Chapter 2

First things first. I needed to get the expenses of the house under control.

I wanted to be thoughtful about how I dressed, trying to project an air of maturity and competence. It was important that I convince my father that I was capable of taking care of the duchy’s finances.

Looking through my wardrobe, however, it was difficult to find anything worth wearing. I sighed loudly as I flipped through different gowns. Not only were many of them far too fancy for simple daily use, I knew the customization of the gowns must have been horrendously expensive. The construction of most of the them weren’t even very well done…

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“Is that really your best?” the older seamstress who had taken me in shook her head disapprovingly. 

I held up my work, examining it. “It looks fine!” My heart sank as she took it in her hands, inverting it to look at the seams. 

“You were careless. Here, and here, your stitches are too far apart, as well as crooked. The gown will wear out and tear much faster.”

“I’ll redo it.” I took it back, holding back tears. 

“I can only give you so many chances, girl.”

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“Miss?” Angela, my personal maid stepped in, obviously surprised to see me awake. 

I had my own small moment of shock. The last time I had seen Angela, she had gone to work for Ronan’s new fiancé. I had felt betrayed at the time. Of course, that was before I learned the harsh realities of unemployment. I silently decided to not hold her defection to my replacement against her. 

“Good morning, Angela.” I smiled at her, trying desperately to remember how we used to speak together. “I was just choosing a dress for this morning.”

“I have an outfit already chosen.” Returning my smile, she gestured to the gown in her arms. I stepped back, unable to completely hide my discomfort at her expression.

Her smile was forced.

Had it always been like this? The last time I had been fifteen; I had taken people’s words and expressions at face value, never suspecting deceit. But now, it was all too obvious that she wasn’t happy to be here. 

Relax. It’s just her job. She doesn’t have to be overjoyed to be up this early dressing the daughter of a duke. Don’t take it personally. Reminding myself silently, I tried to keep my smile natural looking and in place.

… At least until I saw the gown she was holding.

“What is that?” My voice cracked as I stared in horror at the pink-laced monstrosity. A voluminous ballgown, with light delicate pink lace mixed in with bright yellow and green frills, the dress seemed designed to distress and terrify.

“Your new dress, miss.” Angela’s smile was even more forced now. “It’s the latest fashion!” She held out the dress towards me, and unconsciously I stepped further away.

“Umm… I think I’ll just go with the plain grey satin.” I picked up the dress I had found in my earlier search. It was a serviceable gown, well constructed. It was not elaborate or beautiful, but at least it didn’t make me want to gouge my own eyes out like the other.

“But, that’s so… simple! What if his Highness stops by?” Angela looked horrified at the concept.

Of course her concern is Prince Ronan. I guess he is my fiancé…. at least for now. I shook my head. 

“I’d wear that pink monstrosity if it would scare him off.” Muttering under my breath, I continued to hold the grey dress. 

“I think he would appreciate me not being overly extravagant in my daily life.”

I barely managed to get the words out with a straight face. As if that pompous piece of waste would even notice what dress I wear!

Multiple different expressions flashed across Angela’s face. She seemed… angry. Did it really matter that much to her what I wore? She had to realize that the dress she wanted me to wear would not be flattering…

“Then I’ll help you get changed, Miss.” She seemed to shake herself slightly, offering to assist me with a bright smile. As if that brief flash of rage I saw had never happened. 

Stop being so suspicious. Not everyone’s out to harm you. Trying to convince myself, I let her help me dress. The movements were foreign to me after years on the street, but I made it through without too many errors.

“Will you be seeing Lady Edith today?” Angela asked, breaking the long silence between us.

I paused, unable to hide my momentary shock at the name.

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“I’m sorry Lenora, but I love him.” Edith cried, wiping her eyes prettily as I stared silently in shock. “I couldn’t say no!”

“… He was engaged to me.” I could barely get the words out. “How could you agree to marry him, have him cast me aside?!”

“But, you forgive me, right?” Her eyes were dry, she smiled at me, the expression making me feel a moment of unease. “After all, we’re best friends!”

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“No, I have other things to do today.” Like convince my father to hand over control of the duchy’s finances.

“But you spend every day with her! Miss, are you and the young lady fighting?” Angela’s panicked question only made me smile.

“Believe me, there is nothing that she wants that I wouldn’t give her cheerfully.” I laughed, the sound more bitter than I expected. “We have nothing left to fight over. “ 

And with that, I left the room, leaving Angela behind.

Edith could have the prince. I wouldn’t stand in her way this time around.

I had more important things to worry about this time. My father, my mother, the duchy… everything I loved would have a different ending this time. 

I would change my life.

No matter what.