Kiana stretched, feeling the warmth of the sun peeking through her window. "What a wonderful day today!" she exclaimed.
She turned to see her mom, Mrs. Maire, standing in the doorway with a gentle smile. "Good morning, dear."
Kiana's face lit up. "Hi, Mom! Good morning!"
After a hearty breakfast, Kiana grabbed her bag. "Mom, I have to go. Bye!"
Kiana peeked into the dancers' room, mesmerized by the Bedazzled dancers' graceful movements. "Wow, they're incredible!" she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
Cassandra, a renowned Showgirl, caught her staring. "You'll never be like us," she sneered, raising an eyebrow.
Kiana trembled. "L-Lady Cassandra?"
Cassandra's gaze narrowed. "What brings you here?"
Kiana hesitated, intimidated. "I...I just—"
Cassandra's laughter cut her off. "Dreaming of joining us? You can't be serious. Lowly people like you can't afford the luxury of Bedazzled dance training."
Kiana's face flushed, speechless.
Cassandra's parting shot stung: "Only nobles become Showgirls. You're far from qualified."
Ms. Vance's voice interrupted the awkward exchange. "Cassandra, let's begin!"
Cassandra smirked, strutting away. "Coming, Ms. Vance."
Kiana's eyes stung, but determination ignited within her. Would she find a way to overcome the odds?
Cassandra gasped, "Well, I'll leave now." She cast a piercing glance before departing.
Kiana's relief was short-lived, as Axel Eckhart appeared.
Axel: "Hi!"
Kiana: "Oh, hi."
Axel's warm smile put her at ease. "You okay?"
Kiana forced a nod. "Yes."
Axel's eyes narrowed. "You're lying. Your eyes give it away."
Kiana sighed, surrendering. "I just got rejected from the Showgirls. Cassandra said it's expensive."
Axel's expression turned thoughtful. "Cassandra Baroque?"
Kiana nodded. "Her father's a Duke. They're nobility."
Axel's smile returned. "No one can replace you, Kiana. You shine brighter than any title."
Their eyes met, and they shared a heartfelt smile.
~•~
Kiana knelt amidst the vibrant blooms, her hands gently pruning the flowers. Erwin Brou approached, his voice low.
"Hey Kiana, the Duke's older daughter is arriving," Erwin whispered.
Kiana's head jerked up, eyes wide. "Really?"
Erwin nodded. "Yes, let's tidy up these flowers before she comes. She's from Aldovia."
Kiana's curiosity piqued. "Oh!"
Erwin leaned in. "Do you know that Older Lady Cashiopine is always so serious?"
Kiana raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Erwin smiled slyly. "Yes, I think it's nice that she remains calm, unlike her sister, Lady Cassandra, who has a worse attitude."
Kiana's laughter echoed through the garden.
~•~
Kiana stepped into the cozy warmth of her home, shedding the day's worries. Her mother's welcoming smile and open arms enveloped her.
"Welcome home, Kiana!" Mrs. Maire exclaimed, eyes sparkling.
"Hi, Mom," Kiana replied, dropping her bag beside the door.
Mrs. Maire's gaze fell upon the books laid out on the table. "Look at my industrious daughter, studying already!" Her voice dripped with pride.
Kiana's cheeks flushed, and she smiled, taking a seat beside her mother.
But her mind lingered on the garden conversation. "Mom, do you think Ms. Cassandra is right?" Kiana asked, her brow furrowed. "Only noble people can become dancers?"
Mrs. Maire's expression softened. "Why let Cassandra's words trouble you, dear?"
Kiana's determination ignited. "I've dreamed of dancing since childhood. Now, I'm determined to make it happen. I'll work hard and save money to achieve my dream."
Mrs. Maire's eyes searched Kiana's face. "Kiana, dear, you don't need to burden yourself financially. Your passion is enough."
Kiana's voice trembled. "This is my heart, Mom. I genuinely want to work hard for it."
Mrs. Maire's gaze lingered, her eyes misting. Then, a warm smile spread across her face.
"You'll shine brighter than any star, Kiana," she whispered.
✷｡:ﾟ°◉｡*ﾟ+ﾟ:｡✷
Kiana's hands danced amidst the blooms as Axel's voice cut through the serene atmosphere.
"Kiana!" Axel called softly.
She turned, her smile radiant. "Axel."
Axel's eyes roved her busy hands. "Need help?"
Kiana's laughter chimed. "Okay."
Curiosity sparked in Axel's gaze. "Why the floral frenzy? What's the occasion?"
"The Duke's daughter arrives today," Kiana replied, her eyes sparkling.
Axel's pause was almost imperceptible. "Oh, I see..." His tone hinted at underlying thoughts.
Kiana's eyes narrowed. "You're early. Everything okay?"
Axel's smile reassured. "Just wanted to see you."
Their gaze held, warmth spreading between them.
Erwin Brou's voice boomed across the garden. "Welcome back to Elyria Estate, Lady Cashiopine."
Cashiopine's poised smile acknowledged the greeting.
Mrs. Maire curtsied deeply. "Nice to see you again, Your Grace, Duchess Baroque. It's been four years."
Cashiopine's confusion was evident. "Did I know you?"
