Ethereal Burn

Liquid Confidence

I wasn't sure if it was a dream or not, but a soft press against my forehead slightly woke me. As I blinked my eyes awake, the fireplace must have barely been lit as all I saw was a shadow lingering over me. My eyes widened in fright as my body became rigid.

"Hey hey, it's me, I didn't mean to wake you"...Killian whispered as fingers moved the hair from my face.

I relaxed immediately, recognizing Killian's voice, yawning as I gazed out the window. I looked at him confused, it was still dark outside.

"I'm always up before the sun rises, go back to sleep Bella".. He leans forward pressing a gentle kiss upon my forehead.

I hum in response, too tired to speak as my eyes fluttered shut.

***

The rising sun shining in my face forced me awake. I stretched my limbs hearing satisfying pops along my body. I smiled as I remembered Killian sweetly kissing my forehead goodbye as he left early in the morning.

A knock against the door startled me..."Duchess Blackwood, it's Kira, may I come in?"...

"Yes, come in!"..

It didn't take long to get ready, Kira had expertly put my hair in one big braid going down my back. It was lovely.

Breakfast was oatmeal porridge with fruit and buttered toast. I insisted that Kira join me at the table since Killian wasn't here.

A knight by the name of Levi Cunningham, came into the dining room to inform me that he was standing in place of Captain Rex temporarily till he returned from his mission.

As curious as I was about what mission the Captain was on, I didn't think I could ask Knight Cunningham. What if he was ordered not to tell me? Maybe I could ask Killian myself later.

I hope everything is okay.

"Duchess Blackwood, a seamstress has arrived for you, I sent her to wait in the reception room"... Butler Dean bowed respectfully with a smile.

"Oh"... I was surprised as I looked at Kira who only nodded with a smile.

"Okay, thank you Butler Dean".. I stood, having finished breakfast already.

As we made our way to the reception room, I shivered at the memory of what happened just yesterday within that room. But a smile lingered in the end, as I remembered it's also where I had my first kiss, with Killian.

The seamstress stood near the couch as Butler Dean announced me into the room. I was relieved to find a new face instead of the hateful Mrs.Willows. Not that I believed Killian would have allowed her back into our home after what happened, after what he knows now.

This new seamstress, her face was kind and warm, Immediately I liked her.

We went through the same steps, measurements, flipping through catalogs. The difference from this experience was I found her company enjoyable as she, Lily Wright, was a lively person. She chatted constantly, reminding me of Captain Rex not only in personality traits but by her blonde hair and blue eyes. She was older than I but not by much, she was indeed beautiful as well. She lives in a nearby town, apparently she had no intention to live in the big capital, since she had enough business in smaller towns.

She was very helpful in picking out colors she thought best suited my skin complexion, as well as with my hair and eyes. She listened to my concerns about wishing to have a few comfortable gowns without a corset but still suited for a Duchess to wear. Her eyes never once showed judgment or attitude ,which I was grateful for. I could tell Kira was enjoying Ms.Wright as well.