~Chapter 11~
Rapunzel
I couldn't get back to the manor fast enough following the servant who was sent to fetch me. Maximus went the fastest I had seen him gallop before. Flynn was trailing right behind me as we got back to the stables. The servant escorted us in and as the double doors opened, I saw my mother. She looked fatigued and quite drained as I had not been able to heal her in days. Tears filled my eyes in seconds and I ran toward her with outstretched arms. She was here and I was worried if I'd ever get to see her again.
"How are you, my flower?"
"I see my letters reached you, mother. I'm so thankful."
"Letters?"
"It's such a relief knowing you're doing alright."
Mother looked up at Conwyn clearing her throat.
"May I speak with Rapunzel alone for a moment?"
Conwyn agreed, summoning Lachlan to escort us to private chambers in the nearby hall. There was a lack of trust as mother and I went inside the room, Lachlan waited right outside the door. Mother pulled me away from the door as she clearly didn't want anyone hearing us. She grabbed my shoulders with a stern countenance on her face.
"Did they hurt you? Are you alright?" She asked, speaking in hushed tones.
I nodded quickly as she clearly wasn't convinced, continuing to look me over. I could feel Pascal moving around the back of my neck to stay out of sight.
"I should be asking if you're alright. What happened that night after they took me?"
"They tied me in the forest and left me for dead. Once I managed to free myself, I followed any lead to find you here. I came as soon as possible. You must have been so scared, dear." She remarked, rubbing my head.
"At first, yes, for my sake, but as each day passed, I was more scared for you. How are you feeling? I must heal you."
Without wasting any time, mother put her hands on top of my hair not wanting to ruin or undo Evangeline's hard work on maintaining my hair, and I opened my mouth to sing.
"Flower gleam and glow," I began quietly.
I finished the song as she breathed contentedly as I looked her over. Mother's face seemed to have a more healthy, vibrant glow. Her skin, more rosey with less lines.
"You look much better,"
"I do, don't I?" She grinned, "You know when I first arrived, I planned on dealing with the men who took you. The twins and their accomplice. I don't see the twins, but I saw Flynn who came in with you when you arrived."
"Yes, Flynn, he uh is," My voice trailed off trying to give mother an answer to defend him, "He's not who you think. Yes, he helped those men to kidnap me, but I feel as if he's been a prisoner himself with those two, forced to carry out their wishes and help them in their life of thievery."
"A leopard doesn't change its spots, Rapunzel." Mother said.
"He has earned my trust, mother. He promises to help me to leave when the time is right."
"And what if that never comes?" She growled, raising her voice, "He must be doing a good job seeing as you're both still here."
"Winter is here, sea voyages won't be easy now. I know because I just came here on one. Use your brain, Rapunzel, this place isn't safe."
"Mother, I've been treated well. I feel less like a prisoner here than I do at home."
The words left my mouth and I immediately regretted them, pursing my lips. I thought the words would make her sad, but actually the opposite, she looked angry.
"Well, I'm sorry the home I've made for you isn't a lavish manor, but I've done my best to protect you. Why isn't it enough?"
A pang of guilt hit my stomach as mother turned to the door and I quickly grabbed her hand.
"Mother, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean it."
"You'll regret this place." She muttered, giving me the cold shoulder, "Let's return to Lord Conwyn, he's waiting for us."
My face fell as mother yanked her hand away and left the room first. Lachlan stood at attention as we emerged and I fell silent as we walked back to the meeting hall. Conwyn seemed deep in thought as we filed back in and Flynn stood at the other end of the room. I was going to go stand near him when Conwyn requested that I come forward. I obeyed and mother watched as I stepped forward.
"Rapunzel, we have much to talk about, but all in good time, my dear."
He was more friendly than before today with a swift change in his countenance.
"If you wish it, my lord, though I should be getting back to my studies." I reasoned.
Another guard burst into the room looking agitated as Lachlan quickly went to receive a report of some kind. In moments, Lachlan was interrupting.
"Brother, an illness is spreading throughout the village. People are sick and reports have stated a child has died already. How do you wish to proceed?"
