Chapter Six
At the servant's dinner that night, Valora noticed a change in me. "You're awfully quiet today," Valora remarked as she lay down her spoon. "Is something wrong?"
"No," I replied. "Just thinking about something." Hoping to discontinue the conversation, I began to eat my soup again. However, she persisted. She could tell when I was in a mood after three years of observing them.
"What are you thinking about, Morrigan? Anything I can help with?"
"No, nothing you can do," I sighed. That was true enough."
"You're stalling," she pointed out. "I won't push you, but I want to know if something's wrong." My mind churned. What could I tell her? She was my best friend, and all I had told her were lies. She still called me Morrigan, which was not my name. She believed that I had been a servant all my life. She was so trusting, and I had betrayed that trust. Now I was leaving, leaving her with lies. Perhaps one truth would relieve my consciousness.
"I'm thinking about leaving Amerisia and Cyala," I admitted to her quietly. I heard her gasp lightly and continued with what I could tell her. "They're going home soon, and I will be returning with them. But I may have to break free soon. All that remains is to find a way." There was silence for a while before she replied.
"That's a big decision," she stated carefully, her voice lowered to a whisper. "Where will you go?"
"I'm not sure," I whispered back, thinking about the method. "I think Eidyia has a plan. But I may be free before long."
"Free...." the word seemed to float from her. It was a wonderful word. Valora deserved freedom as well. Fate and circumstance had thrown her into this life. We were the same, she and I. Perhaps that was what drew me to her. Unlike many peasants, who decided to be house servants rather than farmers, she was forced into her position. It was a position that offered little escape, and I secretly wished that my friend would find her freedom someday. Hearing her utter that word filled me with a new resolve that banished the bitterness that was compounding inside.
I wasn't just doing this for myself. These years of servitude had distorted my purpose and my drive. In ridding Llyr of Ariela, I wasn't just freeing myself: I was liberating all those who suffered from her usurped rule. If I regained my place, I would have the power to help Valora, the power to free all the servants that Ariela mistreated, I could govern my land as it deserved to be governed and lift what were rumored to be the worst taxes that had been levied in Llyr in centuries. I had a right to my bitterness, but it was not wholly selfish now. My resolve strengthened even as it changed, and I understood what I had to do.
The next day, I woke up early. I wanted to have time to go see Valora before I left, and to say goodbye properly. She rose early, I knew, and she liked to be outside. The sun had barely risen, casting its fresh spring light on the land, and I walked out of Castle Edris and looked around to try and catch a glimpse of my friend. She was nowhere to be seen. At last, I thought I heard her voice in one of the walled gardens. I made my way over to the gate and walked in. I scanned about for her, seeing only a redheaded girl in a green robe that looked like Valora's humming to herself. When I came closer, she was startled and exclaimed, "Oh dear! Terribly sorry." I recognized her voice and smiled to myself. She looked up and realized that it was only me and relaxed a bit. "You startled me," she said, by way of apology.
"I'm sorry." I should have been the one apologizing. "I just wanted to come and say goodbye. We're leaving in a few hours."
"Oh." She smiled, and for the first time I was really able to see it. It was a broad smile, but with a hint of sadness as well. She went back to working with her trowel, taking some plantings and putting them in the holes she had dug for them. "I'm glad you knew where to find me. No one ever comes around here this early, so I never wear that awful hood in here. Here, it's as if I can just be myself and not worry about Lady Edris and her demands. It's just me, the morning sun, and the flowers." I smiled as well, and in my mind, and idea was forming. I knelt down to help her plant the flowers, and one an impulse, drew back my own hood. The least I could do was say goodbye face to face with the best friend I had ever known. When she turned to take one of the plantings from me, she gasped and recoiled in shock.
"Morrigan…" she stammered. "You look a bit like someone I saw before. You… You…?" Suddenly, I was afraid, wondering if this had been the right thing to do after all. "You resemble Baroness Pasiphae." My eyes lit up.
"Do I?" She didn't say anything for a while, but looked at my face in surprise.
