Cashiopine's nerves still rattled. "I-I'm fine."
Cassandra's brow furrowed. "What possessed you to wander alone in the forest?"
✧~•~✧
Kiana sat under the shade of a majestic tree, surrounded by scattered books and papers. "Study hard, Kiana..." she whispered, her eyes scanning the pages.
Suddenly, she realized her pen was missing. "Where's my pen?!" she exclaimed, frantically searching every nook and cranny.
"Mom?!" Kiana called out, but the house was silent. Rosalinda had left early.
Her gaze fell upon a sweet surprise: her favorite cupcake, accompanied by a heartfelt note.
"I had to leave early, so I got you your favorite treat. Love, Mom."
Kiana's face lit up with a warm smile.
Later that day...
Kiana walked through the village, her books clutched tightly. She greeted Ms. Vance respectfully. "Good day, Ms. Vance."
Ms. Vance's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Kiana! Why aren't you at dance lessons?"
Kiana's shoulders sagged slightly. "Well, Ms. Vance, I appreciate the offer, but it's expensive. I couldn't afford it."
Ms. Vance nodded understandingly. "I see."
Kiana's passion for learning danced in her eyes, despite the financial constraints.
✧~•~✧
Lukas' voice echoed through the hall. "Cashiopine, your father, Duke William Baroque, is aware of the incident last night. He has appointed a temporary bodyguard for your safety."
Cashiopine's eyes narrowed. "A bodyguard?"
Lukas nodded firmly. "Yes, for your protection."
"I don't need a bodyguard, Lukas," Cashiopine protested. "Last night's incident was just a crow."
Lukas' expression remained resolute. " As your only male cousin, I must adhere to your father's instructions for your safety, Cashiopine. Since your accident, you've been absent for a long time, necessitating companionship to ensure your well-being, even during minor events.."
"Erwin, bring Cashiopine's bodyguard here, now," Lukas commanded.
Erwin bowed. "Yes, Master."
A towering figure emerged, his presence commanding attention.
Lukas introduced him. "Cashiopine, this is your bodyguard."
Erwin interrupted, "Excuse me, Master. You have a meeting scheduled for noon today."
Lukas: "I'm leaving now; please heed my words. Take care of my cousin."
Lukas departed, leaving Cashiopine with her new protector.
Soren Bachmann offered a charming smile. "Nice to meet you, my lady. I'm Soren Bachmann. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
Cashiopine's silence was deafening.
Soren's thoughts whispered: "Is she always like this?"
The lady finally spoke
Cashiopine: "Could you please hand me that book?"
Her melodious voice startled Soren.
Soren: "Certainly, my lady."
Cashiopine: "Place it here."
He retrieved the book, gently placing it before her.
Soren's curiosity grew.
Soren: "You enjoy reading, I presume?"
Cashiopine's response was elegant.
Cashiopine: "Reading has been my lifelong passion, though occasional boredom is unavoidable."
Soren's smile turned sly.
Soren: "You're remarkably different from your sister, my Lady."
"I wonder if Lady Cassandra genuinely has a sister. I've known her from her stay here, unlike yourself, my lady - "
Cashiopine's gaze narrowed. "You talk too much, Soren Bachmann."
Soren bowed. "Apologies, my lady."
✧~•~✧
Lady Cassandra's gaze fell upon Kiana with disdain. "Hi, Kiana," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Kiana curtsied, unaware of the impending storm. "Good day, Lady Cassandra."
Cassandra's expression twisted. "Please, don't bother greeting me. Your presence ruins my day."
Kiana's smile faltered. "Lady Cassandra, I don't understand why you despise me."
Cassandra laughed, her eyes glinting with malice. "You're beneath us, insignificant. Nobles like myself don't associate with...your kind. Whether I respect you or not is entirely up to me."
Her voice turned venomous. "And what brings you here? Begging for free dance lessons from Ms. Vance, no doubt?"
Kiana's words were cut short. "Lady Cassandra—"
"How shameful!" Cassandra spat, her face reddening. "You're an embarrassment!"
With a dismissive shove, Cassandra sent Kiana stumbling. Turning on her heel, she strode away, leaving Kiana shattered.
----
Tears streaming down her face, Kiana fled, the courtyard's whispers and stares searing her soul. Cassandra's words echoed, a haunting reminder of her perceived worthlessness.
Kiana's tears fell like autumn rain as she whispered, "Why does she treat me like dirt? Nobles can be so cruel!"
Wiping her tears, Kiana squared her shoulders. With determination burning within, she steadied her voice.
"Stop thinking about it, Kiana. Stay strong. You are worthy, no matter what Lady Cassandra says."