Conwyn nodded to me and looked up at Lachlan.
"Rapunzel, you will go with Lachlan and heal anyone who is sick."
"I-I can go to the village?" I asked in disbelief.
"Did I stutter?" Conwyn said, "This is the reason you're here, to help those in need who require your gifts."
I couldn't deny I was excited to venture outside the grounds again.
"She's vulnerable," Mother piped up, "Surely you can't send her to the village. It's dangerous."
"Enough, Emelia! Any more outbursts and I'll have you removed from the manor."
Mother seemed agitated and was speaking up naturally for my safety.
"Rider, do you have any first aid knowledge?"
"Some, but not much." Flynn shrugged.
"Go with them and see if you can't help." Conwyn ordered.
"I'll bring some soup from the kitchen." Flynn offered.
"No need, this illness is not allowing those affected to eat." Lachlan added.
"Alright, you three must go and be back before nightfall." Conwyn said.
Lachlan escorted Flynn and I to the stables and for the first time in the week since I'd been here, I galloped excitedly outside the gates of the manor.
It's a wonder how people stayed content with such frigid weather. Since I was first taken to Ravadyn, I became fascinated with the snow since it first started falling. I noticed my nose grew pink and I began sniffling quite a bit. If I was getting sick one thing I never did was use my power on myself. It seemed wrong. I was born with this gift to help people, I refused to selfishly use it on myself. Now people in the village were falling ill and this was my chance to help people. The houses we shut up tightly as we came into the main square. There were few people out and about making the whole place appear kind of eerie. Lachlan knocked on the door of the home that had been reported. A woman answered cracking the door open so only a small portion of her face could be seen.
"W-What do you want?" The woman muttered.
It was clear she wasn't just scared, but terrified and being overly cautious.
"Is someone at this residence sick?" Lachlan asked,
"Please, we're here to help." I added.
The woman stared at us. She looked as if she hadn't slept in days and I felt for her. I knew what it felt like to be scared.
"Lord Conwyn sends us, so it's best that you-"
Upon hearing his name, the woman quickly let us in and showed us around the house and to a back bedroom where her husband was in bed sick. Sweat dripped from his forehead and he was shaking violently. The wife dipped a cloth in a bowl of water and gently laid it across her husband's forehead carefully. Lachlan maintained his distance as Flynn and I got closer to the bed.
"How long has he been like this?" Flynn asked.
"About a day. The fever broke, but then it came back." The wife said.
Flynn pulled back the covers to reach the man's arms and dipped more cloth in the water draping it over his arms and neck.
"We have to get his temperature down." Flynn said urgently.
I grabbed the wife's shoulder and reassured her everything would be alright. I pulled a bit of my hair out from the hair net and wrapped it around the man's head and started to sing. After I finished, his color returned and he opened his eyes.
"Jayda?" The husband muttered.
Tears flooded her eyes as she bent down hugging her husband. I smiled contentedly knowing that I was able to help save a life this day. Flynn helped too and seemed quite knowledgable without any magical power. He said his first aid knowledge came from his time at the orphanage and he asked to be taught by the nurse they had there. Jayda couldn't stop thanking us, but Lachlan didn't let us linger long before we moved on.
Over the course of several hours, we moved throughout the village to countless homes that had ill people inside. I lost count after fifteen houses. All the sick had similar symptoms and some were much worse than others. There was no specific age group. I healed the elderly as well as children as young as three and it made my heart sad to see these people in such a state. It made sense how this disease spread because of the close proximity of this little town. Lachlan kept his distance from the people fearful to catch anything. It was quite selfish to not try and help. Especially since if he did catch something, I could heal him easily. He probably got that from his brother. Conwyn sending others to help his people instead of going himself. Social hierarchy made no sense to me in times of crisis. We're all just people in the end, what does status matter?
We returned to Briarwell, late into the evening missing the usual dinner hour. A maid told me that mother was resting in a guest room and wanted to see me when I was finished eating. Flynn and I ate in the dining hall as Lachlan was summoned to see his brother. I had only eaten a few bites of food when Lachlan returned pulling me from my food.