"There is a definite resemblance," she remarked. "I saw her when my family still lived in Llyr. She was…"
"Wonderful," I finished, thinking about my mother again. "I'm sure saying that I resemble her is more of a compliment than I am worthy of, but thank you." I knew that I had thick, wavy brown hair like my mothers, but my years of servitude had not left me much time to admire my reflection. Indeed, I hadn't seen what my face truly looked like since I was much younger. But a resemblance to my mother would only strengthen my claim, so I was glad that Valora had told me that.
"Will you write to me?" Valora asked as we worked in the garden. I nodded, thankful that this gesture could now be clearly interpreted.
"I promise." She set down her trowel and looked over at me.
"I know how much you love your home, Morrigan, but I almost wish you could stay here with me. I'll miss you." Her voice was sincere, and I knew I would miss her, too.
"You're the only real friend I've ever had. You understand me so well, and… I'll miss you," I admitted. "Goodbye, Valora."
"Goodbye, Morrigan. I hope that I will see you again some day." Reluctantly, I stood up.
"I will see you again, Valora. But goodbye until then." After taking one last look at my friend, I walked away slowly, each footstep dragging away. It would be hard to leave her alone. I knew just how she felt. She was still trapped here. If I ever got out of the mess that I was in, I knew that I would do all I could to make sure she was free, too.
The carriage was waiting for us as soon as Amerisia and Cyala had finished their breakfast. I prepared for another long and tedious journey back with Amerisia and Cyala, not looking forward to being alone with them for so many hours. I carried my bag outside, following them for the last time. The carriage was in the proud green of Llyr, with silver accents that showed a proud heritage. I could see the carriage driver, Garrett, sitting atop the high bench. I climbed in, part of me sad to leave my friend behind, and part of me glad to be going home.
Fortunately, Amerisia and Cyala ignored me the entire trip. I just read my book quietly, hardly able to wait until I was home again. When the carriage finally pulled into the lane that led up to our manor, I was buzzing with excitement. My stepsisters climbed out daintily, assisted by a footman. I, on the other hand, flew out of the carriage and ran over to where Eidyia was waiting. . "I'm so glad to have you back, dear," Eidyia whispered to me. I smiled and closed my eyes, just thinking how wonderful it was to be home again. This was where I belonged.
Ariela was already escorting her girls inside, not wanting them to sunburn their ladylike complexions before the balls. On their way in, she was busy explaining the situation to the girls. I followed, listening closely to what she had to say, as Eidyia did the same. "Oh, my precious girls, you are such ladies now! You shall charm the prince at the ball!" she cooed.
"Is it true what you said in your letter, Mother?" Cyala demanded. She was so eager to know the answer, and I wondered what it was in Ariela's letter that had cuased such excitement.
"Yes, my dears, it is true. The prince will choose his bride at the balls!" I shot a nervous glance at Eidyia, who could not see it, but probably anticipated my surprise, because she squeezed my shoulder lightly. Ariela was continuing to inform her girls of the circumstances surrounding her news. "By royal proclamation, the prince is to announce his engagement at the end of the last ball. There are to be three. One will be held in a week, then the next two days after that, and the last two days after that. In eleven days, Alansia will have a new princess. All the noble ladies in Alansia have been invited, so there will be competition. But I am not worried. I just know that one of you will be queen some day!"
They walked inside, all of them chirping excitedly about the upcoming balls. "When are we going to get our gowns made! It must be soon, or all the best seamstresses will be dreadfully busy," Amerisia was exclaiming to her mother and sister. Cyala nodded.
"It would only be fitting that we look like princesses!" They made me want to vomit, and I was glad to finally take my leave of them. I slipped away to talk with Eidyia as soon as I could. My old governess led me up to the old attic she had shown me before I left for Castle Edris. Once we were inside, she locked the door behind us and took off her hood. I pushed mine back as well, and we were finally able to talk.
"We can not allow Amerisia or Cyala to become a princess," Eidyia began. "If they do, you will never be able to take your true place." Her face was severe, not the gentle expression I was used to.
"They've changed, Eidyia, They actually have a chance at it. In Edris, they learned their manners. If I didn't know them, I would say they were perfect, well bred ladies." Eidyia nodded.
"Besides that, the barony of Llyr is a wealthy and influential power in Alansia."
"I have only one plan, and it must succeed or we will be doomed," she began, looking straight at me. "You must go to the prince and convince him to side with you."