------
Kiana burst through the door. "Mom, I'm home!"
Receiving no response, Kiana searched the rooms, concern growing. She rushed to her mother's bedroom.
"Oh no, Mother!" Kiana exclaimed, finding Rosalinda coughing weakly.
Rosalinda forced a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, sweetie. Just a stubborn cough."
Kiana's eyes narrowed. "What's really wrong, Mom? Tell me."
Rosalinda's weak smile appeared. "Tomorrow's your birthday, sweetie. I saved for your dance lessons."
Tears welled up in Kiana's eyes. "But Mom, your medicine..."
Rosalinda's hands cradled Kiana's face. "Watching you dance brings me joy, more than any medicine."
As Kiana's eyes welled up with gratitude, tears of joy trickled down her cheeks. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered, her voice trembling. Rosalinda's face lit up with a warm smile.
✧~•~✧
Kiana's feet seemed to skip with excitement as she approached the dance studio. She had always dreamed of taking lessons, and finally, here she was. But as she reached the gate, her enthusiasm wavered. "Am I really doing this?" she wondered, a smile still plastered on her face.
Just as doubt began to creep in, a chill ran down her spine. Cassandra stood before her, eyes flashing with disdain. "Here we go again, the lowly girl thinks she can dance," she sneered.
Kiana stood tall, her determination renewed. "Lady Cassandra, please. I don't have time for your condescension." With a fierce glint in her eye, she stepped through the gate, leaving Cassandra's scorn behind.
✧~•~✧
Lady Cashiopine lounged on her plush couch. "Rosalinda, could you bring me some water?"
Rosalinda, suppressing a cough, curtsied. "Yes, Your Grace."
Cashiopine's gaze briefly met Rosalinda's before shifting toward the window, where a pigeon fluttered in.
Soren spoke up, "Always indoors, my lady? Fresh air would do you good."
Cashiopine smiled. "Why not?"
Soren smirked. "Looks like I've reminded you of the world outside."
✧~•~✧
Axel's eyes sparkled with genuine delight as he gazed at Kiana. "So, you finally achieved your dream."
Kiana's face glowed, her enthusiasm radiant. "I couldn't believe it, Axel. I feel so alive!"
Axel's warm smile widened. "Congratulations! I'm beyond thrilled for you, Kiana."
Kiana's cheeks flushed, pleased. "That's sweet."
Axel's expression turned sincere. "Remember, I'll always be here for you, supporting you every step of the way."
Kiana's smile softened, her heart filled with gratitude. She felt cherished.
✧~•~✧
Cassandra's face twisted in rage as she hurled books and pillows across the room. "Argh!" she screamed.
The maid rushed forward, calm but firm. "Your Grace, that's enough."
Cassandra's fury boiled over. "Why should I?! That lowly girl has no right to be happy!"
------
*Later at Baroque Mansion*
Lukas approached Cassandra with a grin. "Cassandra, are you feeling better after your outburst? Hahaha."
Cassandra's eyes flashed angrily. "Enough nonsense, Lukas de Barcelona."
Cashiopine turned to her sister. "What's wrong, little sister?"
Lukas chuckled once more, clearly amused. "Hahaha."
Soren lounged, book in hand, a sly smile spreading across his face. "My lady, did you cross Western Everia during your travels to Elyria? That's thousands of miles, isn't it?"
Cashiopine's eyebrow arched. "Shall I answer that, Soren?"
Soren's smile faltered, his eyes widening slightly. "W-well..."
Rosalinda curtsied elegantly. "Your Grace, may I take my leave now?"
Cashiopine nodded graciously. "Sure, Rosalinda."
With a subtle bow, Rosalinda departed, her quiet footsteps fading into the distance.
As Rosalinda stepped into her cozy home, her daughter Kiana rushed into her arms, beaming. "Mom!"
Rosalinda's eyes warmed. "So, you finally enrolled in dancing lessons?"
Kiana nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Mom!"
Rosalinda's smile faltered, replaced by a faint cough.
Kiana's concern deepened. "Mom, I think you should rest. I'll take care of dinner."
Rosalinda nodded gratefully. "Thank you, dear."
*The night slipped away*
✧~•~✧
After the dancing lesson concluded, Ms. Vance beamed at Kiana. "Wow, I never expected you to be amazing at dancing!"
The room erupted in applause as Kiana blushed.
Cassandra scoffed, her voice laced with disdain. "Think about it, sis – that lowly girl trying to get in my way! Does she really believe she can steal the spotlight?"
Cashiopine rolled her eyes. "Stop being problematic, Cassandra."