𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇

XLIII

— RORI —

"Good morning, Sweetheart. Let's get some daylight and fresh air in the room, shall we? Chiara has brought you some refreshments. Wou— Oh, she really is sound asleep. Chiara, place the tray on her bedside table. To her left. Not her right. Encourage her awake if you can."

I frown at the sound of female voices in my bedroom.

No one dares disturb my sleep. They know better than to do so. So why is it that i am being disturbed just now?

And, wait a minute, how can there be female voices?

"Miss Rori," a voice says, "are you awake?"

I hear the sound of my curtains being drawn, and then footsteps, before a voice tells the one i just heard, "Chiara, dear, allow me. This is Silvia, Rori."

My eyes fly open.

"Silvia?" i say, confused.

"Yes." she gazes down at me with a patient smile. "I came to wake you. I hope you don't mind. But it is the proper thing to do. I trust you had sufficient rest. You must maintain a healthy sleep schedule."

I sit up, staring at her blankly.

"What time is it?" i ask her.

The girl beside her — Chiara, clearly — raises an eyebrow at my unimpressed tone. She, herself, seems unimpressed by it. As though i am some brat.

"7:30," Chiara responds, plainly.

"I am not to start my schooling today, am i?"

"No, Rori," Silvia responds. "But i think it would be good for you to wake up now nonetheless. Ensures you have plenty of time to get ready before breakfast. Well, brunch. It will be served at eleven."

I stare blankly once more.

"That is hours away. I should think i will be fine, Silvia."

She maintains her smile despite my stubbornness.

"Lorenzo would like to see you after his morning ride. He has asked that i tell you to meet him at the stables."

I frown for two reasons. The first, "Well i have no clue how to get to the stables."

"Someone will escort you, of course."

The second, "Why does he want me to meet him there first thing in the morning?"

"I don't know the exact reason, Dear, but i can assume it is because he wants to get to know his only sister."

"Doesn't he have, like, work?" i ask. "Wait, what does he do for work?"

This seems to amuse her.

"I suggest you ask him when you see him in the next hour and a half," she says.

I watch as she pours fresh water into a bouquet.

From my side, Chiara is still standing, diligently, with her hands clasped in front of her, as though she is awaiting orders.

I slowly turn my head to look up at her with a blank expression. I almost feel bad that i have not shown this girl a single ounce of warmth. But i have no clue of what use she is to me.

"Do you want me to help you pick your outfit for today, Miss Rori?" she asks me.

"Are there people waking up my brothers right now and asking if they want help getting themselves ready, as they have done independently and perfectly capably every day of their grown-up lives thus far?" i ask her.