Vows of the Forgotten Souls

Chapter Three.

Strangely enough, this morning began with good news. Rena, while bringing me breakfast, handed me a letter from Lady Filena.

I sat at the table, sipping hot tea and washing down sandwiches with red fish, reading the reply with interest. Filena would be happy to receive me tomorrow and was eagerly awaiting our meeting.
Does she already know about the king's plans regarding her? Should I mention it? Or would it be better to start with casual conversation, getting to know each other a little? I need her favor. I'm filled with anticipation for tomorrow. I can't wait to set my plan in motion.

— I've brought you dresses to choose from, Lady Selena, — says Rena, spreading three outfits before me. All dark, somber, not matching my mood.

— What's all this mourning about, dear Rena? Bring something bright and beautiful. Today, I want to look like a true daughter of the House of Liorn! — I declare with a slight challenge in my voice.

She widens her eyes, clearly surprised. No wonder—after several days of my gloom, such a change must seem like a miracle to her.

— With pleasure! — she replies, almost skipping out of the room.

I approach the mirror, take the brush, and begin to comb my hair. Today, I'll let Rena style it in an elegant, high updo. I am the daughter of a great house, and I must live up to that. The shadows under my eyes haven't disappeared, of course, but a little powder will take care of that. I outline my lips with red lipstick. Looking at myself in the mirror, I see my bright blue eyes and aristocratic features, which still carry a slight air of delicacy, giving me a special charm. I am beautiful—and I know it. Appearance is a tool, a means to achieve one's goals. I'm not ashamed to use it.

Rena returns with new dresses, but something in her gaze makes me uneasy. She's clearly troubled by something.

— What happened, Rena? Who dared to upset you? — I ask, a touch of concern in my voice.

— Oh, my lady, no one. Everyone knows I'm your servant, no one would dare... — she replies, slightly embarrassed.

I understand her: everyone around knows how much I value her patience and loyalty. She knows I'll protect her, as I would anyone I care about.

— Good! Let it stay that way, — I say, walking over to her and playfully tapping her nose.

She smiles shyly but almost immediately pulls herself together, returning to a more serious demeanor.

— Which one will you choose? — she asks, displaying three dresses.

Without hesitation, I point to the bright red one, slightly flowing, with lace on the corset and the hem, which transitions from scarlet to burgundy.

— This one. And help me with my hair, — I say, sitting down at the vanity.

Rena almost without touching my hair begins to work on it. Her hands are soft and familiar. I have always felt the warmth of her care, and it fills me with calm.

— If you'll allow me, my lady, — she says, continuing to style my hair, — you've been so gloomy lately... What has made you so happy today? — she asks cautiously.

— You don't need to know what pleases your mistress. The most important thing is her satisfaction. And to make sure you're happy too, you can rest after lunch today. Go into the city, buy something for yourself. Take the money from the accountant, I'll warn him, — I reply, masking my softness with a hint of reprimand.

— You're so generous. Thank you, my lady, — she answers quietly. — But I... — her voice trails off.

— Speak. Today, I'm willing to listen, — I remark, already on alert.