"Me?!" I burst out. Eidyia hushed me, but I continued, quieting my voice a little but losing none of the outrage behind my voice. "I'm supposed to be dead, I can't just leave the manor, walk up to the palace and tell him everything. They won't even let me in the door. Everyone will think I'm crazy!"
"I think there may be a way." That shocked me even more, and I was thoroughly confused. I opened my mouth to comment again, but Eidyia held up a hand, stopping me. "Just listen for a moment. I'm not proposing you just come right out and announce who you are. We're going to have to be clever about this. What I had in mind was to disguise you and send you to talk to the prince during the balls. You can't do this alone." Her last sentence grated on my nerves.
"Why do I need to go running to the prince?" I demanded.
"Sometimes, you need to ask for help," Eidyia reminded me. "I know you want to be independent and you want to get rid of Ariela yourself, but in your position, it just isn't possible and you have to accept that."
"Is there any other way?"
"Not that I can think of," she mumbled, moving to sit on a trunk. "But we have to get to the Prince before they do, or there will be no hope left. It will be easier to oust a baroness than a princess. Whoever is in the good graces of the royal family will be the rulers of Llyr. It's politics, plain and simple." I hated politics at that moment. I hated the thought of having to beg for something that was mine in the first place. Still, if I could regain Llyr from it, I would do it. I would do anything, I finally decided, even if it meant appealing to the prince for help. It was my responsibility to my land to do what I could to get rid of Ariela and her daughters.
"All right," I said at last. "Tell me all about your plan." The dark haired woman smiled, and began to explain everything she had been thinking of since she heard the news. It wasn't going to be asy, I thought as she outlined each and every detail to me. This plan would require all my wits and talents. I would have to be a perfect actress, anticipate every question and comment, and make sure that I made no mistakes that might betray me. If I remained poised and in control, I just might pull it off. The one unstable factor was the prince. I had no idea how he might react to this plan, and I had nothing to judge him by except that he liked a certain joke and playing hide and seek when he was a very young child. That information was useless to me now. Still, the plan I now had was better than no plan, and it was all I had to cling to.
Preparations for the balls began the very next day. Cyala and Amerisia headed to the largest village in Llyr with their mother to choose gowns for the event. Another servant girl and I followed them, holding parasols over them so they would remain pale. I sniggered at their vanity about their complexion. They were so foolish to constrantly worry about such things. We reached the dressmaker's shop mid morning and walked inside. It was cool and fragrant inside, and one could smell the flowers in the vases around the shop. Dyrelle Lara was a bright woman, with long black hair that she twisted up into one coil and let the rest hang down. Her brown eyes greeted us kindly and she gave a smile to her customers. It often amazed me how she was pleasant and amiable to even the most horrid people.
"What can I do for you today, Baroness?" the shop owner asked politely. Ariela looked at her haughtily, and answered the other woman's kindness with disdain.
"I am here today for dresses that surpass any you've ever made before. These dresses must be of royal quality. There is to be a ball in a few days, so naturally my girls will be needing new raiment, as will I."
"Hmm," Dyrelle Lara sighed. She looked at the girls for a moment. Then, she led them up onto stools. Bringing out several bolts of cloth in different colors and types of fabric, she looked at them against each girl. "This is a hard choice to make," she began. "But I think that we had best go with something simple. Simple is elegant." She began to measure out some of a periwinkle blue roll of satin for Cyala.
"Simple!" cried Ariela. "My girls are not simple. I want their dresses adorned with all the trimmings that you have. I want gowns for them that are so covered in magnificent trappings that they will have no choice but to be amazed!" she ordered. Lara gave her a look and looked over at where I stood with the other servant girl and winked.
"You may want to talk to my apprentice then, Ariela. I shall send her over," the older, wiser woman retreated, sending behind her a tall dark eyed woman with thin brown hair. The woman looked at the girls and started choosing totally new fabrics and feathers and jewels to match. Ariela smiled as she watched the girl begin to point out patterns for her to choose from.
