𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼

2

Kendra – chapter 2

I pulled on the silky night gown and investigated the mirror as my servant, Ally, tied back the straps. My wet hair from the bath were soaking the gorgeous silks, and my noise hurt so bad from smelling all those different fragrances the men had at this season's ball. Ally clucked her tongue and held my hair to tightly while brushing it. "You could always pull a little less hard you know!" I snapped at her. Her grip eased slightly, and she continued brushing. I stared into the mirror; a beautiful girl greeted me back. I had been tailored so many times, whenever my mother complained about something my father bought in suitable tailors to help fix my looks. I was always offended, but if I'm being honest, I don't mind the beautiful girl staring back at me. She was polished and raised in court. But beneath her warm and flawless skin a scared girl lived. She took my soul and named it her home. Ever since I could remember my father always complained about me, he loathed me. Always telling me to be sharper, be clearer, speak with confidence. He had shaped me into someone a bit to perfect for reality. I miss the little girl that ran down these halls laughing and giggling with her friends. The only true friend she really had was Ally. She was not just a servant; she was a best friend who always put forward her shoulder for me to cry on. "You looked so beautiful today, did you meet anyone knew that sparked interest?" Ally questioned with a grin on her face along with a raised eyebrow.

"No, I didn't, and I will never, so you can quit asking" I blurted. I never wanted to find love in the castle of Esmond. I didn't want to be sent off to the man with the most wealth.

"Oh well, you know you will have to soon or you may be sent away!" Ally commented. She was braiding my hair now and I stared at her reflection in the mirror. She was right, but my father would never let me find my own equal, he would sell me to the highest bidder and that would be the end of me. "Maybe, perhaps Kalen wouldn't be much of a bad option" Ally added. My eyes darted back to my own reflection. Ally laughed loudly as my cheeks reddened like apples.

Once Ally finished braiding my hair I ran to the balcony, hoping for fresh air. She followed close behind and said, "he always stares at you in the hallways, and I see the smile you give back to him!" Ally mocked me and I turned around to give her a death stare. I held her gaze and added "I request a cup of coffee please, with extra sugar." Ally walked away with a big grin on her face. I pressed my back against a pillar and sighed as the cold air touched my face. She was right. But father wouldn't allow it. He would never. Kalen had dark hair with the glossy clean skin. He flashed his smile at me whenever I walked by him. I always quickened my pace hoping he wouldn't see me turning into a tomato.

I went back to my room and sat on my bed that had been decorated with 18 different pillows. I grabbed the nearest on and lay down pressing my cheek against the soft cotton. Slowly the world darkened, and sleep took me before Ally returned. I was grateful for sleep, it helped me avoid awkward conversations.