The Inner Circle | A Midnight Quartet

Chapter 2 | Darcy Edison

"Black? Or White?" Darcy Edison gestures to the magnificent gowns lying on the large bed. The princess rises from her seat at the desk and trails her hand lovingly down the black lace.

She sighs. "The white would look charming with my new pearl necklace," She swoops up the gauzy gown and walks to the mirror. "don't you think?"

Darcy moves to stand beside Princess Irena, "It would look lovely indeed, although the black is just as beautiful... Would you not prefer that one?"

She casts a longing glance at the dark dress and groans. "Oh Darcy, you know I would. It is elegant and mysterious. And would go wonderfully with my eyes." She flutters her dark eyelashes accordingly. "Why must Father insist on such childish notions! At twenty-three years old you would think I would be allowed to dress how I wish." She flings herself down on the bed and settles the black dress over her head. The rest of her words come out muffled. "Doesn't the King have more important things to do than control his daughter's every move?"

A small giggle escapes Darcy's lips. "It is very hard to take you seriously with a dress covering your head."

Irena throws the dress back onto the bed and sits up, frowning. "Darcy, I believe I've made a grave mistake."

Darcy frowns and settles down next to her. "Whatever do you mean?"

She sighs. "I think I've become... too amazing."

Darcy lets out an unlady-like snort. "Heaven forbid!"

Irena laughs and says, "No, really! I have gotten too good at fooling everyone into thinking I am some absent-minded ninny! Do you know how frustrating it is to act like that? No body takes me seriously! Everyone must think I am an idiot."

"Oh please. I doubt anyone-"

A knock sounds at the door.

They fall silent and Darcy stands up to get it. Irena rubs a hand across her temple. She slowly opens the door and finds the prince leaning against the doorframe. Irena shapes her features into an aloof smile. "Ernest! What can I do for you?" The princess chimes.

"My book, Irena. I want it back." He says in a flat voice.

She giggles an apology and skips over to her desk, picks up the book she had been reading earlier, and drops it into his hands. He rolls his eyes and mutters a thanks. The princess gives him an airy smile then promptly slams the door. She rolls her eyes at the closed door. "Out of him and Alastair, he is definitely my favorite brother."

Darcy laughs. In reality, they are both awful. Alastair will do anything for the king's approval while Ernest couldn't care less what he wanted. Irena attempts to be the one that keeps the family from descending into complete chaos, but they always manage to get at each other's throats.

The princess suddenly turns to Darcy. "You know what? I think I will wear the black dress."

Darcy's eyebrows raise, "Are you sure?"

"Why not? I've got nothing to lose." She answers with a shrug.

Once they get the dress on, she sits Irena in front of the mirror. It doesn't take long for her to brush out the perfectly straight, golden hair. Darcy gathers the tresses high on her head and secures them with a thick black ribbon. She pins the loose hairs then searches through the drawers of the vanity. Finding what she is looking for, she pulls out a small box. She sets it on the desk and opens the velvet covering. Irena gasps and gently floats her hand above the hairpieces. "I forgot about those!" Darcy picks up the shiny black flower pins and laces them through her hair, then turns the princess's head to each side, examining if she missed anything.