"Hello. I'm Dyrelle Anebellina, Dyrelle Lara's apprentice. There are so many styles of dress these days, but I think the grandest are these here. All these others just look so plain that they might as well be for commoners. But these, well, they're obviously the ones noble ladies like you will be wanting. Oh, they're so magnificent. Your girls will look simply lovely by the time I'm done. Well, I'd better get to work, hadn't I?" She spoke at a mile a minute and rambled on while she worked away, cutting a pattern out for Amerisia. She and Ariela seemed to get along well together as they looked at the many jewels that could be sewn onto the gowns. They also looked at lace, gold trim, ribbons, and other such frippery. It seemed like forever before the girls stepped down from the stools where they had been measured and consulted about different patterns and fabrics.
After they had decided on every little detail nine separate gowns and accesories, they were ready to leave. Anebellina promised that all the gowns they had ordered would be ready by the time the balls began. The Baroness and her daughters' gowns would have first priority, of course. Ariela, Amerisia, and Cyala exited, heading outside. I hurried to keep up with them, holding my parasol over Cyala. "I think the yellow brings out the gold in my hair," Amerisia bragged as we went down the street. "And the wide lace is just exquisite."
Cyala was similarly pleased with her new gowns. "As for me, I think the blue-green satin brings out the color of my eyes marvelously. But with a dress like that, I simply must have a choker of aquamarines to match. And earrings and bracelets, of course."
"Of course, dear," Ariela simpered. "We will travel to Calaris tomorrow to buy you some new jewels. I would have thought that some of the old jewelry of Llyr would still be somewhere around, but I believe it has all been sold. Probably into a foreign market, where it could make more of a profit. That man was clever, no doubt." This was the first time I had heard her speak of my father in such a way since his death. I hated hearing her speak of him, hated the cool dispassionate way she could mention him without a single emotion stirring within her. She was despicably inhumane to mention such things, knowing I was trailing behind her.
At home, the girls retired to their chambers for a nap, to get their 'beauty sleep.' I had arranged to meet with Eidyia to practice our plan, but Ariela stopped me. She informed me that I was to scrub the house until it sparkled. "For the prince might choose to visit his future bride," she gloated. I spent the afternoon dusting the furniture in the receiving room and scrubbing the floors. With every wipe of my rag, I told myself that this would be over soon. After so many years of slavery under the Chemises and their cruel treatment, I had the chance to break away.
At the servant's dinner that night, Valora noticed a change in me. "You're awfully quiet today," Valora remarked as she lay down her spoon. "Is something wrong?"
"No," I replied. "Just thinking about something." Hoping to discontinue the conversation, I began to eat my soup again. However, she persisted. She could tell when I was in a mood after three years of observing them.
"What are you thinking about, Morrigan? Anything I can help with?"
"No, nothing you can do," I sighed. That was true enough."
"You're stalling," she pointed out. "I won't push you, but I want to know if something's wrong." My mind churned. What could I tell her? She was my best friend, and all I had told her were lies. She still called me Morrigan, which was not my name. She believed that I had been a servant all my life. She was so trusting, and I had betrayed that trust. Now I was leaving, leaving her with lies. Perhaps one truth would relieve my consciousness.
"I'm thinking about leaving Amerisia and Cyala," I admitted to her quietly. I heard her gasp lightly and continued with what I could tell her. "They're going home soon, and I will be returning with them. But I may have to break free soon. All that remains is to find a way." There was silence for a while before she replied.
"That's a big decision," she stated carefully, her voice lowered to a whisper. "Where will you go?"
"I'm not sure," I whispered back, thinking about the method. "I think Eidyia has a plan. But I may be free before long."
"Free...." the word seemed to float from her. It was a wonderful word. Valora deserved freedom as well. Fate and circumstance had thrown her into this life. We were the same, she and I. Perhaps that was what drew me to her. Unlike many peasants, who decided to be house servants rather than farmers, she was forced into her position. It was a position that offered little escape, and I secretly wished that my friend would find her freedom someday. Hearing her utter that word filled me with a new resolve that banished the bitterness that was compounding inside.
I wasn't just doing this for myself. These years of servitude had distorted my purpose and my drive. In ridding Llyr of Ariela, I wasn't just freeing myself: I was liberating all those who suffered from her usurped rule. If I regained my place, I would have the power to help Valora, the power to free all the servants that Ariela mistreated, I could govern my land as it deserved to be governed and lift what were rumored to be the worst taxes that had been levied in Llyr in centuries. I had a right to my bitterness, but it was not wholly selfish now. My resolve strengthened even as it changed, and I understood what I had to do.
