor, Father had a disturbed expression over his face,
"Well, we still have a bit to discuss, so ... Iris "The Princess turned to me, smiled "would you mind taking Raymond out to play... or something"
(Ahh! Blackmail )
..><><><..
We ended up going on a tour of the Manor, I showed him the art exhibit, the children playroom, the arts room, he only nodded every once in a while like he was learning something,
Lastly I took him to my personal study,
"My study" I opened the doors, he followed me in,
"I haven't had a chance to redecorate, since I got it only recently "
He remained silent still, walking around the study, touching, and just looking through.
"Redecorate...,why?, is there anything wrong with it?"
"Not exactly, but it doesn't really say Iris's study at the moment" I said enthusiastically
He laughed " I suppose you're right, I wonder what it'll look like once you've finished "
"Same" I laugh nervously
"What color would the theme be?, you choose a very... vibrant.. chioce last time?"
I panicked inwardly, my eyes shimmered, " Th-that wasn't my doing, My mother and Emily were in cohoots against me!, I wouldn't be caught dead in that peacock suit by choice of course!"
(Normally, I wouldn't be caught dead at that party to begin with )
"You're nothing like the rumors say" he smirked
I paused, he didn't react to my sentient eyes, "And pray tell what... do these rumors say?"
"Some describe you as shy and frail, others say you're incredibly incompetent..yet rudely confident"
"Incredibly incompetent" I repeated, both shocked and dumbfounded
"They say the only proof of you being the century child of Hampton is your hair, and shifting eyes"
"I see.."
"No one's ever seen you...perform, have you ever?" Tilts his head, gaze steady on me
I remain silent, unsure how to answer, (of course I have magic, but ... have I ever performed? )
"I'll take that as a no?,.... I'm not judging you, just to clarify that, it's your choice"
"Magic... terrifies me." I said simply
He looked intrigued "what do you mean-"
*Knock!,Knock!*
"Milady, your Highness, the Dowager Princess is asking for the both of you" A maid called.
"We'll have to continue the conversation another time" He said, walking out.
..><><><..
I laid on my bed with Theo, coupled up in my arms "I lied" I said
"Why did you though?" Theo inquired,
"So he'd never ask again, simple"
"You hate the prince"
"No, I just don't want to befriend him, we will of course acquainted in the far future, but that's all .. acquaintance"
"So... you don't, fancy the prince?"
"Absolutely not!, where did you get that silly idea?"
"Gia told me you spent the entire afternoon with the prince, and Mia also said that only people who are betrothed spend so much time together" he looked up at me,
I stared down at him, a little flabbergasted, I chuckled, before giving him a peck on his forehead,
"No Theo, His Highness and I are just aquatinted..., and since when did you spend so much time with those two, you should've came to me"
"You were busy-"
" Theo." I said cutting him off " I could never,... infact, I will never be too busy, not for you" flicks his nose " understand?"
He just stared at me with such enamored eyes, which made my face feel strangely hot, before hugging me tightly, burying his face into my chest.
I just smiled contently, I did love children, but it was never to this extent, I found them rather annoying most times, so clingy and .. active
But with Theo, I didn't mind all those things, of course it helped that he wasn't a crying disaster, probably cuz his so considerate!, I'm the luckiest sister ever!!
"Good night Onita" ..... "Good night Theo"
..><><><..
Morning came, and as usual the I planned to sleep in till Emily's outbursts, but weirdly enough, I could here Theo's vioce outside, low but... I spring up on the bed, he was screaming,
My door opened suddenly "Iris!, are you alright" Mother looked both scared and calculative, as she rushed to my side "Bring the towels!" a sight I'd never seen on her, Theo stood right outside the door, looking terrified
(What the hack happened to me...)
Then... I felt it , a dampness under my sheets, in between my legs, all round pain in my lower abdomen, my eyes shimmered.
"It's fine darling, you're alright....hurry up with the bath please" Mother had calmed down after realizing the situation, she pulled away my sheets, and there it was. Blood.