Daughter of Ogden

Chapter 9 - Dooms Day Prep

Looking like they stepped out of movie, not a hair out of place, not a wrinkle in sight, Aadya and Nathaniel met me in the kitchen. Deep bags under my eyes proof of my poor sleep, I had yet to have time to tame my hair and was still in my worn-out pyjamas. Spoon of fruit loops frozen at my red lips, my gaze switched between the two with mild hopelessness.

      Nathaniel's blond strands combed, he wore a similar outfit to yesterday, only without the tie. With a large folder tucked into his side, his grey eyes passed over me coolly. Ouch. How had I already pissed him off today?

      Aadya was more welcoming. She nodded in greeting. In a tight fitted grey knee length dress, her silver hair had been pulled back to further put on display her long, thin face. Sharp eyeliner matching the color of her gold earrings, her lips were a bright pink and cheekbones sharpened with blush.

      A drop of milk ran down my chin. I couldn't decide who looked better. I knew for certain that I looked a mess, especially beside them.

       "This is an actual formal court trial?" I gawked wearily.

      "Don't fret, dear," Aadya reassured. "I've put aside a set of clothes for you. Come. I'll fix you up."

      I watched her retrieving figure skeptically. I had nothing against thrifting clothes, but something told me that none of her clothes would fit. Aadya was an obvious head taller than me and considerably broader than my scrawny figure. Despite my doubt, when she called my name impatiently, I scrambled out of my seat.

      Even in a dress, Aadya wasn't someone you wished to upset. I was sure that she had a blade strapped to her inner thigh.

      Cautiously peeking into the room that I had last heard her strong voice, she nudged me forward. She handed me a black long sleeve and a simple pair of jeans, and then guided me towards the bathroom.

      Studying the outfit in the bathroom mirror, I grimaced. The shirt was baggy, nearly falling past my knees and the jeans that had certainly been tight on Aadya hung loosely on my hip.

      "It's not that bad," she said, meticulously scrutinizing my fit. "I'll fix it."

      She handed me a black belt while she knelt to roll the scuff of my pants. Standing once more, her brows scrunched together as she studied me. As though struck with an idea, she darted for her closet. She retrieved a white belt, tied it just below my ribs to add shape to the shirt and added a simple golden chain around my neck.

      Taking a step back, she gave me another glance and smiled in satisfaction. "Much better," she said. "Have a seat."

      Nudging me towards her vanity, my eyes widened slightly at the countless beauty products. Barely an inch of the vanity wasn't covered, but everything was placed neatly.

      "Problem?"

      I shook my head and gave her free reign to my hair. As she brushed and straightened my curls, she hummed the same tune I had heard Nathaniel whistle the day this all started. If I wasn't so nervous, I might have asked about it. Today, the song was almost taunting.

      Considering what she had to work with, Aadya did a good job. The straight hair and light makeup created somewhat of a greater maturity and professionalism. I hoped it would be enough to fool at least one of the clans.

       While Aadya started the truck, I hovered uncertainly by the doorway. Bile rose to the back of my throat as taking another step forward meant taking a step towards my likely cruel faith. Nathaniel stood a few feet in front of me, waiting impatiently to lock the door behind me.

      "You're not even going to try to comfort me?" I complained.

       He held my gaze indifferently.

       "Aren't you a ray of sunshine," I muttered, forcing my heavy feet to move past him.

       I made it to the last step before Nathaniel sighed. "I can't predict the trial's outcome," he admitted, and I thought I might have noted an inkling of sympathy in his tone. "But no matter the outcome, you'll see your family again."

       "Ok..." I answered with a frown. It was certainly nice to know, but rather irrelevant in the moment. Knowing what I did of the Legion, I supposed they'd invite my family to watch my execution or imprisonment. "Thank you?"

      "Before acting on the council's decision, you'll be brought here for a few days," he said, words slow as though he was trying to convey a secret message. "Your family would be invited to visit... Neither my aunt nor I like to intrude on private moments of such."

      Oh, how I wish that I could better understand his jumbled thoughts. Pushing deeper into his striking thoughts, one thing stuck out: wariness. He was choosing his words with extreme caution.

      It took me a while, but I finally understood. "Say... during these private moments, if you and Aadya opted against sitting around the fire pit," I started carefully. "My sheet woven rope might, hypothetically of course, come in handy?"

       His face remained neutral, no hint of an answer on his features—except for his eyes. Grey eyes softened unnaturally, and my suspicions were confirmed. If things went for the worse, he would at least give me the chance to run.

       I released a shaky breath, unsure how to voice my appreciation.

       "Get in the car," he requested, clear in his tone that it wasn't a request and that his words marked the end of our conversation.