DARKHAVEN | "Three Sisters" Book One

Bonus Chapter 1

- This is a bonus chapter that has little to no bearing on the overlying story. It was written purely for fun and not intended to be taken seriously. - 

Gia

Gia walked alongside Ros and Wyn toward breakfast, and though she nodded along with her sisters' chatter when necessary, her mind was far away.

"I wonder why there would be dancing classes all of a sudden?" Roslin mused aloud.

Blodwyn shook her head. "I don't know, but I do know you're going to attend them, aren't you?"

"Well, yes... I think they could be quite fun. Besides, it's not like the Lords are providing anything better to fill our days until they're satisfied the company is entertained." She slipped her arm through Gia's, giving her a nudge. "Don't you think so, Gia?"

Gia barely registered the question. "Hmm, I suppose," she replied, her voice flat. After a beat, she added, "Maybe the dancing lessons are just to pass the time... There are a lot of guests, and they probably want to avoid boredom."

Blodwyn scoffed. "I can think of better ways to spend my time."

Roslin grinned wickedly. "What? Like wrestling with Daeron?"

"I've never wrestled with Daeron nor anything remotely close," hissed the youngest sister.

"But you'd like to," answered the middle in a sing-song voice.

Blodwyn's eyes narrowed, but before she could retort, Roslin squealed and pulled Gia into a run as they reached the dining hall doors, laughing as Blodwyn lunged at her.

Inside, Lucien greeted them with a grin. "Ah, here they are. Your ears must have been burning. We were just discussing the upcoming festivities." He stood at the window with a goblet in the hand that wasn't behind his back.

Gia felt the weight in her chest grow heavier as she noticed Loriel and Taliesin seated near Aleksander. She steered herself toward Roslin, trying to focus on anyone other than him—or her.

Roslin took a seat near Jon and Lord Sinclair, oblivious to the attention Novak paid her, but Gia saw it all. Anything to keep from looking at Aleksander and his perfect Lady Loriel.

"Festivities?" Blodwyn asked, already exasperated.

"Yes, a ball," Lucien replied. "A chance to welcome our guests properly and to celebrate our friendship and alliances."

Roslin brightened instantly. Gia could almost see the fairytale unfolding in her sister's mind—beautiful dresses, music, and dancing. "That's certainly a change of pace," she said, only barely containing the excitement.

Lucien smiled a signature smile. "It's nice to see at least one of you excited."

The High Lord of the Sunset Kingdom leaned back in his seat and said, "Blodwyn, I'm surprised you're not more enthused. I thought you loved a good party."

Blodwyn shrugged. "Dancing isn't my thing, but as long as there's good wine and better company, I'm sure it will be a fine time."

"And you, Miss Gia?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed her barely touching her food.

Gia forced a small smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sure it will be a fine evening, Lord Orvelle."

Before she could gather her thoughts, Lady Loriel's voice sliced through the conversation like silk. "Lord Aleksander always makes sure the balls at Darkhaven are the finest. I do hope you will honour me with a dance, my Lord."