Heartbeat // dreamnotfound

3- A foreign visit

George Pov
——————————
Waking up the next day, George made his way through the empty hallways down to the unnecessarily big dining room for some breakfast. His food was already standing there, waiting for him. It appeared the rest of his family had already eaten, as he was all alone in the large room. His family liked to eat together and used to get annoyed with George for taking so long to come downstairs. Soon they had just given up and let him ate whenever.

He soon realized his assumptions had been wrong when he locked his gaze on his older sister- walking down the stairs with an elegant dress and a big smile plastered on her lips. Today was the day her soon to be husband and prince of the neighboring kingdom was coming to visit- it had completely slipped his mind.

"Good morning brother," she greeted him politely, not being able to stop smiling. "What do you think of my dress?" She spun around in it, giggling.

George couldn't help but chuckle- he liked seeing his sister happy. "It's very elegant, it really fits the occasion. And you look beautiful- like always."

"Why thank you. It's very elegant indeed, the taylor did an amazing job. It fits perfectly- I love it."

"Aren't you going to eat breakfast? There's plenty of food- or did you eat already? I could use some company, it gets kinda spooky here."

"I wish I could, but it took like 30 minutes to get this corset to fit and I need to keep it on all day. I don't want to be in more pain than this stupid thing is already causing me." She chuckled lightly to herself. "I will gladly keep you company, though." She gave him another smile and sat down next to him.

"I see. You seem very excited about this- I mean, he is a complete stranger after all, what if he is awful? What if he is super ugly or treats you badly, I don't want that for you. You deserve so much. I'm sorry to be so forward, but aren't you like- afraid?" He gave her a concerned look, trying to read her expression.

She just laughed at him- as if he had said something completely stupid. "George, our families have been friends for ages, I'm sure he was raised to be a respectful man. Besides, his looks aren't of my worries. It's not like a get a say in this anyway- so I might as well just stay optimistic and do the best with what I get. The only thing I need to worry about is being a good wife. Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be fine."

It wasn't very reassuring, but he told himself she was right. It didn't matter what he thought, it wasn't any of their choice. "Okay, I really hope you're right. You usually are, which annoys me most of the time-" She laughed and punched him lightly on the shoulder. "But this time you better be, or I will hunt him down myself."

The tone of seriousness in his voice made her lose it completely. "I'm sorry but- you? Hunt him down? You can't be serious George. I mean this in the nicest way possible, my dear brother. But you would lose a fight to a squirrel if you tried."

"Hey!!" George exclaimed with his mouth full of bread. "In all seriousness though, I don't understand how you are this calm- excited, even."

She twisted herself a bit in the chair, with a more bitter expression now. "It's all about putting on a face, George. A proper lady shouldn't complain, only do what she is told and keep quiet. It's not great but I'm used to it. At least I get to boss you around, I'm really going to miss that when I'm married." She smiled weakly, picking her fingernails. "I'm really going to miss you."

George sighed, returning the smile. "Me too. But I'll write to you, and I'll make sure to come visit." He paused, silence filling the room for a moment.  "I'm sorry for ruining the mood by the way."

She shook her head, giving him a sincere look. "Don't be, I like that I can be honest with you." George smiled at her, and they shared another moment of silence. "Very well then," his sister finally spoke. "I shall be going now, Klara is waiting for me upstairs to finish my makeup. It is quite a special day after all."