The next day, I woke up early. I wanted to have time to go see Valora before I left, and to say goodbye properly. She rose early, I knew, and she liked to be outside. The sun had barely risen, casting its fresh spring light on the land, and I walked out of Castle Edris and looked around to try and catch a glimpse of my friend. She was nowhere to be seen. At last, I thought I heard her voice in one of the walled gardens. I made my way over to the gate and walked in. I scanned about for her, seeing only a redheaded girl in a green robe that looked like Valora's humming to herself. When I came closer, she was startled and exclaimed, "Oh dear! Terribly sorry." I recognized her voice and smiled to myself. She looked up and realized that it was only me and relaxed a bit. "You startled me," she said, by way of apology.
"I'm sorry." I should have been the one apologizing. "I just wanted to come and say goodbye. We're leaving in a few hours."
"Oh." She smiled, and for the first time I was really able to see it. It was a broad smile, but with a hint of sadness as well. She went back to working with her trowel, taking some plantings and putting them in the holes she had dug for them. "I'm glad you knew where to find me. No one ever comes around here this early, so I never wear that awful hood in here. Here, it's as if I can just be myself and not worry about Lady Edris and her demands. It's just me, the morning sun, and the flowers." I smiled as well, and in my mind, and idea was forming. I knelt down to help her plant the flowers, and one an impulse, drew back my own hood. The least I could do was say goodbye face to face with the best friend I had ever known. When she turned to take one of the plantings from me, she gasped and recoiled in shock.
"Morrigan…" she stammered. "You look a bit like someone I saw before. You… You…?" Suddenly, I was afraid, wondering if this had been the right thing to do after all. "You resemble Baroness Pasiphae." My eyes lit up.
"Do I?" She didn't say anything for a while, but looked at my face in surprise.
"There is a definite resemblance," she remarked. "I saw her when my family still lived in Llyr. She was…"
"Wonderful," I finished, thinking about my mother again. "I'm sure saying that I resemble her is more of a compliment than I am worthy of, but thank you." I knew that I had thick, wavy brown hair like my mothers, but my years of servitude had not left me much time to admire my reflection. Indeed, I hadn't seen what my face truly looked like since I was much younger. But a resemblance to my mother would only strengthen my claim, so I was glad that Valora had told me that.
"Will you write to me?" Valora asked as we worked in the garden. I nodded, thankful that this gesture could now be clearly interpreted.
"I promise." She set down her trowel and looked over at me.
"I know how much you love your home, Morrigan, but I almost wish you could stay here with me. I'll miss you." Her voice was sincere, and I knew I would miss her, too.
"You're the only real friend I've ever had. You understand me so well, and… I'll miss you," I admitted. "Goodbye, Valora."
"Goodbye, Morrigan. I hope that I will see you again some day." Reluctantly, I stood up.
"I will see you again, Valora. But goodbye until then." After taking one last look at my friend, I walked away slowly, each footstep dragging away. It would be hard to leave her alone. I knew just how she felt. She was still trapped here. If I ever got out of the mess that I was in, I knew that I would do all I could to make sure she was free, too.
The carriage was waiting for us as soon as Amerisia and Cyala had finished their breakfast. I prepared for another long and tedious journey back with Amerisia and Cyala, not looking forward to being alone with them for so many hours. I carried my bag outside, following them for the last time. The carriage was in the proud green of Llyr, with silver accents that showed a proud heritage. I could see the carriage driver, Garrett, sitting atop the high bench. I climbed in, part of me sad to leave my friend behind, and part of me glad to be going home.
Fortunately, Amerisia and Cyala ignored me the entire trip. I just read my book quietly, hardly able to wait until I was home again. When the carriage finally pulled into the lane that led up to our manor, I was buzzing with excitement. My stepsisters climbed out daintily, assisted by a footman. I, on the other hand, flew out of the carriage and ran over to where Eidyia was waiting. . "I'm so glad to have you back, dear," Eidyia whispered to me. I smiled and closed my eyes, just thinking how wonderful it was to be home again. This was where I belonged.
