~5~

My breaths came out short and quick as every second my torso became even more constricted with the tightening of the strings on my corset. I sucked in air fast and choked it back out, trying to keep myself alive as the corset suffocated me and pushed up on my breasts and lungs.

"Does it…really…have…to be…so tight," I choked out. My mother, Eliza Aylwin, sat straight as a board on the edge of my bed as Elsie stood behind me, tugging at the strings as hard as her little body could possibly manage.

"Well how else are you going to look presentable for your ball," she said disapprovingly. I glared at my mother's narcissistic façade and the way she presented herself. Her young face was only a window to her true soul and her disgust for all those who did not meet her standards. She never approved of anyone unless they were above her in wealth, power, looks, and presentation. Needless to say, I was never in the graces of her approval.

"I just don't see why it matters how skinny I look!" I shouted as soon as Elsie was done tying the back of the bloody thing.

I watched my mother's grave face as her dark brown eyes pierced through me. She was just like the corset I wore around my torso, constricting and suffocating me with her harsh words and visage. I knew she wanted nothing more than to ring my neck, but instead she kept herself poised with her slender hands gently folded on her lap. "Daughter do you know how many people will be coming to this? It is very important for you to present yourself to those with greater status and wealth so they can then respect you just as much as you respect them," she said harshly.

"So whether I wear a corset or not will make the difference?" I asked rudely. Elise brought my gown next to me and waited for me to lift my arms up for her, but I was too engaged in my conversation with my mother.

I watched as my mother seemed offended by my lack of respect for the corset or the ball in general. She stood up to face me, her face still keeping the calm expression, but I began to see her teeth grind together. "Of course it will. You need to show the public you are ready for marriage and intend to do so with one of similar or greater status as our family. How do you intend to get a fine gentleman if you carry the appearance of a slob?" she asked and I could hear her voice starting to lose some of its calmness.

I tried to hold myself back from lashing out at my mother, but what good that would do I didn't know. I had a very impatient temper, especially when it came to my mother and her vain ways. "Why does it matter if I impress any men here?" I questioned dramatically.

"Why does it matter?" my mother said aghast, her eyes lighting up with fury, "That is the sole reason for holding this ball. Your father has been very generous to you to let this take place so you can find a suitable husband; and the quicker the better!"

Shock and resentment took over my entire expression directed at my mother. "Why is there a rush for me to be married? I'm only 16," I said to her.

"Yes, and by your age, plenty of women are being married. It is time you showed the public how worthy you are and you must do so, by marrying any of the young bachelors here tonight," she yelled sternly to me.

I folded my arms against my abdomen and spat in her pristine face, "I don't want anything to do with those young bastards!"

She was taken aback at my harsh words and disgrace covered her face, "Don't you dare say that ever again, Jane! These are fine men, and you will find one tonight that will become your husband."

"I won't," I stuttered out shaking my head.

"You will!" she shouted. Her voice was still as clear as it always was, even despite the cruel emotions running deep within. "That is not an option, it is a demand!"

I didn't dare fight back with her. It would get me nowhere except my body burned at the stake or my head chopped off. We stared at one another in silence, when suddenly, Elsie creeped out of the corner of the room, and said kindly, "Come now miss, it is time to change into your gown."

My mother tore her angry stare from me and adjusted her stance so she was her usual proud self again. "Yes, you don't want to be late." She began to walk toward the exit of the chamber when she turned back around to look at my unhappy face. "And you will be grateful to your father and you will dance with whom I see fit, especially Sir Kingsley, and you will find a husband tonight."

With her last words of wisdom and motherly advice, Lady Aylwin stomped out of the room, leaving me an unappreciative and ungrateful daughter.

~Please read and review! Next chapter, the vampire stuff starts to come in!~