The Nightrose Chronicles I: Broader Horizons

Different Paths

  It wasn't too difficult to escape the castle, all the three really had to do was tell the man at the lift they were sightseeing in town.. "We're going to the castle to talk to mother directly."

"Everyone will be looking for us, we need disguises," Kailynn said. She remembered her makeup case Nathanael gave her, "I know!!" She reached into her bag, "Disguises. We need to buy some new outfits and I'll give us a make over. Steiner will be fine."

"A make over?" Silver asked.

"Yeah. I can make you look completely different," Kailynn grinned. "I've always wanted a reason to do this!"

"How?"

"Makeup! First we need our outfits," They went into a store and shopped for the clothes they needed while Steiner stood outside standing guard. When they were satisfied with their choices they went to the ladies changing area and worked on their makeup. "Alright, I'll do you first." She grinned impishly as she worked on Silver's face and hair. When she was all finished she dug out a mirror.

"Oh my goodness!" Silver said almost touching her face, "I look so old!!"

Kailynn laughed, "See? Don't touch your face too much okay?"

"Alrighty," she smirked.

"Now for me."

She did her makeup slowly as Silver watched her, "So fascinating! You have to teach me!" she clapped. When Kailynn did the final touch she dropped the mirror down into her lap. "How do I look?"

"Even younger. Your skills are impressive," she smirked.

"What age do you think?" She grinned.

"Eight, maybe," she waved her hand like 'so-so'.

"Good. Let's go show Steiner." As they walked out Kailynn grabbed Silver's arm and pulled her back in, "Remember to hobble and say things like sonny and well, be like whatever older lady you know maybe?"

Silver grinned, "My governess was a sweet old lady but she had a short temper sometimes," she laughed.

The two went outdoors to meet Steiner, "Now, Sonny. What have I told you about slouching? Stand up straight!"

"Um, Ma'am, I apologize but I do not know you."

"Adelbert Steiner! Is that any way to speak to your mother?

"Wha---wha----wha---?"

"That good?" Kailynn laughed. "Okay here's our story. Silver's the grandma, Steiner's the dad, and I'm the kid."

"What!?" Steiner asked, finally realizing who these two strange people were.

"It works," Silver said.

"Call me Aria; that's my middle name by the way. For this to work you have to call Silver mom or mother, and Silver, you call Steiner... Hmm... Steven."

"What's my name?" Silver asked.

"You can be... Mariam," Kailynn said.

"So Mariam, Steven, and Aria," Silver said.

"Yep."

"I can't go through with this! I can't call you mother!" Steiner protested.

"You have to! Or we can't get into Alexandria!" Kailynn said.

"She's right. Steiner, please?" Silver asked.

"I----I---..." He sighed. "Alright."

"Thank you. Now let's practice, father. From now on we're under cover. Let's go!" They made their way back to the lift, and then down through the Dragon's Gate.