"Let her eat, Lachlan," Flynn grumbled, "I'd say she's more than earned some peace during her meal."
"My brother wishes to see her, which is none of your concern, Rider." Lachlan snapped.
I turned back toward Flynn as Lachlan urged me away from the table.
"I'll be right back." I nodded with a weak smile.
Lachlan pulled me away out of sight of the main hall and into the library when Conwyn was waiting for me. He was peering over a large bookshelf as I came in. He turned acknowledging my presence.
"Thank you, Lachlan," Conwyn said, "Leave us."
Lachlan opened closing the doors behind him and I stood and waited to await new orders from Conwyn. He gestured for me for me to come closer. There were a couple of cushioned chairs next to a stone fireplace on the south side of the room. Conwyn gestured for me to have a seat. Silence fell over the room as he keep scanning the various bookshelves around the room yanking books off shelves. In five minutes, he had several stacks on the floor piled high.
"Lord Conwyn, can I help?" I asked.
"No, I'm fine." He finally stopped and turned coming to sit in the chair beside me. Something was different about his demeanor today and it was distinctively different.
"So I hear that the disease spreading around the village has been eradicated because of you."
"Yes sir, I was able to heal the reported people who had gotten sick."
"You've worked hard and I'm proud of what you've done for me and my people."
I shrugged awkwardly.
"I'm just glad I happened to be here to help."
"Rapunzel, there's something I'd like to tell you and I'm not quite sure how to start."
"Just telling me is a good start," I shrugged, leaning forward curious as to what he possibly had to share.
"The way you were brought here is unfortunate and if I ever see those twin brothers again, they won't be leaving here with anything, but irons around their wrists. I know you grew up in Corona, but I hope you can grow to love Ravadyn because my people are yours as well."
For some reason, something in my gut twisted and I grew nervous.
"I'm afraid I don't understand," I muttered.
Conwyn reached out grabbing my hand and before I even could yank it away nervously, he blurted out the last thing I expected to hear.
"I'm your father, Rapunzel."
"What?" I asked in disbelief.
"I didn't know until your mother just informed me herself upon her arrival. If I ever would have known, I would have found you sooner."
I pulled my hand away standing up nervously. Conwyn stood up after me looking frustrated by my reaction.
"I thought you'd be pleased,"
"I-I'm just confused."
Mother had lied to me this whole time. She said that my father abandoned her when he found out about me and she never saw him again. For years, I wished to know my father and now that this new information had presented itself, I wasn't sure I was ready for this. What else had mother lied to me about? Would she tell me anything just to silence my natural curiosity?
"I'm sorry for this reaction, it's just a lot for me to take in at the moment."
I probably could have handled maybe with a good nights sleep, but honestly, I'm not sure even more sleep would have helped. I had a long day dealing with the sick and I was exhausted.
"Trust me, my mind is reeling too. I've missed eighteen years. There is much to make up for."
"How long have you known?"
"When your mother first arrived."
"I can't believe this." I mumbled.
"Speak up, you're a Conwyn, you shouldn't mumble so much." He snapped.
Well, there was one similarity my parents had.
"S-Sorry."
"This changes everything. You're a Lady of Ravadyn and I wish to present you officially to our people."
"Lord Conwyn, please, this is all too much. Can this not wait a bit?"
"I'd very much like to hear you call me father and no, I will not wait. I'm behind eighteen years and have much to catch up on. An official announcement will be made tomorrow before I leave."
"Where are you going?"
"To retrieve the moonflower, Luna Callima. While I'm gone, you'll watch over Ravadyn in my stead."
"Not Lachlan? He's your steward, not me." I reasoned.
"You're my daughter, Rapunzel, and you'll be learning new responsibilities starting tomorrow. Nobody will know until my announcement. You may go."
In an instant, everything in me wanted to run again. Run from my newfound identity and these so-called responsibilities I would now have. It was happening so fast and I felt like I had no say in my own life. First with mother, but now with my own father. Though deep down I couldn't run, I had a desire to get to know this man who had been absent from my life. If I left now, I wouldn't have the opportunity.
