Royal(ties)

6. The Talk and The Threats .6

For a second, Akira forgot where she was. Her usual white ceiling didn't greet her, rather an old-fashioned, white, sweeping canopy did.

With a reluctant sigh, she dressed robotically, refusing help from a maid who seemed to know the exact moment that Akira had opened her eyes. With a natural touch of make-up and a flowing knee-length chiffon dress, she departed the room with her mood sour but her face sweet.

Her kitten heels clicked on the marble as she walked, the only sound in the loud echoey corridors. It seemed as if the servants were trained to be as quiet and invisible as possible but the moment she felt lost, a manservant appeared out of nowhere, ready to guide her. It was quite unsettling really, how there seemed to be an invisible surveillance keeping watching on her all the time.

Since she had woken up rather late, she had missed breakfast - it was now time for lunch - and she would be dining with her grandmother in the conservatory. At least that was what that quiet maid had told her. That maid who gave no name seemed a little off. Everything about her screamed unapproachable from her downcast face and her bowed head. She spoke only when absolutely necessary but oddly, watched Akira like an eagle.

As she stepped into the conservatory, a wave of warmth hit her as the sun shone done brilliantly through the glass panels. Her grandmother was already seated around a small circular table and tucked in with a disapproving frown on her face. Again, she wore an expensive dress - this time a pastel pink - and her hair was pulled up in an elegant bun with some small crystal diamonds reflecting little glimmers of light.

"You're late", her grandmother stated as she sipped from a glass of wine.

"I wasn't aware of our lunch appointment until only fairly recently", Akira said, trying to appease her grandmother.

"Well, do not dawdle around. Take a seat", she ordered.

Akira did as she was told, sitting down and allowing herself to be tucked in. She unfolded her napkin and placed it neatly on her lap, waiting.

As the food was served and Akira began to eat, she became all too aware of her grandmother's unfaltering gaze.

"Is there something wrong?" Akira asked innocently, cocking her head to the side whilst furrowing her eyebrows. She placed her fork down neatly on the side, internally groaning. Akira was rather famished and the linguine had the most fragrant of scents, wafting to her nose and making her stomach rumble.

"I am pleasantly surprised", her grandmother said reluctantly. "I had prepared myself for the worst".

"I trust that you will now believe in my parent's capabilities in raising me. I do not understand where you got this wild unruly version of me from". Akira picked up her fork again and delighted, twirled some of the linguine on her fork.

"As I said, I had expected the worst. Now", her grandmother said, steering the conversation away. "We must discuss some rather pressing matters during your stay here. None of what I am about to say is debatable, do you understand?"

Before Akira could even respond, her grandmother continued.

"I expect you to address me as Grandmother or Grandmother Evelyn. No more or no less, especially in the company of others. The social season will befall us soon and I expect you to partake in it. From what I have observed thus far, you seem quite competent but I will make sure you are polished thoroughly. Your debut into society shall be next week so you must perfect yourself before them. Any shame you bring on yourself will also tarnish the Astley reputation, do you understand what I am saying?"

"Pardon me, I am extremely confused", Akira said baffled, after a minute of silence. "I have to come to stay to mourn the passing of my parents, not to participate in the social season".