Thank you so much to LacytheRomanWerewolf, Rugbygirrl & Taylor-mad21 for reviewing. They meant the world to me. :) Read and review please; every little thought about this story is very much appreciated. Enjoy!
Emily has no time to fret for her missing slipper, for at that moment the rattling of carriage wheels alert her and the animals to the return of the Dragon Lady and her Lapdog. Quickly, our dark haired heroine ushers her friends up to her room, even as she reaches to slip her elaborate ball gown off. And yet, wonders upon wonders, she touches not silk or velvet, but rather the rough cloth of her daily wear.
Emily spared a glance into the mirror; gone was the intoxicating woman who danced in the arms of the Prince just hours before. In her place stood a weary, disheveled serving woman whose hair has fallen out front of her face. Sighing, she hurried back down where she can already hear her step sister's pitchy whines floating up the stairs. It will not do to have them wait; it would only intensify Erin and Beth's complaints upon her ears.
She was greeted by the sight of a rather wet Beth sprawling in a rather unladylike manner upon the couch, hair slipping from the complicated bun Erin had tamed it into earlier. A disgruntled pout was on her lips, matched only by the disapproving purse of Erin's lips. Emily raised a brow, "Is everything all right, step mother?"
Erin turned to her and sighed, "Ah Cinder Emily, there you are. Put on the kettle; we are in dire need of a cup of tea." As Emily went about heating the kettle, Erin continued, "It was all going so well until that woman showed up! Have you any idea who she might have been, darling?"
Beth snorted, sounding rather like a hog. "Bugger if I knew." Her mother clucked, "Language, Beth. I wonder if she was royalty; I certainly have not seen her before." Emily came back with the tea and setting it on the table; she hid a grin from the duo. Pretending innocence, she handed the cups to them as she asked in a nonchalant tone, "What of this woman, step mother? What happened?"
Beth spared a disinterested glance at her, "I was holding the attentions of the Prince, Emily. We were dancing and everyone was in such awe of how much I seemed to be in his favour," Emily rolled her eyes inwardly, "when suddenly came this harlot who swept in and stole the Prince away! He danced with her all night and disappeared with him to the gardens." Fanning herself, Beth tugged at a wet curl disgruntledly. "Goodness knows what they were doing but I wager she was a witch! Why she even summoned a horrendous bird to attack me!"
Erin rolled her eyes and glared at her daughter, "Well it certainly was your own fault for spying on them, Beth. Imagine what the Prince would do if he found you were looking into his private affairs!" Beth looked at her mother in askance, forgetting that Emily was still standing there. "Mother! How could you not support me in this matter! I have strived to attain the Prince's affections yet that little wench has-"
The blonde woman cut her off, "Even so, all is not lost. The Prince has not made announcements to marry tonight; he may yet find her unsuited for matrimony." Emily smothered a laugh; Aaron has not made announcements because they had yet time to discuss marriage, not because he found her, as Erin said, 'unsuited for matrimony'. Beth wailed and flung a hand over her eyes in exaggerated dismay, "What shall I do, mother?"
The older woman sighed and muttered, "Must I do everything?" She moved to pat her daughter on the head, "I shall invite the King and Prince over for tea; they will accept and we shall bring you to the Prince's attention once more." Emily cocked a brow and interrupted, "I did not think that you were acquainted with the King, stepmother." Erin snorted, "Hardly. We were but a fling, a long time ago. Fortunately I hold secrets still that he will not wish known to the public."
Emily seethed to hear the vile woman speak of her nonno so, and to blackmail him! Why, it was treason! Though on a side note, she was rather amused that her nonno and the evil Dragon Lady actually had a past. She knew after the death of Aaron's mother, Dave had not wed again and dabbled, discretely of course, in various affairs which lasted no longer than a month. It appeared in the brief time they were together Dave had made quite the impression on Erin. She really had to ask her nonno just what he did or said to incur her wrath so.
Erin, realizing that Emily stood there still, waved her hand at her even as she herself stood and made for her chambers, "You may retire for the night, Cinder Emily. Be certain to resume your duties tomorrow as usual; I would have the manor spotless when the King and Prince arrive for visitation." She called over her shoulder, "Come now, Beth. Stop pouting like a child. You need your rest, lest the circles beneath your eyes deepen till you appear more raccoon than woman." Said woman rolled her eyes and dragged her body from the chair, "Yes mother. Cinder Emily, assist me with my dress." Emily gritted her teeth as she darted a dark glare to her stepsister, "But of course, Beth. I doubt you could remove the dress yourself; it seems rather too small for your frame." Her counterpart whipped around and glared at her, "Did you just insult my weight, Emily?" Emily only rolled her eyes, "No, of course not. However would I dare to lay insults upon you? I merely point out that the dress was ill made, not at all your fault."
Beth glared at her, thinking hard. "It was rather tight, now you mention it. It appears I shall have to find yet another dress maker. Mother!" Emily chuckled and followed the women up the stairs, ah how she enjoyed riling her stepsister up; certainly her slow mind did not help.
Erin and Beth were lounging unceremoniously on the chaise in the living room, while Emily sat near, sewing kit in hand as she mended Beth's torn dress. She could faintly see the tears courtesy of Jason's sharp claws on the taffeta and thought it was rather a pity such a beautiful dress had been treated as such. For once, she had little house chores in the way and as such had been permitted to stay in the cooler living room, shaded away from the heat of summer sun. She certainly enjoyed the cool breeze on her cheek and hair, glad that she could be away from the heat ridden kitchen where she was mostly relegated to.
A brisk knock startled all three women from their occupations, and Emily hurried to answer the door as Erin barked at Beth to tidy herself and sit straight. Minutes passed, and the lady of the house was curious as to what was keeping her stepdaughter at the door for such long pause. Standing, she swept imperiously to the door, a berate on her lips when she caught sight of the two men and various entourage behind them.
"Your Majesties!"