Clarrissa The Magnificent

Mother's lullaby

A sweet song filled the fire-lit room, gently being rocked by my mother while she sang to me for comfort, I looked up at her, I could never process how beautiful she was, her dark hair had fallen free down her back in gentle waves of black, as she smiled her golden eyes would shine with wonder and best of all; her ruby red lips from which negativity never passed.  Queen Evangeline, a name everyone knew and admired. To the Kingdome she was known as the pure soul that could never die.  

My father walked proudly into the room and smiled at us both, he had always treasured his family and always said he could never ask for more. Then followed my brother Finnian, a shy boy he was, almost hiding behind father's legs. He never spoke very much but you could usually communicate with him by facial expressions. my father smiled at him and gave him a little pat on the back to come forward to greet mother, she gently took me of her lap and held her arms out for Finnian, he hesitated, twirling his thumbs and looking down as if he were deciding in his head what to do, then finally he walked slowly towards my mother and smiled at her, a signal to say 'I trust you' as she lifted him to sit on her lap in the rocking chair, careful not to tangle him in her satin, floor-length night gown.  

I will never forget the way my father looked into my mothers eyes, that moment there and then meant everything to them, It was perfect, a family that was whole and filled with happiness, that was the last moment we all had together...

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The light shone through my floral curtains, I sat up in my silk sheets and rang for my maid; Lilliana, she had taken care of me since I was a baby along side my mother and father. Now at the age of 10 and Finnian 12, we still wanted her to be our maid, mother and father had no problem with it as she was the only maid who had a special connection to me and Finnian.

"Good morning little princess" she smiled.

"good morning Lily" I smiled back.

"which dress are we going for today?" she asked.

"PINK" I yelled happily.

She just smiled and went to prepare my dress and morning bath, I suddenly saw Finnian at the corner of my eye, quiet with an emotionless face as he continued to stare at me. I could never figure him out, he was...different, we had no connection as siblings, only looks of acknowledgment but never spoke a word to one another.

He walked away slowly, proceeding to the staircase that leaded to the far side of the castle, I assumed he was carrying on with his normal, daily routine of taking a walk outside by himself, then sitting completely still on the home-made tree swing we had for a few hours until he came back inside to eat then went straight back to his room.

As a 10 year old, there was nothing I could really do, so I carried on as normal and went with lily to my dressing room. There she was already waiting with my dress and underskirts, also having the dressing table ready too with my hair brush and bows.

I was dressed into my little poofy gown, a lovely pink dress with roses on the waist and skirts, every little girl's dream! I hurried in my white flowery pumps down the stairs to see my mother in the living room, sat with her legs crossed in an arm chair reading the morning paper. She lowered the paper and gave me one of her gorgeous smiles.

"Morning Clarrissa, sleep well darling?"

"Yes mother, thankyou. Where's father?"

"He's in the study, please do not disturb him today, he has a lot of work to do, its very important, understand dear?"

"Yes mother, can I go down to the pond?"

"hmm I suppose so but take Lilliana with you, remember it is dangerous on your own"

"thank you! I'll be back for dinner"

"good girl, stay safe"

And with that I rushed to get Lilliana, she was still in my room making my bed look untouched and the floor spotless. "Lilliana!" I said excitedly.

"are you alright Clarrissa?" she replied.

"yes thank you, please will you come to the pond with me?  I asked mother and she said yes as long as you accompany me" I smiled.

"of course I will miss, I'm just finishing up your room, would you like to invite Finnian?"

I looked down and didn't want to look back up, it was clear Finnian disliked me... but I never knew why, what had I done that was so bad for us not to communicate at all? he made at least a little contact with mother and father but never me...

"how about if I go ask him?" she said realising my upset.

I just nodded and went to change my coat and shoes, pumps and a cardigan were no attire for going outside. I changed into my white and blue dress, the one mother said I was allowed to get mucky, slipped into my leather boots father made himself and rushed Lilliana out the door.

"master Finnian was not in his room little miss, looks like its just you and I" Lilliana said.

"okay, we will try find him later?" I asked.

"yes miss" she replied.

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The pond was always beautiful, especially in the morning though, the sunrise hitting the water, turning it into a clear, still mirror. The grass along side it, so vibrant with colour, contrasting with the flowers surrounding the area. It was my favourite place to go, so peaceful yet I would never get bored.

I went to feed the ducks first, throwing the stale pieces of bread for them that got left In the kitchen, next was the well, my father had built it for luck and special wishes. I looked down into the deep well and wished with all my heart that I would have a love like my parents have in my future, maybe dark haired, bright eyed and handsome smile, I giggled at the thought I was asking too much, 'some day he will come' I thought and went to get up to go back to Lilliana on the swinging bench. 

I suddenly came to a stop... because yet again I saw Finnian...I turned to him, he was so still...so quiet.

he was stood on the wooden dock across the pond from me, just staring at the water with a look so bitter it made my skin crawl. He stood right on the edge, the front of his feet of the dock, only balancing on his heels, for the first time since I was born I spoke to him.

"Finnian please be careful! " I yelled.

Lilliana stood from the bench and realised the situation, she shouted for him but all words faded from my hearing as I watched Finnian slip on the dock and fall into the water.

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Author's note.

Hey guys, I randomly came up with the idea of this book yesterday and could not stop writing once I started, I hope its enjoyed and thank you for taking your time to read but if you are reading my other book 'immortal fire' do not worry, I will continue to write that as well.