Shirlyn went to put her robe on to lead to bed. When she sat down, she finally felt relaxed after the long tiring day she had, the pumps she had been wearing were causing her feet to ache terribly after all the running from her predator and the dancing.
She exposed her left knee which was pulsing and hurting. The wound was filled with dry blood and it was attached to her dress. She showed a grimace of pain when she tore off the layer of the dress, and stretched her arm to open the first drawer of her bedside table she had nearly and pulled out a bandage and wrapped it around her now bleeding wound.
Maybe she had to disinfect it first or put something to separate her skin from the bandage, but when she remembered it, she was too tired and already laid down.
She began to think about her doubts and she wondered what the real nature of the King may be. As her thoughts developed and took different turns, her mind lullabies her in a slow deep sleep.
When she woke up her leg was lightly pricking though her improvised medication, she took some time to wake up then she sat on the edge of the bed to proceed to remove the bandage. As predictable the bandage got stuck, this time she slowly delicately took it off, limiting the pain.
Shirlyn called Kathy, who was always the first one to wake up to clear the house, and asked her to bring her some hydrogen peroxide. Hearing the lady's request, the maid nodded and after some minutes she brought to her what she asked and even more additional medication. Rose took one piece of cotton and wet it with the medical solution and then tapped her wound, provoking a light pinching but totally bearable.
"I will bring the dress here so your sisters won't see your wound." The maid said and Shirlyn nodded.
When she came back carrying the dress, Shirlyn put it on allowing the maid to start the usual process of tightening and releasing. Corsets were surely the weapon created by some supernatural God as a form of revenge for humans, the pain they caused was excruciating but the beauty was worth it.
Shirlyn checked herself in the mirror one last time wheeling to see how the dress suited her back.
Then she went to brush her hair while she went downstairs.
"We're late" Abigail laid one of her arms on her hip and was frowning looking at her sisters not ready yet unlike her who had been ready for 20 minutes.
Shirlyn gave one last brush stroke then sat on a stool to put her pumps on.
Quickly the lady stood, to get near her sister and both of them were now waiting for Sharon, who nonchalantly was finishing her make up with a last touch of lipstick on her thin lips.
"We have to be there in fifteen minutes, we are not late. And even if we were, your raffinate gentleman shall know that the most prestigious ladies are the ones who are waited for." Sharon said taking finally one step forward her sisters but then she paused.
"Perfume!" She exclaimed, making Abigail scoff noisily. Was she doing it on purpose?
If looks could kill, Sharon would be murdered now due to the way Abigail was glowering at her.
Sharon went to grab her perfume, and sprayed it multiple times, first on her wrists then behind on her neck, afterward under her ears and finally on her collarbones.
Sharon always took a longer time to prepare, she had to look perfect for every event she attended. The reason why she took so much care and attention to her looks was not because she was looking for attention, nor because she was insecure but easily presumably because she worshiped and loved herself so much that all her attention was dedicated to herself and herself only.
That was probably the reason why she had high standards in man and always wanted the best they could get.
"Finally!" Abigail exclaimed and rushed to get on the carriage.
Kathy was glancing at Shirlyn as she probably was coveting to get her investigation going. Shirlyn widened her eyes to share the same feeling.
"I hope the King will be there. I would like to have a chat with him." Sharon said, checking herself on her oval mirror and fixing her hair.
"I thought you were facing Lord Thomas." Abigail said, although she was not surprised by such a statement.
"My interest changes course like boats do. It goes where the wind blows me."
Abigail raised an eyebrow, "or better where the most filled pockets are." She spat, causing Shirlyn to explode in a genuine laugh.
Sharon glowered at both of them then shrugged.
The carriaged took off in front of a beautiful palace, Abigail got out and admired the view for a few seconds, smiling. It was not even half how big the Royal castle was but its smallness reserved a raffinated cured look. A sir who probably was the servant reached them and asked for their names.
When Abigail replied he checked on his short list of names and pointed his finger under their name.
"Here," he smiled friendly, "welcome to the Peterson palace, Lord Victor is waiting for you." He opened the front door which led to a huge room, a long table was filled with dishes of each kind including even vegetarian options which were rare in that epoch, foods from far countries like parmigiano baguettes, greek cheese and falafels.
Just about one dozen people were invited and now we're all checking the three ladies upside down, wondering what they were doing there in a family meeting.
Their severe gaze made Abigail be even more nervous, she clenched her fists and her mouth dried for anxiety. Her gaze moved toward the room in search of her gentleman.
When he was spotted from the opposite side of the room entering from the corridor he immediately smiled meeting Abigail's sparkling eyes. Victor's walk rushed toward his loved lady.
Shirlyn's gaze spotted from the far corner of the room the mysterious lady who was also present at the ball organized by the King and was the one who he talked animatedly with. That woman was isolated from the rest of the people in the room who seemed very close to each other while they were chatting vivaciously.
"You must be Sharon." Lord Victor gazed at Sharon who nodded, showing a smile. "Nice to meet you." He added that his head turned sideways to greet Shirlyn.
He took Abigail under his arm and walked toward a more isolated place where they could chat more privately.
"The King hasn't honored us with his presence." Sharon gasped.
"There is no shadow.. of doubt. He's absent." Kathy murmured, Shirlyn giggled, having Sharon stare at them puzzled.