Roses Are Red (book 1)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Cage of Golden Bars

Ruby Nightingale paced her room, fingers grazing the edge of a golden-framed mirror. She caught a glimpse of herself, dressed in a gown she hadn't chosen, just like everything else in her life. Her hand fell to her side, a sigh escaping her lips.

Ruby stared at her reflection. A flicker of movement caught her eye, and suddenly, a young boy appeared behind her in the mirror—his light brown hair messy, his eyes filled with a bit of mischief.

"You look like a real princess, Ruby!" his voice echoed. His bright, playful laugh filled the room, and for a moment, the air felt lighter. Then, with that familiar smirk, Archie tilted his head. "But those feathers on your dress... they should be used as a feather duster!"

A small, surprised laugh escaped Ruby's lips,

"Miss?" Mary blinked, glancing up. "Is something funny?"

"Just... Archie," Ruby whispered, a fondness creeping into her voice, followed by a sad sign as she watched as the little boy disappeared from the mirror.

Mary didn't ask further, simply nodding and finishing the final adjustments on the gown. The room felt quiet again, too quiet.

After a while Mary stepped back, admiring her work. "There, all done. You look beautiful, Miss Ruby."

"You've done a lovely job, Mary," Ruby said, catching the maid's eye in the mirror. "Thank you."

Mary flushed, offering a small, grateful smile. "Of course, miss. Always."

"Thank you, Mary," Ruby said softly. "I know these aren't easy days for you either."

Mary looked up, surprised. "It's nothing compared to what you must be feeling, Miss Ruby."

Before Ruby could respond, a sudden knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called, not bothering to mask the weariness in her voice.

Mrs. Aldridge, the governor who had ruled her life more than her absent parents ever did, stepped into the room. "The limo is ready. We will leave for the Lancaster estate at six. You are to be downstairs in five minutes" Mrs. Aldridge announced sharply.

"I'm aware," Ruby muttered, her gaze drifting toward the window.

"Do not keep them waiting, Ruby" Mrs. Aldridge snapped, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You know how important tonight is. Your family's reputation rests on tonight."

Ruby bit the inside of her cheek, and the oppressive air in the room thickened. Ruby clenched her fists at her sides, swallowing the retort that burned in her throat, resisting the urge to say anything.

"I'll be down shortly."

Mrs. Aldridge's gaze flickered to Mary, and the maid instantly shrank back, her hands trembling at her sides.

"Mary," Mrs. Aldridge's tone was biting, "why are you still here? Shouldn't you be attending to other duties?"

Mary's face paled. "Y-yes, Mrs. Aldridge. Right away." She scurried toward the door, but not before casting one last, worried glance at Ruby.

As soon as the door closed, Ruby turned back to the window, pushing it open and letting the cool dusk breeze hit her face. The gardens stretched below her, perfect and pristine, much like her life appeared to the outside world. But it was all a lie.

Her thoughts wandered to Orion Lancaster—the man she was supposed to marry. The golden boy of The Order of Aether. Everyone spoke of him like he was some kind of gift from the heavens, the perfect leader, the perfect match for her. But all Ruby could feel was suffocation at the idea of binding her life to his.

Her gaze drifted beyond the Nightingale estate's boundaries, to the city beyond. Whispers of the Night Market had reached even her world. The forbidden, dangerous place where power flowed in the shadows. For a moment, Ruby wondered what it would be like to disappear, to vanish from her life of locked cages and suffocating expectations.

But then, the sound of a familiar Lamborghini Limo honking reached her ears from outside the window. The time had come.

With one last glance at the window and the world beyond, Ruby closed it softly, sealing herself back into her cage.