Bed Of Roses

Chapter 3. Marinna

Marinna, one of the most beautiful girls I have ever met, was turning 16 tomorrow night. She had long silky black hair that reached just below the knee, it was pin-straight and topped with a tiny black hat embroidered with bright red gems. She sat at one end of the long wooden table, and opposite her was Magnus, her father whom would be leaving for a work trip amidst the festivities. He was taller than most, reaching atleast 7ft. His build was thin and long, almost lanky. His hair was just as long as Marinnas, tied into a sleek ponytail. His suit was just as dark as Marinnas, their smiles just as thin as the other. To his left sat a petite blonde with bright red lipstick, his wife Cecile, her smile was brighter and less sinister than the man she admired. Her small hand lay atop his slender calloused fingers, her eyes a bright blue that matched his tie. Her dress was a pale blue, which complimented her well and her pale hair was in a tidy and presentable bun. Between her and Marinna were 3 triplets, I had learnt their names when they ran circles around the table just before wine was served. Jean, Hugo and Juliette. They were of similar appearance to their father but had the bubbly personality of their mother, Cecile. Juliette even shared Ceciles enamoring smile that seemed to light up the room, whilst Hugo adopted her pale hair.

To Magnus' right sat Mathias, then Vincent and Blake. I was between Blake and Marinna, whom was bringing up gossip about her fiance before her mother interrupted.

"So, Blake. Vincent tells me you're planning to attend an art school after the wedding?" Cecile beamed, excited to be bringing up such a subject. I glanced at the door as a few people in fine clothing walked in carrying silver trays of food, most of which were dishes I had never seen before. 

"Yes, I am. I've been dreaming of becoming an artist since I could hold a paintbrush." Blake joked, "Vincent was the one to convince me to take up art, actually."

"Really? Vincent did?" Cecile was slightly surprised, her doe eyes were wide as she glanced between Blake and Vincent. Once the food had been placed infront of us I almost jumped when one of them came up behind me and started taking small portions from each dish and placing it delicately onto my plate. 

"I did, yes." Vincent smiled, "Blake is really talented, why shouldn't she attend an art school?"

"I'd love to see your painting some time, Blake." Cecile smiled, "Although my skills are lacking, I do paint occasionally. Maybe we could plan an afternoon of tea and painting in Mathias' garden sometime?" 

"Really? That sounds great, I'd love to do that." Blake squeezed Vincent hand, a small smile between them and the next topic of discussion began. I watched as everyone elses plates were filled with food, it seems only Blake and I had recognizable dishes like chicken and potato. I couldn't make out what had been put onto Marinnas dish but I'm sure it's some kind of french cuisine.

"Has a date been decided for the wedding?" Magnus asked, a thin smile stretched up his face, but it didn't reach his slim eyes. The waiters came back into the room with bottles of red wine that had no labels, was there a winery on this estate? They poured drinks for all of the family, once they reach Blake and I we both refused any wine and I asked for some water. They seemed confused but walked out when Marinna waved them away.

"Next winter, father. We plan to marry on the estate."

"Winter, an entire year to plan an extravagant event worthy of our status." Magnus' smile disappeared, "I hope you plan to follow the traditional customs of our family, if it is your intention to claim the head of the house following my demise." Magnus chuckled, a deep sound that resonated around the room ominously.

"Father, I do not plan to steal Mathias' birthright. We will follow the customs accordingly." Vincents bright personality did not show when he spoke with his father, his voice and face seemed almost painful. "Mathias will claim his position upon his own marriage."