Realm of Remorse

Prologue

Sunlight flickered through the open window, bathing the room in warm light. Pale blue drapes floated around in the wind, wrapping around her as she leaned against the window frame. In the light, visible specks of dust floated around freely. Free, the word sounded foreign to her, as she held a hand up towards a speck. She smiled as her attention returned to the open window.

The rising sun over the cliffs painted the Crystal Palace in a new light. The outer walls glistened, the marble absorbing the sunlight whilst towering over the landscape. Down below she could see the silhouettes of servants rushing to and from the courtyard, looking like lost children. A sweet-smelling, gust of wind blew in through the window. Taking a small sniff, she felt herself relax. Lavender, the smell in the wind comforted her.

"Lady Edeva?" The small voice was followed by a couple of gentle knocks on the door behind her. Edeva slowly tore herself away from the window, tilting her body to the door. Is it time already? It feels too soon. She exhaled slowly to calm herself before answering, "Come in."

The door opened on command, granting the servant access to the room. The petite maid wandered in, brandishing a joyful smile on her face. Edeva recognised the girl as one of her mother's maidens, though she couldn't bring herself to remember her name. No sense in making any friends that I'll have to leave behind.

The girl was followed by five other maidens, each carrying an extravagant bundle or a few small boxes. "It's time my lady." The first girl smiled at her, holding out a hand as she gestured at the chair before her.

With an exaggerated sigh, Edeva took a seat before the vanity. Time for what? The last moments of my freedom, or to fulfil my duty as a lady? She couldn't bring herself to speak up, settling on smiling politely as the women hurried around the room. She watched them curiously as they chatted to one another, eyeing her with excited smiles. She settled into the chair and let the maidens get to work.

A short while later, Edeva was covered in powder, the dust cloud making her cringe, Are they giving me small mercy by killing me beforehand? She giggled to herself. Then she squirmed involuntarily as her hair was tugged at and twisted into a bun on her head.
She tilted her chin up, taking a second to examine the work of the handmaidens. She hadn't realised the powder was simply that, nothing magical to make herself look different.

No matter, she thought, what I think doesn't mean a thing, she grinned at herself in the mirror. Edeva glanced over her shoulder to the women who were smoothing out a dress. "May I have a moment?"

The women looked up at her, before flashing her knowing smiles as they scattered. They must think I'm nervous, at that thought she had a giggle. I've never been nervous in my life.

Edeva turned back to the vanity, raising a lazy hand towards her face as she stared in the mirror. Mama would hardly complain, she reminded herself. With a slight wiggle of her fingers, she felt the familiar tingle in her head as warmth spread from her fingers. The warmth morphed into a cloud before her, settling on her face. The cloud dissipated, leaving her staring at the mirror. Her eyes were now lightly smudged in silver, a nod to her family's typical colours, her cheeks were slightly pinker, contrasting the pale colour of her face.

There was never a rule against me wanting to look my best, she let her gaze wander upwards to the maidens' work on her hair.

She couldn't help but reach a hand up to pat her hair. Strands were braided into the bun, whilst others hung loosely around her face, the starkly white hair contrasted everything else in the room. She plastered on a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes, I have to do this, for Mama's sake. The words felt like a lie as she thought them. She slumped back in her chair with a sigh, If Mama walked in now...