"I'm not sure I want to go to the Ball," Penelope announced as they sat down for tea by the fire. The Sisters exchanged cautious glances while Marmalade tipped her head in thought, continuing to stroke Marmot's fur with a shoe brush. Steph looked away into the fire as he eased himself into an armchair.
Sister Heely set her cup and saucer on the table with a clink.
"We'll support you, gem, whatever you decide. But..." Sister Heely drew in a breath and glanced at Sister Rosin, who nodded unhappily. Sister Heely withdrew a folded page from her pocket, fretting at the creased page before holding it out. "You should read this first. It came this afternoon while you were in the garden. We weren't sure whether to..."
Sister Heely shook her head and trailed off as Penelope took the page. She frowned, flicking her gaze between the Sisters, unsettled by their nervous demeanour. Sister Heely hunched her shoulders as she sat back in her chair and Penelope began to read.
Dear Sister Rosin of Noble House Devier and Sister Heely of Noble House Fellworth,
We thank you graciously for the duties you have performed for the Royal House of Starwood these many years. We commend the loyalty, grace, and excellence with which you have kept your oaths of service.
Penelope paused her reading, lips twisting as her eyes lingered on the words oaths of service. She continued reading, a sour taste in her mouth.
We understand that you have consented to accompany our daughter, Penelope, First Scion of our House, to the Dark Moon Ball in Grimwood. We have every faith that you will continue in your diligence and ensure she is delivered in safe attendance.
We look forward to the delight of your company, and discussing future roads.
May the wisdom of clear sight guide your path,
Queen Theia and King Obi of Royal House Starwood.
"They signed it themselves..." Penelope said after she had read the letter several times over, tracing her parents' signatures with her fingers.
Penelope had barely begun to process the implications of the letter when Sister Heely spoke again, her voice thin.
"And... there's this one as well. It was contained inside our letter, we didn't realise it was for you until we'd opened it..." Sister Heely pulled another, smaller square of creased paper from her pocket, passing it to Penelope.
Sister Rosin growled something under her breath, words which sounded like "twice-damned manipulation".
Penelope smoothed the page and read.
Our dearest north star,
We so look forward to seeing you again on the coming Dark Moon. We know you must have many questions for us.
Your little sister, Clarity, is so eager to meet you. She has spoken of little else since receiving our invitation to the Ball in Grimwood.
We love you so much, darling Penelope.
Until then, may the stars of destiny guide your way,
Mother and Father
Penelope clenched her fist, crumpling the pages in her hand. Her chest burned with sudden, inexplicable fury.
"Those— How can they— Just as I—" Penelope spluttered, launching to her feet to pace the rug by the hearth.
"After years, years, of no contact, they suddenly just— just demand my presence? Demand yours?" Penelope looked back down at the letters held in her shaking hands. "And they haven't even promised any answers!"
YOU ARE READING
Marmalade's Love Potion
Fantasy"So. Wild chases through the streets... near drownings... boat rides with strangers... DRAGONS of all the fool things... and intoxicated, bare-footed wanderings through the dark snowy forest... have I left anything out?" "Ummm... there was a magic...
