Red
nineteen years old

"Amber, let me go!" Sofia complained, pulling against Amber's vice-like grip on her wrist as they rounded a corner outside the great hall. Amber stopped and pulled Sofia close to her, her lips pressing against Sofia's ear.

"You have a bright red spot on the top of your breast that I can see when you curtsey."

Sofia felt her face flush an equally bright red.

"You need to change and then you need to tell me exactly what's going on." Her tone brokered no arguing as she started down the hall again, dragging a muttering Sofia behind her.

Despite Amber's prodding, Sofia didn't say a word (though she did think a silent prayer that all other possessive marks were much harder to spot with her undergarments still on). Amber selected a high necked gown for Sofia to slip into, but not before she re-tied Sofia's corset in an act that felt much more like punishment than helpfulness. Sofia could only take short, shallow breaths as the sky-blue gown settled around her hips. Amber glared into Sofia's eyes. Sofia blinked once and forced a small smile.

"Thank you for helping me."

"And yet you still aren't telling me who gave you those. Which can only mean that you're ashamed-"

"I'm not ashamed!"

"Then tell me who it is."

Sofia worked her mouth soundlessly before shutting it and embracing the look of confident resolve that washed over her face. "You're going to want to sit down. You're not going to be happy."

Amber crossed her arms and remained standing. "I don't see why your happiness with Cedric should make me unhappy."

"It's - wait, you-y-you know it's Cedric?"

Her smile was smug, her eyes knowing. "Well now I do."