I left the library holding back the tears that I had been bottling up. Conwyn didn't seem like a safe person to let down my guard with and show my true self and emotions. Sure he helped bring me into the world, but knowing that he's apparently a father doesn't exactly give him that title. I've been nothing but a guest since I was kidnapped and have been restricted to the grounds. Though I wonder if that would change now. Would I get more freedom?
I passed by the dining hall and Flynn looked up at me from the table, our eyes met, but I didn't have any desire to eat anything now. Once I was in the safety of my room, my head was killing me as I freed my hair from all its braiding and styling. The day was over and I could be less presentable and frankly I didn't care how I appeared now. Pascal hopped off my shoulder as I crumbled on my bed and he curled in a ball turning himself blue as he watched me.
"I'm okay, Pascal." I sniffed, wiping my left cheek, "At least nothing a good night's sleep won't fix."
I grabbed the brush from the nightstand and began to tame my hair humming the song that's been in my head all my life.
A new dawn is breaking
A day for memories in the making
My child, my dear, sweet child
My love for you remains
Sure as the rising and the setting sun
I'll always hold you tight as my love remains
For I am yours and you are mine
Soon I heard a knock on my door and I heard Flynn's voice from the other side.
"Rapunzel? May I come in?"
"Sure," I muttered, not really sure why he wanted to see me.
We didn't have any lessons until the morning. I had overheard Conwyn tell Lachlan that while he's on his journey searching for Luna Callima, he wants to make sure I can perfectly ride a horse and have perfect manners and etiquette. I'm quickly surmising that I will never be good enough in the eyes of my mother or my father. Mother who constantly needs healing and has hidden me from the world all my life by means of protecting me. Then there's Conwyn who wishes to change everything about who I am. I don't belong in Ravadyn, but he won't let me go especially now knowing that we are kin.
Flynn came into my room with his arms relaxed at his sides, but soon he crossed them looking me over curiously.
"What do you want?" I muttered.
"I just came to check on you. You barely ate anything."
"I'm fine. Promise." I lied, "It's been a long day. I'm wiped. Food doesn't sound good just now."
"By the way, I like that song you've been singing. Where'd you learn it?"
"I've always sort of known it. I would hum that tune before mother ever taught me the healing incantation."
He came closer to me and Pascal turned red, mirroring Flynn's movements as a way to protect me.
"I've heard of guard dogs before, but a guard chameleon?" Flynn joked.
"If that's all Flynn, I need to rest."
"That's all, but I do have one final question."
"Yes?"
"Why are you lying to me?"
His tone was accusing, but it's not like he was wrong. Clearly Conwyn hadn't made any announcement to the staff tonight.
"Don't pretend to know how I feel!" I snapped, "These powers are draining and I've never used the healing magic in such quick succession before. I'm exhausted. Why is that so difficult to believe?"
"Come on, Blondie. You were talking about what you'd like to eat first at dinner earlier this afternoon. Your descriptions were quite colorful and was making my own mouth water. Now, you tell me you're not hungry?"
"Just let me sleep on it Flynn, Conwyn will make it clear tomorrow."
"I wish it would come from you. I'd like to help, if I am able." He said.
His continued kindness was extraordinary and I knew by now how sincere he could be. He may have been used to kidnap me, but has been nothing, but kind and helpful at every moment of my capture. I wasn't the only prisoner here. I stood up to walk him out.
"You can't help, I'm afraid, but I appreciate you trying nonetheless."
"I've got your back, Blondie. With Conwyn leaving, I thinking getting on a boat in the harbor will be easier. Well, I'll say goodnight."
He opened the door to leave and before he closed it, I stopped him.
"Flynn?"
He turned back toward me.
"Thank you." I smiled.
He nodded as the door shut behind him. I collapsed in bed once he left and Pascal curled up in a ball on the pillow beside my head. My thoughts drifted off to tomorrow and all the changes that I could easily anticipate happening.
The next thing I knew I was being shaken awake by someone standing over me in a dark cloak. Before I could attempt to scream or summon guards to my aid, a hand was clamped down across my mouth.
