The mansion was serene until Mother arrived, her presence demanding attention. With her long white hair elegantly braided and sharp green eyes, she exuded an air of authority. Dressed in a flowing golden gown, she captured every gaze.
"Stop what you're doing!" she commanded, freezing the servants in their tracks. Plates, towels, and jewelry boxes were momentarily forgotten.
"We have a special guest coming by mid-morning," she continued, her tone icy. "Everything must be perfect." A warning hung in the air, and the servants exchanged worried looks, acutely aware of the consequences of failing her.
"Arinelle, dear, go fetch your sisters. They should be in the ballroom by now," she added, her tone shifting to one of sweet authority.
"Yes, Mother," I replied, adjusting my ballgown as I ascended the long staircase. Each step echoed beneath the sparkling chandeliers, which shone brighter in the morning light that streamed through the now-open curtains.
As I made my way through the mansion, I passed various rooms—some empty, others alive with activity—until I reached the ballroom. It was a grand space filled with an array of gowns.
"Ugh! Where is it?!" Lysara shouted, flinging a beautiful purple gown across the marble floor. I stepped inside, picking up the discarded dress and approaching her.
Lysara was striking, with platinum blonde hair and piercing green eyes, sporting a sly smile that hinted at hidden intentions.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, wrinkling her nose as if she'd seen something repulsive.
"Mother sent me to fetch you and Seraphina," I said gently, mindful that even the slightest hint of arrogance could provoke her.
"As you can see, Seraphina isn't here, so get out," she ordered, pointing toward the door with her index finger.
"Of course, but I'll drop the dress first," I replied, moving to the rows of gowns lined against the wall.
The dresses in the ballroom were arranged by occasion, age, and color.
"You don't have to hang it up—just drop it and leave!" Lysara snapped, her impatience simmering.
"If you insist, I'll step out, but do make sure you—" I started, but she cut me off, hurling a heel my way. I dodged just in time and hurried out of the ballroom, rolling my eyes.
"She's really something," I muttered, brushing off my gown as I made my way to Seraphina's room.
....
I arrived and knocked softly on the door, the familiar sound echoing in the stillness. Seraphina, my eldest sister and the princess of House Lysaire, always had her space overflowing with gowns.
Knock, knock, knock.
The door creaked open just a bit, and I peeked inside, the room spilling light and scattered dresses inviting me in.
"Sister..." I called softly as I stepped into the room, but there was no sign of Seraphina. I gently closed the door behind me.
"It seems the maids have already been here this morning," I observed, noticing the curtains drawn wide and the remnants of her tea still warm, steam curling lazily into the air.
"Sister Seraphina!" I called again, this time with a little more conviction. Silence stretched in response, and as I moved deeper into the room, my heel snagged on yet another dress.
"And where do you think you're going?" Her voice floated down from above, teasing and playful, yet elusive.
"Sister Seraphina?" I called, searching the room with growing curiosity, but she remained invisible.
Suddenly, a hairpin clattered down, landing softly on one of the dresses. My attention shifted upward, and there she was—dangling from a swing, her wings folded tightly against her back, a brilliant shade of blue. Her hair mirrored that hue, while her eyes held a striking contrast, a reminder of our mother's presence.
"Mother asked me to find you and Lysara," I explained, a mixture of urgency and respect in my voice. "But Lysara was in the ballroom, and she chased me out. So, I came to see you instead."
Seraphina let out a dismissive sigh as she dropped gracefully to the floor, her wings fluttering slightly to aid her descent.
"If you couldn't convince Lysara to meet mother, what makes you think I'd come?" She rolled her eyes, a familiar gesture that stirred a blend of exasperation and fondness within me.
"I'm just following mother's orders, sister Seraphina," I replied, my voice steady despite the unease. I gave a slight bow, a gesture of humility amid her piercing gaze—one I had grown accustomed to over the years. "Get out," she said boldly and firmly, "and don't kick my dresses when you enter next time."
"Affirmative. I'll have a maid sent to your room to help you clean the dresses and—" again? She didn't even let me finish.
"I said leave, before I kick your ass out." She said, raising her voice a little.
"No worries, sister," I said, leaving her room, although I couldn't help but notice the change in scent in the room.
"What are you still doing here?" she asked harshly, but didn't let me respond. "Leave!"
...
"Ha, all this convincing has worn me out," I murmured, wiping a bead of sweat from my temple as I approached the staircase once again.
Click, click, click. The rhythmic sound of my heels echoed through the empty living room with each step I took. I glanced around, noticing the absence of any maids.
"Where could they have all gone?" I wondered aloud. Just then, I spotted a maid with her hair neatly tied in a bun, balancing a tray of pins.
"Excuse me," I called, raising a hand as I walked toward her, lifting my dress with my other hand. She stopped at once, giving a respectful bow.
"Yes, my lady?" she responded, her tone soft yet resolute, contrasting with my childish demeanor.
"I would like to know where Mother has gone," I said, maintaining a steady voice.
"Lady Vivienne went to her room after giving us instructions, my lady," she replied, her voice steady as she held her composure.
"You don't need to bow when we speak," I insisted. "We're nearly the same age, and actually, you're two years older than I am. So please—"
"No, my lady," she interrupted gently. "While we may be similar in age, I hold a different place in society." Her gaze remained fixed on the ground, and I couldn't deny her truth. She came from a lower house, while mine was one of the most influential in the East.
"Alright then," I said, clearing my throat. "You may bow if you like, but don't do it when I ask you not to, understood?" The firmness in my voice resembled that of a child asserting control over their toys.
"Yes, my lady. I must take my leave now," she said hurriedly, retreating to the kitchen.
At that moment, the mansion's gate creaked open. "I wonder who it could be at this hour," I thought, curiosity piqued.
Hi guys, if you liked the story, please dont forget to add it to your library, and leave a comment. It will be appreciated. the story is slow-burn however. But as time progresses, it will begin to unravel.