Whither and Decay

Chapter seven: Arden

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be advised there is sexual assault mentioned in this chapter. If you are sensitive to this topic, please do not report me for this when there is a trigger warning. 

Today is the start of Princey's week of betrothal. I haven't been to the palace since that day. I shouldn't be scared. He's gone. Merrick is dead. There's no need to be scared. But the fear will never go away from men like him. It's hard to know which men are good and which are fooling you. It's happened to me once, I was 11. I was in the woods trying to bring flowers back to my mother. A man appeared out of the shadows of the trees and grabbed me with both hands. He took advantage of me. That was 6 years ago.

"Mother? Can you come up here please?"

The click of her heels sound through the hallway. "Yes love?"

"Mother, I need help with my dress and corset. I'm going to the prince's ball today. And perhaps the next five days."

"Oh! That's wonderful. I'm so glad you're getting out again. You've been locked up in here for the past three days. You didn't come back the same when you went to the palace the first time."

"Yeah. I was just tired I guess." I don't meet her gaze. She can tell when I lie. I dig through my wardrobe to find a gorgeous dark green gown. It has beautiful flower patterns, not ones I recognize, but still beautiful. Most of the gowns I own have flowers on them. My mother's favorite pattern. I hold the dress up against my body. "What do you think about this one?"

"It looks wonderful. It's slim enough to get your natural curves, but also has room for a corset. It's perfect. The emerald green color will match your fair skin tone. Let's get your hair done. I was thinking maybe a half braid crown? It's elegant, but also your style."

"That sounds great. Thank you mother."

"No problem, love. And the ball starts at brunch right?"

"Yes, 11:30. It's a brunch ball instead of a night ball."

"Okay I only have a few hours to get you ready. I'd better get started."

All I can think about is that sword I found. The one with the gryphon. No. That's not the main priority. I remind myself. The main priority is to try and woo one of the twins. I have to try with Princey this week. He doesn't like me much, I don't know why, but I still have to try. Next week will be easier. Callen's week.

"Okay love, when I do your half braid crown, would you like me to add some silver accents to match your silver hems?"

"That sounds great."

She runs her hands through my hair pulling a strand to start the braid. I like to get my hair played with. I never liked having my hair curled, it made me feel less of myself, but braids, I liked them. I wish I knew how to do some on myself, but I never learned.

"Mother, I wanted to ask if I can wear my boots. I want to be comfortable when I dance, and my dress is long enough to cover my feet."

"Sure. Slip those on and go meet your father downstairs. I think he's going with you. And I'm done with your hair."

"Wait mother you aren't going? I thought you were coming with us. You and father could have some fun and dance."

"No, I'm not going. Your father said he would take you and I don't have to worry about it. I wanted to go see you and maybe give you some tips on how to woo a prince, but your father told me to stay here."

Tips on how to woo a prince. "No! Please come with us. I'll talk to father. And mother you don't always have to do what he says."

"Yes I do. But I'll put on my gown in case he'll let me tag along."