"Shhh Rapunzel," The figure said, I knew that voice anywhere and sure enough mother threw down her cloak hood revealing herself to me. She took her hand off my mouth as I sat up. I looked around for Pascal who had scurried just behind the bed frame concealing himself from mother.
"Are you trying to terrify me, mother? What are you doing here? How did you know where my room was?"
"It wasn't without difficulty, but I was directed to this room after I questioned a maid."
Growing up in the tower, mother always had a knack for finding me when I would beg her to play hide and seek with me. I had to get creative as there were limited hiding spots at home. Though I could never stump my mother for very long. It only took me being kidnapped for her to travel to another continent in search of me.
"Now that you've woken me, would you care to share why you're here in the middle of the night?"
I didn't mean to come across so short with her, but I was sleeping. Whatever she had to say to me could have waited until morning.
"Get up, throw on easy traveling attire, and let's go home." Mother urged.
She began pulling back my covers and promptly yanked me up by my wrists. Once on my feet, I shook off her grip crossing my arms.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Mother smirked as if I were joking, but her eyes narrowed after she realized I was being completely serious.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She snapped, " Do you wish to stay with your kidnappers?"
"The brothers are gone."
"But the other thief still remains."
"He's a victim just like I was."
"A victim? Please Rapunzel, listen to the ridiculous words coming out of your mouth."
"So far I've been useful here and treated well. My healing is celebrated rather than something to hide and keep secret."
Mother's eyes narrowed.
"Everything I've ever done, I've done for you."
"I could say the same with your illness. You've needed to use my power on the daily, but imagine what I could do just by traveling to countless places to heal anyone else who really needs it. Sick or not, mother, you can't be selfish."
"You don't know the world, Rapunzel. Explore long enough and you'll discover those in the world who would use and abuse your power without restraint."
"I know I have a much better purpose to my life rather than biding my time in an isolating tower."
Mother inhaled and exhaled sharply before she cleared her throat patting the top of my head.
"This isn't up for discussion, Rapunzel. Come on now!"
She turned toward the wardrobe to fetch me some clothes.
"N-No," I muttered.
Turning my way again, she was glaring.
"What have I said about the mumbling, Rapunzel?"
"Let me be clearer then, no mother, I'm not going with you."
"You're being foolish, prey tell me what Ravadyn has that our home does not.
"My father," I said.
Mother stopped and walked toward me.
"He never knew I existed. How could you keep us apart, mother?"
Her face turned stern and I could tell she was trying to come up with the words for a pathetic explanation.
"He's not your father," She said quickly.
I recoiled as if she had just smacked me across the face.
"What?"
"You look nothing alike, Rapunzel. Doesn't that tell you enough."
"Neither do we," I reasoned.
My head was pounding by now and something in my gut told me to refuse my mother. She was making excuses now just so I would come with her denying me a chance to get to know my father.
"He's a wicked man, Rapunzel. He's not your father because he has no right to claim such a title by association."
"Hard to be a father when you've denied him the chance." I snapped.
Mother threw me a dress, which I barely managed to catch.
"We will discuss this later. Get dressed, now. We're leaving for the harbor."
I dropped the dress letting it float down to the ground.
"No mother, I'm staying to get to know my father. I deserve that much."
"Rapunzel," She stepped toward me, but I stepped back grabbing the rope cord to summon a servant. "I'm staying, mother, I'm an adult and I'm capable of making my own decisions."
Where this courage came from I had no idea. I almost never talked back to my mother like I had tonight, but I had to make my sentiments known.
"First the lanterns and now this? You've been such a disappointment, Rapunzel. Look, what you've gone and done making me the bad guy, your own ill mother."
"Leave," I said, raising my voice,
Mother threw up her hood and fled quickly out the door slamming it behind her as I released the rope cord from my fierce grip. I never pulled it, but it was nice having it there. I moved back into bed pulling up my covers feeling my stomach churn out of guilt. I hope I haven't made a terrible mistake. Pascal crawled up beside me and I pat him on the head.
"I'm afraid I've hurt her, Pascal, but I know I need to stay here."
