****
I was outside in the woods in my dress when the monsters came. I was ready! It was like I was killing in slow motion. I used up all my magic. I only could use my swords! I was surrounded and had to fight my way through. I was determined! It started to rain. I was soaked. I killed a monster just to turn around for one to swipe at my dress to rip it open. My whole wet body was open for the world to see. My brasserie was black along with my torn underwear. I had to fight! I cannot let this stop me. They disappeared. I was alone but where did they go. I felt a chill down my spine and surrounded by darkness. I turn around. Mage Knight! Standing face to face. He just looked like a black shadow till his eyes turned red. Like a demon in the night. He is staring at me, and a white devilish grin appears. His hand reaching at my torn dress. He steps closer; I am frozen in place, and I cannot fight. His scent though it is, it is intoxicating. His arms slide around my waist. They are strong and defined. I cannot pull away. He pulls me and our bodies touch, we are both wet from the rain. My breasts press against him. He looks down at them and back at me. A cold chill fills my whole body. What is he doing? He forces a fierce and powerful kiss. Sliding his tongue in my mouth. His hand slides to my right breast squeezing firmly. A rush comes over me as he pulls me closer with the other. He removes my torn dress. Kissing my neck and breasts as he pulls my hair back. I let out a moan. He grabs my ass cheek, then his rough hand slides down my thigh to pull my one leg up to his hip.
I want him, I want him to take me now.
He pulls back and says "Lady Thea, Dinner is ready! My Lady can you hear me? My lady!"
I was taken back why, why does he sound like Arya?
".... My lady?"
****
"My lady dinner is ready!" Arya added. "Goodness you fell asleep in the tub! I will get a towel! Let's get you out of there so you do not get sick. The water is cold!"
I woke up startled and in a daze. I was sleeping heavy and then I realized where my hand was. I was touching myself while I slept. " Why the fuck was I dreaming of that!" I thought to myself.
"Oh! Yes! Thank you, Arya!" I replied sounding startled. "I am hungry."
Moments later I go to the dining hall where just our small family eats together. I sit down at the table with the rest of the family.
"Glad you could join us." Mother says.
"I apologize, I took a bath and fell asleep." I reply quietly. I do not want to anger her with my tone.
"I see."
"Hey Thea, how was YOUR day? asked my brother Niam. He still lives at home because he is too young to get married and too young to join the Kings Royal Army. He trains at the training grounds every day though. He just has one more year then it will be his turn.
Father and I give him a glare that could turn him into stone. He shut up really quick.
"Is everyone ready for the ball? Does anyone need anything? Now is the time to speak up, I'll have one of the maids get the items early tomorrow morning." Mother asks
We all answer that we do not need anything. I do not want to go though. Dinner was quiet after that. I headed back upstairs to get ready for bed.
"Would you like me to brush your hair my lady?" Arya asked excitedly
"Yes please. Thank you." The thought of the ball has me worried and Arya knows this. I do not want a husband. The sooner I get one the sooner I will not be able to train. It breaks my heart.
"You know my Lady; the ball won't be all that bad. Think of all the sweets and the wine. Oh! So many big strong handsome men!" Arya says while blushing. "I'm sure you'll have lots of time!"
"Thank you, Arya for the kind words."
"Have you ever thought of someone you'd like to marry."
"Unfortunately, I don't have a say. I could express my interests to Father and Mother, but it is ultimately up to them. Mostly just to benefit the family or the kingdom."
"Yes, but I do hope you find love."
Love? It is rare to find love in an arranged marriage. I also would choose not to get married.
"All done my lady! Do you need anything else?" asked Arya.
"No, Thank you. Have a good night, Arya."
"Oh! Thank you, my Lady! You as well."
I crawled into bed. Pull the covers over my face and took a long, big sigh. Wondering if I'll dream of that man again. My mind drifted off in thought and I soon fell asleep.
Soon I hear the birds outside singing, it must be morning already. I peek from under the covers and the sunlight stingy my eyes. I sit up and rub the sleep from my eyes. I throw back the covers and get ready for the day. Today is my free day and can spend it how I wish. I don't think I'll do any training, especially after yesterday's incident.
I spent my morning studying and practicing my magic in our back yard area. Then in the afternoon I went upstairs in our common room to play piano. I had the window open and had a nice fresh breeze coming in. Soon my mother and siblings come into the room for tea and snacks. Something catches my eye out the window. It's Zander and that Mage Knight. The Mage Knight and I make eye contact. That feeling runs over my body once more and I look away. I hear Zander say something about that man seeing our family. I get up and quickly take my leave to hide in my room.
"Arya, can you run me a bath please?" I ask.
"Coming right up my lady!" she replies
I take my first step in the bath when there is a knock on my door.
"Thea, are you busy? Come meet our guest." Zander says.
"Oh, I'm sorry I just entered my bath. I, um, I'm not feeling well. I do apologize." I reply
"That is unfortunate. Feel better soon." He replies.
I hear them continue to whisper outside my door. Why are they still there? I hear them faintly.
