I winced as a maid tightened my corset. A curse word left my lips.

'Megumiya! (Pronounced Meh-gu-mi-ya) You are a lady! How would The Baron of Marlon's son react if he heard that?' She said. I rolled my eyes.

'Don't care. If it turns him off, great. I don't like him much, and I don't see why I have to marry him. I'm 16, not in my twenties. Why does it have to be so tight anyhow?' I said.

'Megumiya! It is the fashion!'

Once the corset was laced, I had to put on a crinoline. Then the heavy dress. It was a gaudy red-orange dress, with black trim. It contrasted with my green hair. She stepped back.

'You look perfect Megumiya. Master Marlon would be so glad.' I rolled my eyes.

'Joy.'

I was spared anymore anguish by a chime. Or put into more. For a clockwork robot, Eliza, the maid, had quite a personality. All our servants were like that, varying personalities, dispite their clockwork interior. I desperately wanted to take one apart, but, alas, it wasn't allowed.

Following the correct protocol, I walked down the stairs. At the bottom stood Kaito Marlon, a pompous look on his face. I was tempted to glare at him, but didn't.

'Salutations Megumiya, you look wonderful this evening. I truly hope you are in the best of sprits.' He said, taking my hand.

'It is wonderful to see you Kaito. I am well.' I said, half sarcastically. He was unfazed.

'Now, to the dining room?'


Dinner was a dull affair. The conversation held little interest, and the food was okay. The best part of the night was when Kaito left. I was alone in my room for the first time in ages. The distant church bells tolled, marking the time as 9pm. I looked around my room for what could be the last time.

'No turning back.' I said to my refection. First to go was my hair. It was almost waist length. It floated down to the floor, a bright green pile on the plush, taupe carpet.

'Much better.' It barely reached my shoulder, apart from two bangs left long, framing my face. The too-tight corset was taken off, replaced with a white blouse and a brown corset over the top, loosely tied. Dark brown pants and a pair of boots finished the look. I barely looked like Megumiya Wayward-Smith. Gumi Smith. That suited me better now. I slung a belt with large pockets around my hips. One was filled with money. Another held a pocket watch. I slung a bag around me; it contained the few clothes I wanted to keep. I left through the large bay window, without looking back.