Pascal nodded his understanding as he curled up in a ball on the pillow next to me. My eyes grew heavy as sleep quickly found me.
Evangeline shook me awake long before I wanted to even attempt to open my eyes. My mother's unanticipated and unwelcome visit left me feeling extra tired. Evangeline handed me a note greeting me for the morning before explaining that Conwyn was the reason she was here so early. She was to get me presentable to meet the people. Evangeline drew me a bath and dipped my body in scents the likes of which I couldn't identify. It was equally sweet and floral smelling. She dressed me in a silver dress with black boots and promptly began work on my hair. I was ready for the day right as the sun was beginning to appear on the horizon and I followed Evangeline to greet Conwyn wishing I were still in bed.
I was led down a new corridor on the second floor with no rooms on either side of the hallway, but a pair of double doors at the end where Conwyn was waiting. I tried to hide a yawn as I approached.
"A lady covers her mouth or hides behind a fan. I don't ever wish to see that again. Is that understood?"
No good morning or pleasant greeting.
"Yes Lord Conwyn," I nodded,
"Father," He corrected., "You have much to learn, but patience is the name of the game. People from the village are gathered in the courtyard below along with the staff, are you ready to greet them?"
"I guess," I shrugged.
So much was happening all at once and I had no idea of what to expect from this early morning announcement. Would these people accept me? Conwyn opened the doors as Evangeline draped the hem of my dress in a way that wouldn't allow me to trip. Sunrise hit my eyes as the doors opened and many eyes were looking up at us from the ground. The doors opened to a small balcony overlooking the courtyard below and I suddenly grew increasingly nervous from all the eyes staring at me. Though I did see the friendly gaze of Flynn who was standing near the east wall. My mother was seemingly nowhere to be found.
"Greetings people of Ravadyn, I have summoned you all here for a very important reason."
His voice was loud and he was projecting so as to reach every person even to the back of the courtyard.
"I just received word that many years ago, I became a father and I was only made aware of this fact recently. She is a part of this community just like I am and I wanted to make a formal announcement introducing her to you,"
He paused as I grew nervous with all the fixated gazes on me, which made me quite uncomfortable.
"May I present Lady Alivia Rose Conwyn."
I turned around as if to meet someone else behind us he was also introducing, but I looked up at Conwyn and he was meaning me. He gave me a new name and identity and I was furious. Conwyn whispered for me to bow to the people as the crowd cheered. I wasn't one to be praised. Though as usual, I did as I was told not wanting to deal with his anger. Conwyn and mother seemed to have that in common. Conwyn went on to say that he was going on a short journey leaving me in charge. Whispers broke out over the crowd, but Conwyn quickly silenced them shouting for their silence gruffly.
"My daughter has done much to prove her worth in healing many in the village yesterday and I couldn't be prouder. You will look to her to see your needs met in my absence. Thank you for meeting her today and good day."
It was such a short announcement to my surprise and as we went back inside, I had a few things on my mind to address.
"Is there shame tied to my name?" I asked directly.
Conwyn frowned, crossing his arms sternly.
"You bear the Conwyn name. How would I possibly find that shameful?"
"Why did you give me a new first name?"
"Your mother denied me the chance of naming you. I saw an opportunity for a new beginning and I seized it."
"So Rapunzel-"
"Is dead," He interrupted.
I recoiled, taken aback by his harsh words with no regard to my own feelings. There was no changing his mind. I hadn't known him long, but I hadn't ever met someone so stubborn. Lachlan found us promptly before we ventured from the hall.
"My lord, the captain is awaiting your arrival in the harbor."
"All packed and secure?" Conwyn asked.
"Awaiting you, my lord." Lachlan replied.
Conwyn nodded as he turned toward me again.
"Will my daughter Lady Alivia escort her father down to the ship?"
He offered me his arm and I took it timidly. I don't think I could get used to this new name. I hated it and I wasn't about to bring that up to Conwyn.
I was prepared to ride on horseback down to the docks as I now knew how to ride courtesy of Flynn. Though Conwyn had me ride with him as Lachlan followed behind us. Upon our arrival, some Ravadyn citizens had gathered around for Conwyn's departure, one of which was Flynn. Conwyn hopped off the horse as I stayed put.