"Just do it, you scaredy cat." Zander remarks
"No." answers the man
"She'd be happy to see you!" Zander adds
"No, I don't think she even remembers me." the man answers.
"If you don't mind, could you continue your conversation elsewhere that's not in front of my door! Thank you!" I shout.
"See I told you." whispers the man. I hear shuffling and Zander giggle. Arya and I look at each other in confusion.
I finish my bath and stay in my room for most of the night. I had Arya bring up dinner. I hear a knock on the front door. It must be Madam Bellerose with all our dresses. I peek my head out the door and hear low men voices with Arya's voice follows. I sneak out to the edge of the balcony, glancing over the edge at the landing. Zander, that man and Arya are standing there. Arya is hold a dress box and Zander opens it. I see it's my dress! What are they doing? Zander looks over at the man smiling. What are they scheming? I sneak back to my room and slide into bed. Shortly after they left Arya comes and knocks on my door and brings in my dress to lay it out for tomorrow.
I wake up and rub my eyes, relieved that I did not have any dreams last night. My dress for the evening is laying on the chaise. It really is a beautiful dress; the silver catches the light just right.
"My lady! Time to get up, today is the day! We must start right away. Eat and bathe. Do your hair...." Arya was interrupted by mother.
"Oh! I see you are awake. Get out of bed we have a busy day. We have to prepare you, lots to do!" Mother seemed excited.
"What about Calixte and Erzilla? Don't they need help?" I question.
"Not as much as you my dear now hurry up!" Mother rushed me to get ready for my bath, "Scrub everything Arya! Head to toe! No dirt." Obviously, we weren't going to eat first like Arya said.
"Yes, your grace!" Arya sounded rushed too, "Do you want rose today my lady?"
"Lilac please. Thank you!" I reply.
"Oh! Wonderful choice my lady. Lilac always suited you!"
By the end of the bath my skin felt almost raw. But I was clean like mother wanted.
"What would you like done with your hair my lady?" Arya was always excited about doing my hair.
"Curled, half up with some braids."
"Oh! My! Gosh! My lady, you're going to be the center of attention tonight!" Arya squealed like a small child. Although, my heart sank when she said I would be center of attention. I just want to hide now.
She set the curls and will need to dry in the meantime. We went down for breakfast, by that time it was actually lunch, and I was hungry! I sat down and started eating like I never ate before. Possibly just nerves.
"Please try to eat like a lady Thea. You're starting to act like one of your fathers' men, it's unbecoming." Mother expressed her disappointment.
After the meal, my hair still was not dry, and mother would not let me do anything outside. I then went to the library and studied more magic. I have read almost all our magic books and always asked for father to get more on his travels. He said my knowledge of magic could rival anyone in the tower. It did not seem like I was in there for long, but Arya was there soon enough.
"There you are my lady; we need to finish." Arya looked lost for a moment.
"Alright."
I put on my dress, and it does fit well, almost too well. Almost does not leave anything to the imagination and my full bosoms are pronounced. We moved on to my hair. Arya let my curls out, they fell down my shoulders and back. She pulled some hair back and pinned it. Then added some braids like I asked. She then added a silver-colored jeweled hair brooch, it almost blends in with my hair too well. Added silver colored jewelry for earrings and a necklace. Mother walked in.
"Are you ready? Stand up, let us look in the mirror!" Mother's face lit up like a lantern in the dark. "My dear...You do look like a goddess of light!"
"Yes, My lady you're a star!" Arya.
I look up into the mirror. I could not recognize myself. My hair style did not affect the length at all, small curls fall lightly around my face. The fit of the dress gives my body an hourglass shape. I look...feminine...a lady. My heart sank once more.
"Let's go!" Mother clapped her hands in excitement.
We had to take two of our grandest carriages. My father and brother Niam rode in the first. Zander was already at the castle waiting for us. Mother, Calixte, Erzilla and I were in the second. The short ride felt like forever. I was getting a knot in my stomach.
I have been to balls before but not dressed like this. This is over the top and mother wants me to get noticed. The carriage rolls to a slow stop. The doors open. Father steps out and waits for Mother's hand to escort her inside. As I go to step out its Zanders hand waiting for me. "You look lovely little sister." he says softly
"Thanks, I want to run." I reply, "This is too much."
Mother looks back and says, "Oh dear, will you cheer up its your moment to shine."
Zander whispers "If you can fight monsters outside the wall, you can fight them in here."
"Definitely not the same. I feel like a show horse." I snapped back. He chuckles.
After checking our invitations, the guards open the doors. We walk through the entrance to another set of doors to the Grand Hall. We pause and inform the Master of Ceremonies of who we are to be announced. Stone slabs of white marble cover the entire floor. Large pillars stretching from floor to ceiling towering over the crowd. Gold draping's accent the large chandelier, the crystals making the lights dance across the walls. Straight ahead of me stands three large windows, looking out to the sunset, the backdrop of their Majesties thrones and two large golden eagles with ruby red eyes framing them. I expect nothing less from the royal family.