Ariela was already escorting her girls inside, not wanting them to sunburn their ladylike complexions before the balls. On their way in, she was busy explaining the situation to the girls. I followed, listening closely to what she had to say, as Eidyia did the same. "Oh, my precious girls, you are such ladies now! You shall charm the prince at the ball!" she cooed.
"Is it true what you said in your letter, Mother?" Cyala demanded. She was so eager to know the answer, and I wondered what it was in Ariela's letter that had cuased such excitement.
"Yes, my dears, it is true. The prince will choose his bride at the balls!" I shot a nervous glance at Eidyia, who could not see it, but probably anticipated my surprise, because she squeezed my shoulder lightly. Ariela was continuing to inform her girls of the circumstances surrounding her news. "By royal proclamation, the prince is to announce his engagement at the end of the last ball. There are to be three. One will be held in a week, then the next two days after that, and the last two days after that. In eleven days, Alansia will have a new princess. All the noble ladies in Alansia have been invited, so there will be competition. But I am not worried. I just know that one of you will be queen some day!"
They walked inside, all of them chirping excitedly about the upcoming balls. "When are we going to get our gowns made! It must be soon, or all the best seamstresses will be dreadfully busy," Amerisia was exclaiming to her mother and sister. Cyala nodded.
"It would only be fitting that we look like princesses!" They made me want to vomit, and I was glad to finally take my leave of them. I slipped away to talk with Eidyia as soon as I could. My old governess led me up to the old attic she had shown me before I left for Castle Edris. Once we were inside, she locked the door behind us and took off her hood. I pushed mine back as well, and we were finally able to talk.
"We can not allow Amerisia or Cyala to become a princess," Eidyia began. "If they do, you will never be able to take your true place." Her face was severe, not the gentle expression I was used to.
"They've changed, Eidyia, They actually have a chance at it. In Edris, they learned their manners. If I didn't know them, I would say they were perfect, well bred ladies." Eidyia nodded.
"Besides that, the barony of Llyr is a wealthy and influential power in Alansia."
"I have only one plan, and it must succeed or we will be doomed," she began, looking straight at me. "You must go to the prince and convince him to side with you."
"Me?!" I burst out. Eidyia hushed me, but I continued, quieting my voice a little but losing none of the outrage behind my voice. "I'm supposed to be dead, I can't just leave the manor, walk up to the palace and tell him everything. They won't even let me in the door. Everyone will think I'm crazy!"
"I think there may be a way." That shocked me even more, and I was thoroughly confused. I opened my mouth to comment again, but Eidyia held up a hand, stopping me. "Just listen for a moment. I'm not proposing you just come right out and announce who you are. We're going to have to be clever about this. What I had in mind was to disguise you and send you to talk to the prince during the balls. You can't do this alone." Her last sentence grated on my nerves.
"Why do I need to go running to the prince?" I demanded.
"Sometimes, you need to ask for help," Eidyia reminded me. "I know you want to be independent and you want to get rid of Ariela yourself, but in your position, it just isn't possible and you have to accept that."
"Is there any other way?"
"Not that I can think of," she mumbled, moving to sit on a trunk. "But we have to get to the Prince before they do, or there will be no hope left. It will be easier to oust a baroness than a princess. Whoever is in the good graces of the royal family will be the rulers of Llyr. It's politics, plain and simple." I hated politics at that moment. I hated the thought of having to beg for something that was mine in the first place. Still, if I could regain Llyr from it, I would do it. I would do anything, I finally decided, even if it meant appealing to the prince for help. It was my responsibility to my land to do what I could to get rid of Ariela and her daughters.
"All right," I said at last. "Tell me all about your plan." The dark haired woman smiled, and began to explain everything she had been thinking of since she heard the news. It wasn't going to be asy, I thought as she outlined each and every detail to me. This plan would require all my wits and talents. I would have to be a perfect actress, anticipate every question and comment, and make sure that I made no mistakes that might betray me. If I remained poised and in control, I just might pull it off. The one unstable factor was the prince. I had no idea how he might react to this plan, and I had nothing to judge him by except that he liked a certain joke and playing hide and seek when he was a very young child. That information was useless to me now. Still, the plan I now had was better than no plan, and it was all I had to cling to.