"You take care of the manor in my absence, Alivia." Conwyn told me as he walked toward the plank onto the ship.
"I'll do my best," I called out.
Conwyn nodded his approval and boarded the ship. I sat on top of Maximus feeling foolish as to why I was here. Was it all for show for everyone? Should I wave or not? I wasn't sure what to do or what was correct. Flynn approached offering me his hand down from the horse.
"Good morning, Lady Alivia." He bowed.
I grimaced.
"I never knew I could miss being called 'Blondie' by you until today."
"So you gave me a false name all along?" Flynn accused seemingly unimpressed by the name change either.
"Rapunzel is my name, but Conwyn changed it since I'm his daughter."'
"Gives him no right to change your name," Flynn replied.
"That's what I thought as well," I agreed.
Lachlan walked up behind us as the crowd began waving as the ship began sailing from the dock.
"I'll hear no further disapproval of my brother's choices." He snapped.
"I'm sorry," I said.
"No apologies, Lady Alivia. Just improve for next time."
His correction was barely a slap on the wrist.
"So my lady, shall we take Maximus for a ride for your lessons today?" Flynn offered.
Before I could agree, Lachlan shook his head.
"Your father has booked the day out for you for etiquette training with a local governess. Her name is Mistress Kate and she's waiting in the great hall back at the manor."
"Etiquette?" I questioned, unsure of what it meant, but something told me there would be more rules for me to remember upon learning them.
"Yes, how a proper civilized woman should act and behave according to her status." Lachlan answered. "We should get you home."
I turned to Flynn, shrugging casually as Lachlan helped me back on Maximus as I glanced up toward Conwyn's ship disappearing on the horizon.
Mistress Kate was unlike any woman I had met before. Her speech was intimidating and she did not approve of most things I did. How I ate, wrote, or even sat.
"A lady's hair should be kept long, but not to the length of the ground." She said.
She was appalled by the length of my hair and said she would cut it if Conwyn hadn't required her not to. Did he share about the power behind my magic hair or did he keep a secret? Part of me wondered if this was specific etiquette because mother never showed me such things. How I held dining utensils was a stiff, infuriating thing to master and we spent as much time on that as we did balancing books on my head for proper posture. By the end of the day, the books were still falling off my head when I walked. Mistress Kate was very annoyed with my incompetence. She wasn't easy to please and to her I did nothing right aside from basic manners of please and thank you. It was ten in the evening before she allowed me to rest for the day and I couldn't get to my room fast enough. I collapsed in bed as Pascal raced up to me nuzzling my face. He missed me having to hide out in this room all day. I couldn't risk anyone finding him, especially Mistress Kate who would probably kill him on sight.
"I miss you too, Pascal. I'm sorry I've been gone, but I hope this makes up for it."
I snuck some fruit and cheese from the kitchen for Pascal to feast on. He loves grapes and cheese. Pascal squealed in delight as he began munching on what I had brought. I stepped over to the vanity and took out my hair net and all the braids. This hairstyle always gave me a headache by the end of day like clockwork. My hair didn't like to be constrained much like I didn't like to be either, by Mistress Kate or anyone. It's hilarious how simple it was to take out my hair versus putting it up. I shook my hair free and the tension in my head relieved almost immediately as my hair fell to the ground. I began to brush it when I heard a knock on my door. Was Mistress Kate coming to complain about something else I was doing wrong? I opened the door a crack and was relieved to see Flynn.
"Oh, it's you." exhaling a breath of relief.
"And good evening to you too, Blondie." He smirked.
"It's late, you shouldn't be here. I don't want you getting in trouble." I warned.
"Aren't you the utmost authority in Conwyn's absence?" He replied.
"I guess so, though I still am having to do what I'm told by anyone."
"Well, I'm here to ask her ladyship if she would like to go for an evening horseback ride and making up your own mind is a requirement."
I didn't even have to think on it, regardless of how tired I was. I'd been cooped up in the manor for too long today.
"Lead the way," I told him.