It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Paint Studio

"Hello, my name is Evangeline Hallows," the brown haired girl's thin eyebrows furrowed as she leaned forward, pulling her droopy eye down to sketch the eyeliner pencil across the waterline. "No, that won't work..." she pursed her lips, pressing her hands to her cheeks in thought, "Hi! I'm Evang- No, absolutely not." She leaned forward once more, repeating the process with her other eye. She was inside a small, shabby taxi, her phone perched upon the small, unique tray that she thought were only on trains.

Why was she putting makeup on in the back of the taxi? Church girls were forbidden from wearing makeup, or having their hair shorter than shoulder length or wearing anything that revealed their skin. Except for the priest's daughter, of course.

Evangeline sighed, dabbing a soft rouge over her round lips and her cheekbones. Her long hair was pin straight and it was worn down, tucked behind her ears. She wore twin hoops in her earlobes, they were small and silver, matching with the thin cross that hung around her neck. She dressed decently, a simple white summer dress which reached her ankles with a light green cardigan. She smiled in the mirror, a dimple showing on her olive skin and she sighed. "I'll be okay."

"We're here Miss."

Evangeline thanked the driver as she climbed out of the taxi, her beige heels narrowly missing a muddy puddle as she breathed in the cold air. She thanked the man once more as he lifted her beige suitcase from the boot of the taxi, handing it to her. After that, she waved as he drove away and turned her attention to the beautiful estate before her.

Athena Tsukinami woke up to a polite knock on her bedroom door. She shot up, giving herself head rush as she shouted 'come in' to whom she assumed was a servant. "I apologise greatly," she began, pushing herself out of the cosy, cushioned bed and hurrying to her drawers, "I don't remember falling asleep."

"You fell asleep in my room," Reiji said, making her jump.

"Oh, Reiji, good morning." She felt the need to cover up her skin. She'd been wearing a floral nightgown.

"Yes, good morning, Dear," he said softly, "breakfast is ready for you."

"Oh, thank you."

"No need, you'll be having breakfast with the new bride everyday." She blinked once and then again.

"I would rather not," she said, "I'd like to avoid as much interaction with her as possible, besides, she may believe that we are under the same boat."

"I understand," he said, "I shall set your breakfast chambers elsewhere."

"Thank you."

"You should wear the blue dress," he then said, "to bring out the blue flakes in your eyes." A pink hue dusted her cheeks and she nodded with a shy smile. "And please, wear your wedding rings on your hand." With that, he disappeared and she let out a long sigh.

Evangeline had knocked on the door three times before a servant finally opened the door.

"Hello Sir," she greeted warmly, "my name is Evangeline Hallows, I'm to be staying here for the rest of the year." The old man said nothing, letting the young lady enter the grand house. "This manor is beautiful."

"Welcome," Reiji's cold voice sounded as he appeared from nowhere, making the human girl jump.

"Hello," she greeted with a bow.

"Please, follow me." And she did.

The room that everyone had gathered in was silent. Athena stood by the blue armchair her husband would be seated in, the pale blue of her dress stood out beside it. She'd styled her hair in a simple yet elegant bun and she wore her wedding rings just as her husband had asked. His brothers surrounded her, Subaru stood by the roaring fireplace, the triplets lounged on the sofa, Kanato in the middle and Shuu was asleep on the sofa near the stairs.