Cassandra's eyes narrowed suspiciously at Mrs. Maire.
"Excuse me, Rosalinda," Cassandra interrupted, her tone icy. "Are you comfortable addressing the duchess so informally, especially upon her arrival?"
Mrs. Maire's eyes dropped, apologetic. "Forgive me, Your Grace."
Cassandra's smirk deepened. "You should apologize. The duchess suffered memory loss from her coma four years ago."
Cashiopine's frown silenced Cassandra. "Must you mention that?"
Cassandra feigned innocence. "Oh, sister, I'm just pointing this out to the maid."
Mrs. Maire bowed. "I'll leave now, Your Grace."
Cashiopine nodded curtly.
Cassandra's words trailed off as Claudinna walked away. "So, how's—"
Cashiopine spun around, her voice firm. "Cassandra."
Cassandra's eyes widened. "What?"
But Cashiopine had already turned, her elegant stride carrying her away.
Cassandra: "Oh, sister..."
✧~•~✧
Kiana sat serenely in Elyria Park, lost in thought, when Erwin Brou approached.
"Kiana, I've been searching for you," he said with a warm smile.
"What's up, Mr. Erwin?" Kiana asked, curiosity piqued.
"I need your help. Can you bring these flowers to the mansion?" Erwin requested.
Kiana nodded. "Sure."
"Cut them carefully and arrange them in a vase," Erwin instructed.
Kiana's hands moved deftly. "Consider it done, Mr. Erwin."
✧~•~✧
The flickering candlelight danced across the lavish parlor, casting shadows on the walls. Duchess Cashiopine's eyes were fixed on her book, her expression serene. Cousin Lukas, Baroque de Barcelona, and Cassandra Bach Baroque conversed in hushed tones.
Luka's laughter echoed through the room. "Hahaha! We should be the most powerful nobles of all!"
Cassandra smirked. "Of course, dear Cousin Lukas."
Lukas turned to Cashiopine. "What do you think, Cashiopine?"
Cassandra chimed in, "Oh, please, sis, join us."
Cashiopine closed her book, her movements deliberate. "You two enjoy yourselves. I'll leave."
Luka's brow furrowed. "Where are you going, Cashiopine?"
"Outside," she replied softly, disappearing into the night.
-----
As Rosalinda approached, Cashiopine Bach Baroque, Duchess of Baroque, stood poised, her slender fingers grazing the gilded mirror frame. The soft rustle of Rosalinda's skirts announced her presence.
"Your Grace?" Rosalinda curtsied.
Cashiopine's piercing blue-green eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes?"
"I saw you wandering, Your Grace. Do you require something?" Rosalinda asked gently.
Cashiopine's gaze drifted toward the sprawling gardens. "Just exploring."
Kiana, a discreet lady-in-waiting, passed through, her eyes darting toward the pair. "Okay, stay calm," she whispered, her cheeks flushing.
Rosalinda's eyes sparkled warmly. "I'd love sharing stories about your childhood, Your Grace."
Cashiopine's brow arched. "What stories?"
"I was your maid. You loved climbing trees!" Rosalinda smiled.
Cashiopine's eyes narrowed, her slender brows furrowing. "Really?" she asked, her melodic voice tinged with skepticism.
Rosalinda curtsied deeply. "Yes, Your Grace. Your mother forbade tree climbing."
Cashiopine's perplexed expression deepened. Her gaze drifted, as if beckoned by the ghosts of her past. "That's a vastly different version of me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A faraway look crept into her eyes. Memories long buried began to resurface, haunting her.
"All I recall is being with someone who ruined my life," Claudinna murmured, her words dripping with anguish. "I was supposed to be the perfect woman, living a flawless life – no problems, no chaos, no pain."
Rosalinda's concern intensified, but she remained silent, knowing better than to intervene in Cashiopine's private turmoil.
As Cashiopine's mind wandered, the opulent room faded, replaced by visions of:
_Axel's captivating smile_
_Laughter echoing through grand halls_
_The stairs_
_The fall_
_Shattered dreams_
The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken words. Rosalinda's gentle voice echoed through the hall. "Kiana!"
She beckoned her daughter forward. "Your Grace, this is my daughter Kiana."
Kiana's curtsy was flawless. "Nice to meet you, Your Grace." Cashiopine nod was brief before she departed, leaving an air of mystery.
Kiana looked up, flowers in hand. "Mom, where should I put these? Mr. Erwin told me to arrange them in a vase."
Rosalinda's smile softened. "Let me take care of it, dear. It's almost 9 p.m. Time for bed."
"Okay, Mom. Goodnight," Kiana whispered, disappearing into the darkness.
✧~•~✧
Cashiopine strolled alone, lost in thought. Memories of her childhood maid flooded her mind. "Did I really love climbing trees? Ladies don't climb trees, after all. Was she truly my maid?" she pondered.
A strange noise echoed through the forest, snapping her back to reality. She gazed up at the towering trees, her heart racing.
Crows swooped down, startling her. "Agh!" Cashiopine stumbled, her slender frame crashing against the earth.
Rosalinda and Cassandra rushed to her side. "Your Grace, are you okay?" Rosalinda exclaimed.