"So, Sephora," my mother smiled as she tore a piece of bread off from the loaf and popped it in her mouth. "It's your birthday today."
A smile curled on Cynthia's lips as she spoke: "sixteen, how exciting!"
"My little girl, growing up," my father chimed in.
"Oh, Sephora, you're getting ever so old." Myra teased as she finished chewing.
"Sixteen isn't that old," I replied.
"Old enough to be adopted."
Mother stopped in mid-chew. Cynthia glanced at me then turned her gaze to her meal. Myra's eyes widened as she covered her mouth, and Father sipped at his drink, avoiding eye contact with everyone else at the table.
Old enough to be adopted? Why would Myra say such a thing?
The rest of the dinner was rather quiet, with only awkward small talk about our day.
As I finished my plate, I was looking forward to go back to cleaning, so I could practice my voice throwing some more.
"Sephora," Mother smiled softly as I finished my last bites of my meal, "we have a very special guest tomorrow."
I looked up from my plate.
"Princess Isis will be staying in the SongBird chamber."
"Why would the princess want to stay here?" I asked, silently cursing at the stupidity of the question.
My parent's inn was not very known for having famous figures to stay. We mostly had commanders, and sometimes even allowed peasants and street rats to stay half price...or even for free if they were in great need of shelter.
Mother didn't answer, she stared at me with uneasy eyes.
Cynthia took charge of the conversation, instead: "you've heard the news, Sephora. It's all over Egypt, Princess Isis cannot give birth."
I nodded slowly, "yes...I'm aware."
"Well, she is a princess who shall soon be a queen. A queen in need of an heir, so she's looking for a young girl to adopt. Since she can't have any of her own."
I felt my head get hot, could they be implying? No! My family could never do such a thing to me!
My stomach seemed to do flips and Mother slowly spoke: "Sephora, Princess Isis is visiting every family with a daughter about sixteen. It's law, and we, like always, will obey the law."
"And you assume, I will be chosen?" I exclaimed.
"There's a very likely chance, Sephora. You're of age. Also, Princess Isis has a physical preference, which you fit perfectly. So, most likely..." Mother's voice trailed off.
Father, who had the nerves to stay quiet through this whole conversation, finally stood up from the table.
"Ama," he handed her the empty earthenware plate.
Mother took it with hesitation, eyes still on me.
I stood up in anger, and pushed my plate harshly to the middle of the table.
"If you really loved me, you wouldn't sell me off to some princess!" I shouted as I stomped off upstairs.
Why was this happening to me? Didn't they love me at all enough to fight for me?
Okay, everyone, sorry for such a short chapter...and, sorry if this seemed rushed...this has not been a good week for me! Dx
Reviews would be lovely. :D