The Count of Castle Rock

Chapter IX- The Lai'Chem

Leesa observes her sisters as the carriage bounces along The King's highway

Hair bound in two afro puffs, Jesse sits in a green dress and an earth toned corset that hugs her waist and forces her cleavage skyward. Father thought it a bit too much, but she argued she never had a chance to wear the outfit. More than once, the captain of the caravan guards has been forced to chase his men away from the coach window. They can't help stealing a peek. For Jesse's part, she pays the men no mind, concentrating on repotting marigolds purchased in Dutcham.

Maribelle sits in a powder blue skirt that falls to her calves. Her top is a much darker blue; the same with her socks, and gloves. Her hair sits on her head like one curly red halo. The heels of her black shoes clack together musically each time father drives the coach over uneven road. Mary works lazily at a piece of knitting she started when the caravan left Levian, looking up occasionally in hopes of catching the guard, Claude, riding beside them.

Leesa can't help but think of poor Martin Smoke each time Mary glances down at the silver ring on her finger. Maribelle is a master at what she does.

"Claude proposed to me already," she says with a sigh.

"We know!" her sisters exclaim.

"Fastest so far."

"You said that already, Mary," Jesse grumbles. "Stop stringing him along. You think you're too good for him."

"I am. And stop trying to ruin the trip. I'll let him down easy once we reach Solomon."

"You're horrible."

"You're boring."

"Please stop," Leesa pleads. "We'll be in our new home tonight. Surely you guys can put away the petty bickering for a little while."

They level their gaze upon Leesa, the weight of which makes her uncomfortable. No matter how far she travels with Uncle Will or how many hours she spends sleeping under the stars, the annoyed looks of her siblings still fill her guts with butterflies. Well-traveled and they still make her feel like a little kid. Mary's eyes narrow and a smirk crawls across her lips.

"Of course you aren't miserable," she scoffs, "you've been running around dressed like a young messenger, while we've had to worry about being presentable in the worst conditions imaginable."

Jessica shakes her head. "Clearly, these are not the worst conditions imaginable, but, I have to admit you look awfully comfortable."

Mary flashes a smile, minus the guile and underhanded malice she often casually exudes. Leesa suspects it is genuine. "That's what I meant to say." She breathes a deep sigh and returns to her knitting.

Leesa and Jesse laugh at the effort it takes their sister to be nice.

Leesa's hair is braided and wrapped in a tight bun at the back of her head. She wears brown leather breeches and a tan shirt secured by a wide sturdy belt. Over it all, she wears a brown waistcoat and her well-worn travel boots. While Leesa is dressed for the trip, her sisters appear dressed for one of Lark Brown's parties. Leesa feels like the odd one out, but dresses don't seem like proper attire for such a long trip.

Though she laughs at their little comments, Leesa doesn't feel comfortable at all. Not when she compares herself to the two beauties that are Maribelle and Jessica. In their shadow, she is a mere sparkler at a fireworks display. She thinks of the young women from her books, sought after damsels who heroes move heaven and earth to have. Leesa hopes for a hero and adventure, she hopes to one day be as important as her siblings. Maybe she can get a new start in Solomon. Maybe she can start her own story.