Burned by water

Chapter 6

The creamed color dress was going more on the peach than anything, still, it didn't give me less of the eerie feeling of looking like a ghost.

It bore long sleeves hugging my arms, a long skirt made of many layers yet it wasn't puffy, and a small neckline. With the white fur cape over my shoulders and acting like a scarf, the brown high boots they'd given me, I strode outside and still felt frozen no matter the attire. I walked in the snow to meet with the small group surrounding the sled we'd taken the day before.

''Huh, almost didn't see her there.'' One of the sisters commented, Monica if I remembered correctly, her back devoid of any furs. She was standing in the cold with only her leather and copper outfit, fitting her perfectly and all in the darkest shade: black. I was jealous of the way she looked, the outfit, and mostly the color.

''I've heard people call her the Ghost at the court of Brimestawn.'' The other sister commented and I almost halted. She was wearing all white but in a uniform, without fur just like her sister. Still, I knew this meant she was one of my competitors. I almost laughed, this whole concept was a joke. My survival right about now felt like a joke.

''We should get going,'' Lucian commented as he neared the sled. I was about to ask where the Prince was until I climbed in. Again, he was taking the whole bench for himself.

I scoffed and was about to place myself beside Lucian when I saw a lonely apple on my seat. I took it, holding it tightly like a lifeline someone had thrown - my stomach gurgling in the apprehension of the delicious fruit - and sat down realizing one guard was missing. I soon understood why as Darcy got inside the coach. The Prince got his precious feet off the bench and sat up to make a place for her and I tried not to scoff again. Tried.

''Need something ghost?'' She snapped and I simply ignored her. Great, now it was going to stick.

The Prince was quiet as the coach moved forward, not adding up to this comment. Had the coffee not kicked in yet? But I stayed quiet as well, not wanting to draw more attention to myself. This morning had brought too much unwanted... awareness of my existence.

I wondered how Darcy had been chosen to compete for the Prince's affection or was it anyone who wanted to participate that could wear white? I didn't want to participate or wear white, this should have solved the problem quickly enough.

The ride was silent and awkward and I tried to keep my gaze on the horizon, biting in the apple after a few minutes of incredibly annoying silence. Today, the sky wasn't as blue as the day before, with dark clouds hovering over us. They felt heavy even from a distance and I knew back home it meant torrential rain and possibly thunder, but what was it for them? They didn't seem troubled by it as we continued to push forward. 

The apple barely covered the hole in my stomach and I threw it out after eating every single inch I could. Soon, my empty stomach was making me drowsy and I didn't have the strength to fight it after a whole hour of doing nothing. 

Doors closing roughly made me jump awake to find myself alone with the Prince. Darcy was posted outside with Lucian, both of them looking around the settled camp. There was a fire roaring to life in a pit, a training area beside it, and a few tents further away but every single soldier was making its way to form lines before the two guards.

''You've got drool on your face.'' 

I quickly wiped the corner of my lips, frowning, ''No I don't.''

''Didn't know I made that effect on you.'' It sounded like teasing but his eyes were focused on the soldiers outside. I would've thought it was on Darcy if I hadn't recognized the fidgeting dance he did with his fingers or the way a slight line formed between his eyebrows. Taz used to look the same anytime he had to be more than just the prestigious Prince; whenever he turned into the accomplished and dutiful Prince, he became a nervous wreck.