Tears of Faith

Friends?

Knock, knock.I took a big breath.

"Sephira? May I come in?"

"Yes Stefan, you may." I opened the door and walked into her bedroom. It was elegant just like her. I saw Sephira standing in front of a mirror trying on a dress. Dear Goddess, she was stunning.

"You look beautiful." She turned to look at me.

"Thank you."

"Are you angry with me Sephira?"

"No." lies, her lies are too easy to see through.

"Are you angry with Mevldina then?" Her eyes flashed and I knew I hit a nerve. This would be too easy.

"She tried to have you! Of course I am angry with her." I couldn't help it but a smile crawled across my face. It was a good thing Sephira couldn't see my face,

"But she is most likely lonely. She is becoming of age and probably longs for ... companionship."

"Do you think so?" she sighed.

"Well yes, there is a ball in a few days. She should go and look for a suitable husband."

"If that's what is best for her. Stefan, I know I seem cruel to her sometimes, but I really do want the best for her. " So emotional, and so weak. If everyone knew this side of Sephira, they all would walk over her.

"Everyone wants the best for their siblings." Pathetic, what a pathetic girl, although pretty, I must admit. It's too easy to trick her. Soon I'll be rid of her bratty sister. I can't believe I almost let that whining girl get the best of me. 

"Oh Stefan, what would I do without you?" Tears brimmed her eyes as she buried her face into my shoulder. I stroked her hair.

"I do not know, my love." I hope she isn't getting make up on my shirt, its hard to get out, and this is a silk shirt. 

"But Stefan, I have no proper dress for Mevldina." ugh, I am pretty sure no one would care if she wore a potato sack to the ball. Besides, if everything goes to plan, she won't be staying long and then I can play Sephira's emotions like an instrument. 

"Worry not, my sister recently married and I believe she has left behind some dresses. Mevldina can borrow one." Sephira smiled big. It's sad I have to use her like this. I pushed those thoughts aside, I worked too hard to let a girl and her sister get in the way. I can't fail now. 

"Thank you." she whispered.

"A ball?" My eyes went wide.

"Yes, yes! All the girls go to the ball, I'm sure your sister will allow it!" Lidia flushed with excitement.

"And the young men at the ball are just to die for!" Emma giggled. I smiled, the ball. How wonderful it must be. I only heard of my parents going to balls. They never let me go. I can't really dance since I had two left feet. It was less embarrassing for them.

"Hmm, maybe I will finally get a proposal this year." I could tell Lidia was consumed by her thoughts, she had a dreamy look on her face.

"Do you think a boy would be interested in me?" I asked, ever since the incident with Stefan, I never thought boys paid attention to me. Sephira was the one everyone loved. I was kind of left behind.

"How can they not! Don't worry, we'll pretty you up and not even your sister will be able to tell who you really are." Emma's enthusiasm was touching.

"Oh yes! We'll will do your hair and your make up. We will even help pick out your dress!" Lidia's checks flushed again. I inwardly groaned. I was not a fan of all those girlie things, but with Emma and Lidia, it couldn't possibly go bad. I looked in the mirror and stared at my features, round cheeks, large eyes, thin lips, and a freckled face; how could anyone find that attractive? I Stared harder, willing my face to change, to become more beautiful. I sighed. Maybe this ball isn't a bad idea, but then again....

"Alright, torture me if you must." I sighed as they giggled. My legs were tired and I was getting too used to the room. I thought about how big the palace must be, and it only piqued my craving to explore. I looked at what Lidia and Emma were doing; I chuckled as I watched Lidia day dream and how Emma tried to get her attention. Its the perfect timing to sneak out. (Lidia and Emma followed me around every where I went since it is technically part of their job to.) I slowly got up and prayed I wouldn't trip over air. I made it  to the door and quietly slipped into the hall. The hall outside my room was large and circular. I noticed the large glass chandelier and wondered how I missed it on the day of my arrival. I thought about which way to go, the last thing I wanted to do was to get lost. So, I decided to go right. I walked down the hallway for sometime until I came to large doors covered by rich tapestry. I admired the beauty of the curtains until I had all the fine details committed to memory. I gently moved the curtain to see what was outside. To my surprise there was a large, extensive garden! I smiled, time to explore the King's garden. 

The sun was slowly losing its intense heat as it lazily climbed lower in the sky. I studied the fragile looking roses. They smelled even prettier. I walked around some until I spotted a short wall. Why would the king have such a short wall built? I walked over to it to examine it. This is so odd. I looked over the wall and all I saw was a forest. Then it made sense to have a short wall, the king probably just wanted to keep rabbits or other small vermin out; they tend to eat up flowers really quick. 

"What are you doing?" I jumped at the voice. 

"I-I," I turned around; Stefan was the owner of the voice, "I don't have to tell you!" 

"Please calm down, I didn't mean any harm." 

"Don't tell me to calm down, I am calm." 

"Sorry."

"Well, what do you want?" He just starred at me. Stefan took a big breathe and said, "I just wanted to apologize. What I did was wrong." 

Was he really asking for a apology?

"Of course it was very wrong." 

"I told your sister the truth." 

"What?" 

"Yes, she completely understands. I am truly sorry. If it makes you feel better, I convinced her to let you go to the ball."  

I gasped, "You did?" 

"Yes, she didn't agree at first, but I got her to listen." Happiness spread throughout my veins at an unnatural speed. I felt lighter than air! 

"Thank you, but why would you do that for me?" He smiled and for a second I think I actually admired his smile. 

"I want us to be friends."

"Friends?"

"Yes, but only if you want to." 

"I think I would like that." I smiled and he returned it. Night was dangerously close, so I went off to find my way back to my room. 

"See you tomorrow then...friend?" he called after me. I just chuckled and kept walking.