Her hurried footsteps clicked on the marble flooring, her heart racing, and she whipped back around to see Sebastian hot on her heels. If Vincent wanted her to be gone, she would gladly take it. There was not a cowardly bone in her body, but she wanted to curl up into a ball due to the circumstances. She lifted a hand when Sebastian was about to open his mouth.
"Don't worry about it," Charlotte said. "I'll head to my room, so please stay here."
Sebastian didn't answer, but she didn't want a response. He stayed rooted to his spot while she turned on her heel and took her time making her way back to the beautiful bedroom that was disguised as her hell hole. Charlotte zoned out in the hallway but managed to find her way back and closed the door behind her, not bothering to lock it when someone would come barging in anyways.
Charlotte sat down on the bed and silently pulled at her hair, fuming. Breathing out a harsh breath, she stood and strode over to the french doors and softly pushed them open. The breeze swept past her and swirled throughout her room. She took in the fresh air, trying to alleviate her stress, and walked out to the balcony, leaning her body over the columnal railing.
The lights of the city were far away, and her hand reached forth, trying to capture it. The image before her flittered through the windows created by her fingers before it dropped. The lights were not on, but the tall skyscrapers built of full metal, glinted in the sunlight, imitating all the light that was illuminated at night.
Her heart was low since she didn't know if Vincent was on her side anymore. She straightened her back to try and think happier thoughts. There was a lot of time to fix her life. It wasn't worth it to get pressed about it now. If it didn't work out she could move to a different area and start fresh. She didn't need to wait on Vincent to determine her every move.
There was a soft click from the door, and Charlotte turned back to see who it was. The bottom of her dress lifted with the wind as if wanting to carry her away. Charlotte tucked her hair behind her hair, messing with the strands before stepping back into the bedroom. Sebastian entered with materials in his arms, and an unknown lady with her arms crossed tightly in front of her.
Charlotte inclined her head in greeting. "Hello."
Sebastian pushed the woman forward, and the woman smiled sharply as if she was sent against her will which was extremely likely. "Pleasure to meet you, Charlotte."
"Yes, and who might you be?" she lightly enquired.
"My apologies," Sebastian said. "This is Katerina. She will be dying your hair today."
Katerina gestured to the bathroom. "It won't be anything too fancy, but let's get you set up."
Charlotte nodded, and Katerina walked into the bathroom first. She turned to Sebastian, raising an eyebrow in question. He sighed and shrugged. "You didn't do anything wrong if that is what you are wondering. Kat has a chip on her shoulder."
"I can see that."
"Let's get this over quickly. There is much to do."
Charlotte agreed, and Sebastian handed her the black garments in his arms. It was a black long-sleeved turtleneck blouse that had dark shiny buttons running up along the sides similar to that of a coat. The bottoms were black utility shorts that seemed flexible and comfortable with many straps hanging freely and many pockets that could be of use.
There was also a black cloak that was at the bottom of the pile that was tied near around the neck with a heavy hood. It wasn't popular to wear cloaks nowadays, but one wouldn't stare twice if one did. It was a classic and effortless ensemble.
"Wow, these are perfect," Charlotte said.
"As you can tell, these aren't madam's clothing. I got them shipped here since the young master hasn't given any orders on what clothing for you to wear. These are much more realistic than wearing evening dresses for everything wear."
"Thank you, Sebastian."
Katerina peeked her strawberry blonde head through the bathroom doorway. "Charlotte, let's get started."
Charlotte followed Katerina back to the hair station that she had created in the corner near the large sink mirror. Katerina placed a thick white cloak around her before they got started with the bleaching process. Vincent only told her that he wanted her to dye her hair, but she didn't know what color they were about to put on her.
In the end, it ended with a honey-brown color that suited her facial features well. Katerina held the blow-dryer above her head, and Charlotte softly shook her hair out. Katerina also trimmed some layers into her hair, and Charlotte settled back in her seat, impressed with her efforts.
Sebastian said earlier that Katerina was no professional, but Charlotte had to beg and differ. Her hair was fresh and strong as if her hair was never dyed at all.
She blinked in the mirror slowly, as Katerina styled the cut into waves around her face, falling down her back. The red of her irises was dim despite getting immense sleep, and she covered her mouth when she yawned. Charlotte did sit in the chair for over three hours, staying silent since Katerina didn't seem to be a person to chatter or answer her questions like Natalia would.
Charlotte finally stood and stretched her arms high above when Katerina stepped back. Her back cracked after a few twists. Charlotte then inclined her head once more. "It looks lovely. Thank you."
Katerina smiled. "It was my pleasure. I'll take my leave so that you can change."
Katerina turned back and strode out the door, closing the door behind her forcefully. Charlotte sighed and brushed the sweat that broke out from Katerina's passive-aggressive actions. She placed the clothing that Sebastian gave her on the stool that was pushed out of the way near the shower.
Charlotte slipped on the garments and inspected her image in the mirror, twisting back in forth for different angles. Her hair swayed with each movement. The light brown color against her skin made her seem more soft, bringing out the color in her cheeks and warmth in her eyes.
Her slim body was more strong and toned than one would think, and she tucked the shirt inside the shorts and tightened the belt, snapping the lock closed. She still didn't have shoes, but she looked as if she was going to take the world on by herself. All that was left was a weapon to complete the look. And shoes.