Preparations for the balls began the very next day. Cyala and Amerisia headed to the largest village in Llyr with their mother to choose gowns for the event. Another servant girl and I followed them, holding parasols over them so they would remain pale. I sniggered at their vanity about their complexion. They were so foolish to constrantly worry about such things. We reached the dressmaker's shop mid morning and walked inside. It was cool and fragrant inside, and one could smell the flowers in the vases around the shop. Dyrelle Lara was a bright woman, with long black hair that she twisted up into one coil and let the rest hang down. Her brown eyes greeted us kindly and she gave a smile to her customers. It often amazed me how she was pleasant and amiable to even the most horrid people.
"What can I do for you today, Baroness?" the shop owner asked politely. Ariela looked at her haughtily, and answered the other woman's kindness with disdain.
"I am here today for dresses that surpass any you've ever made before. These dresses must be of royal quality. There is to be a ball in a few days, so naturally my girls will be needing new raiment, as will I."
"Hmm," Dyrelle Lara sighed. She looked at the girls for a moment. Then, she led them up onto stools. Bringing out several bolts of cloth in different colors and types of fabric, she looked at them against each girl. "This is a hard choice to make," she began. "But I think that we had best go with something simple. Simple is elegant." She began to measure out some of a periwinkle blue roll of satin for Cyala.
"Simple!" cried Ariela. "My girls are not simple. I want their dresses adorned with all the trimmings that you have. I want gowns for them that are so covered in magnificent trappings that they will have no choice but to be amazed!" she ordered. Lara gave her a look and looked over at where I stood with the other servant girl and winked.
"You may want to talk to my apprentice then, Ariela. I shall send her over," the older, wiser woman retreated, sending behind her a tall dark eyed woman with thin brown hair. The woman looked at the girls and started choosing totally new fabrics and feathers and jewels to match. Ariela smiled as she watched the girl begin to point out patterns for her to choose from.
"Hello. I'm Dyrelle Anebellina, Dyrelle Lara's apprentice. There are so many styles of dress these days, but I think the grandest are these here. All these others just look so plain that they might as well be for commoners. But these, well, they're obviously the ones noble ladies like you will be wanting. Oh, they're so magnificent. Your girls will look simply lovely by the time I'm done. Well, I'd better get to work, hadn't I?" She spoke at a mile a minute and rambled on while she worked away, cutting a pattern out for Amerisia. She and Ariela seemed to get along well together as they looked at the many jewels that could be sewn onto the gowns. They also looked at lace, gold trim, ribbons, and other such frippery. It seemed like forever before the girls stepped down from the stools where they had been measured and consulted about different patterns and fabrics.
After they had decided on every little detail nine separate gowns and accesories, they were ready to leave. Anebellina promised that all the gowns they had ordered would be ready by the time the balls began. The Baroness and her daughters' gowns would have first priority, of course. Ariela, Amerisia, and Cyala exited, heading outside. I hurried to keep up with them, holding my parasol over Cyala. "I think the yellow brings out the gold in my hair," Amerisia bragged as we went down the street. "And the wide lace is just exquisite."
Cyala was similarly pleased with her new gowns. "As for me, I think the blue-green satin brings out the color of my eyes marvelously. But with a dress like that, I simply must have a choker of aquamarines to match. And earrings and bracelets, of course."
"Of course, dear," Ariela simpered. "We will travel to Calaris tomorrow to buy you some new jewels. I would have thought that some of the old jewelry of Llyr would still be somewhere around, but I believe it has all been sold. Probably into a foreign market, where it could make more of a profit. That man was clever, no doubt." This was the first time I had heard her speak of my father in such a way since his death. I hated hearing her speak of him, hated the cool dispassionate way she could mention him without a single emotion stirring within her. She was despicably inhumane to mention such things, knowing I was trailing behind her.
At home, the girls retired to their chambers for a nap, to get their 'beauty sleep.' I had arranged to meet with Eidyia to practice our plan, but Ariela stopped me. She informed me that I was to scrub the house until it sparkled. "For the prince might choose to visit his future bride," she gloated. I spent the afternoon dusting the furniture in the receiving room and scrubbing the floors. With every wipe of my rag, I told myself that this would be over soon. After so many years of slavery under the Chemises and their cruel treatment, I had the chance to break away.
