"I believe this dress will suffice," Eris murmured, her golden eyes tracing her reflection in the mirror. Her lilac hair cascaded down her back in silken waves, while the off-shoulder gown revealed just enough skin to command attention without scandalizing polite society. The gold embroidery shimmered faintly, catching the light and drawing focus to the striking clarity of her eyes.
"You look stunning, Eris," Rosalyn said, reclining lazily on the cushioned stool with a grace that somehow managed to seem both practiced and effortless. Her sapphire-blue gaze swept over her sister, from her lilac hair to the pristine white heels that peeked from beneath the hem of her gown. "I imagine Ezekiel will struggle to keep his composure tonight." She smirked. "Much to dear Sienna's dismay."
Eris turned from the mirror, her expression cool. "I am simply fulfilling my duty. Count Ashcroft desires an alliance with the Loxley dukedom, and Ezekiel... desires me. At the end of this game, one of the count's daughters will secure a marriage, and that is all that matters."
Rosalyn chuckled, a low, melodic sound. "Count Ashcroft," she repeated, shaking her head with amusement. "That man is your father, Eris. You might try referring to him with a little more warmth."
"Adoptive father," Eris corrected, her tone clipped as she turned to face her sister. Rosalyn sat slouched in her chair, an unladylike posture that made Eris's lips press into a faint line of disapproval.
"Still your father," Rosalyn replied smoothly, brushing a strand of crimson hair behind her ear. The vivid red gleamed in the firelight, the color of blood spattered on white marble, while her deep blue eyes gleamed like finely cut sapphires. "Though I'm sure he'd be heartbroken to hear how fondly you speak of him."
Eris rolled her eyes but said nothing, instead smoothing the folds of her gown. Duty came first, as it always had.
Later in the day, a luxurious white carriage bearing the Loxley family's crest had just stopped infront of the Ashcroft family mansion. A man with brunette locks and eye as green as the thick forest surrounding the manor stepped out.
"Lord Ezekiel", Sienna rushed out the house, he shoes clicking against the marble floor. Her blonde hair was tied into a simple braid as her eyes scanned Ezekiel's less that content expression. "Eris isn't here at the moment", she explains.
"I'm here to see you milady", he says, his voice monotonous as the expression of displeasure erased itself from his face.
A mural of emotions bloomed within Sienna's body. A smile creeping up her lips as she and Ezekiel walked to the garden.
"Was there something you wanted to talk to me about, your grace", she looks up at him with her blue eye, only to notice how his gaze was tenderly looking at the light purple roses planted around the estate.
He shifts to look at her, taking in her appearance. Blonde locks that framed her heart shaped face and long lashes that fluttered over her clear blue eyes. There was no question about it, Sienna was beautiful but she could never compare to his lady.
"Lady Sienna", the sincerity in his voice seemed forced. "I'd like to extend my apology to you", he says as he turns to look at her.
Mirroring his action Sienna looks up at him, "Milord?"
"Please accept my apology as well as my proposal. I hope my past actions have not dwindled the affection you once held for me", he holds her delicate hands in the warm embrace of his. "Marry me Sienna".
That's all she's ever wanted in life. To be his, to be loved by him, and here he was, poring his heart out and asking for her hand. "B-but, what of my sister?"
"I was...", he looks down and tightens his grip on her hands. "distracted. It's you I want. My priorities lie with you Sienna. I don't know what i was thinking, marrying a mere human"