Blaze

Aunt Matilda

        Aunt Matilda is my mothers eldest sister and the most distasteful women I have ever known. Her sickening pale skin would hand low on her skull if it wasn't for her bun, which pulls it all back. Reptilian eyes sink into her thin face, I swear they could glow in the dark. Her greying hair is very thin and greasy making her look more repulsive. If you ask me I'd tell you she resembles walking death. She was always wearing dreary black dresses as if she is attending a funeral. If only it was her own.

        She despises me and my brother. In her eyes we were hellions sent to cause her the highest of tortures. I do admit that we've been quite rude to her, but that doesn't condone her attitude toward us. Most of her hate is directed at me. I don't know why that is but she never liked me.

        I walk through the large halls to the throne room. Welcoming Aunt Matilda required I wear the best of my wardrobe and apply the greatest of makeup. She wouldn't accept anything but. When I arrive I see her talking to my mother with a fake smile. My mother clenches her jaw at something she says and forcefully grins back. Father look worriedly at my mother and grasps her hand. He is always so sweet to mother. 

        Aunt Matilda finally notices me in the archway of the room and frowns. She beckons me. I strut over to her and expect the worst. Instead she forces another smile and looks me up and down.

        "You've been well. I assume your studies are going well. Do you know where your brother is?" She asks.

        "He should be on his way here shortly. Thank for visiting us dear Aunt," I shine my teeth at her.

        Her head nods politely and she starts up the conversation with my mother again. It is nothing of concern until she mentions Corbin. I freeze and a disgusted shiver causes me to stand straighter. 

        "I would very much like to meet this young fellow who has my nieces hand. What was his name again? Corbin?" She faces me.

        My complexion masks one of happiness, "Yes, Corbin! I am sure he'd be glad to come down to meet you. I've told him of your visit and seemed most interested to meet you."

        "Then how about a picnic this afternoon. The weather is quite pleasant for one," mother suggests.

        My head bows in agreement. What is the harm of getting into the outdoors once in a blue moon. I might even enjoy myself. Mother and Father most likely won't allow me to ride the horses due to the last event. I had raced a potential courtier and shamed him by a victorious win. He was very red in the face when I trotted back to him with a grin on my features. Needless to say my parents weren't enthused by my victory.

        The morning passes quickly and soon the bright afternoon sun entices me to go out into the courtyard to meet the buffoon and my aunt. They are sitting on a stone bench. I almost burst out in a fit of laughter when I take notice of Corbin's face. My aunt was trying to make small talk and at the same time get him with her daughter, Eleanor. His expression brightened into a cocky one once he sees me approaching. He stands and bows resting his hand onto his sword in an attempt to impress me. I nods my head to him then turn to Aunt Matilda.

        "Will anyone else be joining us?" Secretly I hope that Ethan will swoop in and save me from this picnic.

        "Her Majesty and Prince Mason along with Prince Ethan will accompany us," She spits my brothers name out with revulsion. 

        Sighing in relief and take a seat on the bench beside my aunt who'd refused to curtsy. Corbin scowls at me once he's realized that he does not have a seat anymore. Innocently I blink up at him.