Chapter 3 Perfect Morning
Saleah opens her eyes to a perfect morning waiting at her feet. Jaeck lies curled up in a ball at the other bed. Only a small portion of the previous night's discussion remains in her mind. The silk scarlet sheets and pale cream down release her small fragile body to the floor. She smiles at the pleasure of a silken ride. The soft crimson carpet greets her warmly. She gently picks up the folds of her crisp white nightgown, being careful not to trip on the hem. She looks back at her long white train. The dark room seems so inviting. The oak walls with yellow-framed pictures and red wall hangings make the large room seem smaller. Jaeck is just a red lump in the enormous canopy bed by the light door. Across from him is the raised area they spoke at last night. The one raised sofa across from two chairs and an oak table in-between. She walks to the balcony and looks over the low edge. The harsh winter sun softens the remains of snow. The foliage and trees just begin to show. She retreats a few steps the vanity table. Someone had laid out a lilac and cream dress along with shifts and stockings. She clumsily pulls on white stocking, struggling with her toes. She ignores her shifts and slips on the dress. She picks up the comb to brush her hair, but notices something in the corner. She kneels down and discovers a pair of slippers that match her dress. The outside is all lilac silk except for the top cream striped piece. Two lilac ribbons tie over her feet. Three knocks interrupt her.
"Saleah, Jaeck, Its Raoul. Are you awake?" The door creaks open slowly as Raoul slips in. Behind him, Buri walks in stately. Saleah looks at them questioningly with a hint of hostility. Buri hurries to her to help with her dress. Saleah pulls away from this dark short person.
"Let me help you with your dress. You forgot to put your shifts on."
"I didn't forget. I don't know how to put them on."
"All right, come onto the bed." Saleah scrambles onto the bed with help from Buri. Raoul stares at her in shock from the other side of the room, then returns to waking the boy. Buri smiles and draws half he canopy closed. She kneels while saleah stands, and tenderly helps the girl into her shifts.
"Why don't you wear a shift and a dress?" Buri's face becomes emotionless.
"They're uncomfortable."
"So why do I have to wear them?"
"Because such a pretty little girl needs to have pretty dresses."
"Don't you want to look pretty?" Buri laughs.
"No amout of clothes and face paint can make me pretty."
"I think Raoul thinks you're pretty." after a moment of shock, she says.
"Just keep that to yourself dear", and helps her off the bed.
Chapter 4 Outcasts
©Astri_Amaroq 2001
