Loveless/ a POWERLESS fanfiction story

Chapter 6: Blair

A knock on the door catches me off guard, and for a moment, I even jump in armchair. Looking up from my book, I notice Brian standing in the doorway. The expression on his face triggers a slight irritation in me.

"Miss Archer," he says with a sly smile, "your confinement has come to an end. The royal family expects you for dinner."

I nod, acknowledging the news, and with a deliberately indifferent air, I return to my book. Brian, however, seems in no hurry to leave, and I can feel his gaze lingering on me.

"You have about three hours to prepare to meet the other participants. I've sent for your maid; she will assist you..." he continues.

I keep staring at the page, though I haven't read a single word since he entered the room. Each letter before me blurs. Without lifting my eyes, I say as sharply as I can:

"Is that all?" Brian nods — I see it out of the corner of my eye. "Then leave me."

At this moment, I regret not being born an Illusionist like my father. Perhaps then, I wouldn't have to sit here unwashed, unkempt, dressed in ridiculous wide trousers and an oversized shirt. Besides, my face is covered with various symbols, not all of them decent. Just two days of confinement, and I've nearly lost my mind, abandoning all rules. The final act of madness was painting my face with cosmetics. It all started with an innocent desire to do makeup and ended up... Well, I hope he didn't notice all the details of my current appearance.

I hear Brian make a sound resembling a stifled laugh and quickly leave. Of course, he finds it amusing. If he hadn't entered my quarters right after knocking, I would have had time to hide behind the screen.

Without waiting for Mary, I decisively head to the bathroom. I scrub myself vigorously with a sponge, trying to wash away the traces of my folly, and savor the scents of the oils. Clad in a soft robe, I return to the room where Mary is already waiting for me, seated on the couch.

"Good evening, Miss Blair," she greets me in her high-pitched voice. "Let's begin the preparations."

Her confident expression and familiar hands help me relax a bit. Mary quickly and deftly brushes my hair, adding volume to the hairstyle. Then she helps me choose an outfit—I settle on a black dress, the fabric of which can appear dark green under certain lighting. All thanks to Mary—she found the perfect seamstress who performs her work flawlessly. In fact, I greatly appreciate the moments when I can give instructions and be assured of their impeccable execution.

When Mary fastens the last buttons on the back of the dress, I look at my reflection in the mirror. Elegance returns to me, as if I'm rediscovering my true self. Mary adds the final touches in the form of light makeup.

"You are ready to conquer," she says proudly. Her thin lips curve into a predatory smile, and I almost laugh—we, my maid and I, are well matched.

"Not without your help," I reply, knowing how important it is to encourage the staff. This girl clearly has ambitions, and working in the palace is her chance to make something of herself.

I turn to the mirror one last time, taking pleasure in how beautifully the dress fabric embraces my waist, and then leave my quarters. Brian is already waiting for me. His sapphire hair casts shadows, obscuring his multicolored eyes, making it hard for me to immediately discern his emotions upon seeing me.

I nod and head down the corridor and Brian falls into step beside me. His silence only serves to unnerve me, so I speak:

"So, how was it, standing by my door for more than two days?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the corner of his mouth twitch, but when he replies, his voice lacks any hint of amusement.

"Not bad, considering I was relieved by two other Guards." He pauses, then continues, clearly savoring the situation, "And how is it to return to life after two days of solitary confinement?"