It was a glamorous ball, with all the guests walking here and there. Meanwhile, at a corner, Erin stood, looking younger than her age. She was hiding in the corner of the glamorous ballroom.
"I can do it,"
she said to herself and walked out into the light. She went towards the dishes and picked up a cake.
"Yummy," she mumbled.
'They always keep me locked up. But not when there's a ball.'
She thought for a moment. It was one of the rare times Erin was allowed to attend a ball.
As she ran towards a corner to eat her cake peacefully, she stumbled upon a small figure.
"Irena?"
she blurted out. She trembled as Irena looked at her. Irena's eyes fell on the cake, which had accidentally spilled onto her shoes.
"You know how costly it is?"
Irena asked, her voice laced with malice. Erin shook her head in fear, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry... I'll clean it."
Irena grinned. "Clean it, you say?"
She raised her feet, gesturing for Erin to clean the mess. Erin used her hands to wipe away the cake while crying.
"I'm sorry..." Irena kicked her with the same foot.
"Don't touch my feet with those filthy hands," Irena spat.
Erin nodded, still shaking.
"Lick it."
"Wh-"
"I said, lick it."
Erin nodded and continued to lick Irena's feet in front of the whole crowd.
"Remember, never enter a ball again," Irena sneered.
Erin gasped, waking up from her dream - or rather, her past experience.
"It was the day I met him for the first time," she mumbled.
**
Erin stood before Edward, who sat behind his desk, his cold eyes glowing in the dim light. The room was silent, and Erin could feel his gaze on her like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Well,"
Edward began, "should I punish you?"
He walked towards her, placing his hands on her cheeks, just below her eyes. Erin's forehead was wet with sweat.
She gulped and replied, "Your Grace, I didn't lose."
"But you didn't win,"
Edward countered, his fingers digging into her skin, leaving a red mark.
"You shouldn't have forgotten your place."
Erin looked emotionless, facing him without trembling. She parted her lips to speak.
"I apologize, sire."
Edward halted, removing his hands from her cheeks. He seemed to be thinking, then walked back to his desk. "You can join the royal academy."
Erin's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sire, please rethink your choice - I want to join the academy no matter what."
"What?"
"You can. Now leave."
Erin was shocked, taking a moment to process his words. She didn't waste any more time, bowed, and left the room.
"Finally!" Erin exclaimed, happy. "I can finally meet him." She walked through the hallway, her movements light and carefree.
But, as usual, her happiness was short-lived. She stumbled upon Irena in the hallway.
"Ah!"
Erin adjusted herself and glared at Irena.
Irena's lips curled down, and she growled, "Can't you see me?"
"No, I hate looking at useless things," Erin replied, her voice cold.
Irena's face twisted in anger.
"Aren't you afraid of getting punished?"
"Should I?"
Erin asked, her eyes locked on Irena.
Irena's nerves were on edge.
"YOU'RE TALKING TO THE FUTURE DUCHESS! KNOW YOUR PLACE, FILTHY GIRL!"
Erin sighed and walked past Irena.
"I don't think I should hear this from a peasant girl."
Irena lost control, grabbing Erin's neck and digging her fingers deep into her flesh.
Her eyes twitching in anger.
"SAY THAT ONE MORE TIME, AND I'LL KILL YOU!"
Erin remained calm, looking at Irena for a moment before speaking.
"I apologize."
With that, she freed herself from Irena's grip and started walking away.
Irena was left standing, dumbfounded. She had never seen Erin like this before. Since her birthday, everything had changed. Irena was used to the luxury and her father's love, to the point where she thought it was natural to bully Erin, the real heir.
" Just what happened that day..."
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