The Flower that Bloomed in Winter

Teacher

"Miss Cassia," Emma drew open the curtains, allowing the morning light to stream into the room. The bed, which had been warm when Cassia had fallen asleep, was now cold. 

Where had her Mother gone in the early hours of morning? Every morning at dawn, her Mother would disappear. When Cassia attempted to ask her as to why, Acacia would merely smile down at her, but would never produce an answer. 
"Good morning Ms. Emma," Cassia yawned, turning over. "Please, just call me Emma Miss. No need to address me formally. The others are waiting for you for breakfast," Emma already began to tidy the room, picking up yesterday's clothing. 

Cassia slid out of bed, still not used to the feeling of the plush carpet beneath her toes. It had been one month since she and her Mother had arrived at her Aunt's home, but Cassia still found this to be a strange place. 

"Mother!" Cassia spotted her in the dining room, sitting beside her sister. The dining room was a large space, with a sparkling chandelier that caught light from the windows and sent rainbow dancing across the yellow walls. "Good morning Aunt Ludis!" Cassia smiled brightly, scrambling into one of the wooden, high-backed chairs that surrounded the long table. "Good morning my precious Cassia," her Aunt returned her smile, watching Cassia for a moment before picking up her teacup. "Sister," Ludis smiled, Acacia stiffening suddenly. She had yet to touch her breakfast. "Do you not think it time to bring in a tutor for Cassia?" 

"A tutor?" Cassia looked between them, shoveling bacon into her mouth with her fingers. "Yes, someone who can introduce you to the world of etiquette for things like tea parties and balls." Cassia wrinkled her nose at the idea. "What do I need to learn that for?"

"I think it is a good idea," Acacia spoke slowly, looking up from her plate. A pained expression crossed her face for but a moment. She reached forward, lightly touching one of Cassia's cheeks. "My precious little flower, learning etiquette will become essential if we are to blend in." Cassia frowned, her Mother's touch lingering for a moment. 

"Alright, if you both think so," Cassia turned back to her breakfast. Her Aunt Ludis clapped her hands together in delight. "Wonderful, I shall send for a tutor immediately." 

Two days later, a guest arrived at the mansion. She came with little fanfare and two simple suitcases. Her gray hair was tied back into a bun so tight, Cassia thought it was keeping her face on her skull. She had a slightly-wrinkled face and a severe frown. Cassia hid behind Acacia, staring openly up at her. "Cassia," Ludis stepped forward, greeting the woman with a smile. "This is Lady Rafflesia, she is the one who taught both your Mother and me." Ludis turned back to the Lady, "Lady Rafflesia, it is an honor to have you stay with us."

Lady Rafflesia curtsied, "Baroness Ludis, it is an honor to be in your employee." She rose from her curtsy, then looked at Acacia. "Ms. Acacia, what a pleasure to see you again." She looked down at Cassia, "this must be the precious niece you wrote of in your letter?"

"Yes, this is my daughter," Acacia smiled nervously, stepping aside. Cassia froze, Lady Rafflesia circling her like a vulture that had just found its prey. "Yes, there is much to be improved upon." She suddenly latched her talons into Cassia's back, straightening her shoulders. When she released her, Cassia's shoulders sank once more. 

"Well, I have my work cut out for me. Where shall I conduct these lessons?" Lady Rafflesia turned to Ludis. "Right this way, please," she escorted them down the hall to a new room Cassia had yet to explore. The child clung to her Mother, forcing Acacia to go along with them. 

Inside of the double oak doors was an open space with large windows. Pushed to one side was a table and chairs. The walls were painted with large motifs of flowers and birds and the tiles were a bright white. 

"Lady Rafflesia will take good care of you, alright?" Acacia reassured Cassia, who did not want her Mother to leave her with this strange, bird-like woman. "Yes, I will take care of your daughter as though she were my own." Lady Rafflesia tried to reassure her. 

Cassia watched Ludis and Acacia leave, silently pleading for them to stay. Lady Rafflesia grabbed her shoulders, pulling them back again. "We shall work together for four hours a day, after that, I expect you to practice what you have learned on your own. Can you read the common language, child?"

"I can read Eldian and Ploy," Cassia replied quickly, shifting her weight anxiously from one foot to the other. "What an unexpected surprise. Write for me," Lady Rafflesia led her to the table, producing a piece of parchment and a pen. "Start in Eldian script, then Ploy."

"Script?" Cassia blinked, "I-I can only do block letters," she looked down at the table, Lady Rafflesia sighing, as though disappointed. "That is alright, we will work together. Your Mother was the flower of society and I suspect that you too, shall blossom underneath my watch."