The Grace Of The Phoenix

1. Meet my adorable family

The carriage was trembling down the rocky road. After three days spent in this small space, looking like a cage to me, with my servant, I started to despair. I just wanted to go out and ride a wild horse with my hair swaying in the wind, but of course in my world of strict manners this was considered as an actual crime.
One of the wheels fell into a big hole and everything shook. I stopped daydreaming and started brushing my hair. It was expected that we will arrive at home soon and even the smallest imperfection in my appearance could cost me a serious dispute with my parents. But apparently I had measured the time wrong because after five minutes the carriage stopped in front of our five storey hacienda that have never been an actual home for me but just a temporary shelter, unsure and full of sadness. I cursed in absolutely unladylike way. My hair was still a big mess.
The door of my moving prison opened and showed in front of me the look of the whole household headed by the masters, my parents, waiting my official return in "The Castle of the Fiery Eagle". Neither of my parents didn't even try to show any delight by my arrival. Instead, the highly disapprovig sight of my mother immediately stopped on my shaggy hair and her first words were:
"This isn't a proper look for a young nobel lady, Leyla! Haven't they thought you on something in this school?!"
"I think that it is more important to learn other things! Not just how to take care of my appearance..., mother."
I knew very well that she would be disgruntled and angry and I would regret that later but in most cases I couldn't keep my mouth shut. That I called her "mother" would frustrate her. Only her two older sons, her pride and regretfully - my brothers, had this right. From the youngest age she repeated to me that my existance wasn't planned or wanted and she even didn't want to remember that I'm her daughter. She wanted me to call her "madame".
"Go in your room, young lady!"
Something in her icy voice told me that her attitude to me hasn't changed in the past months. Obviously my father's too because he didn't even seemed to notice my presence. I bowed mockingly and started climbing the stairs. The battle has begun!

***

Аlready upstairs I was standing in front of the door of my old room. It has always reminded me of all the nights I've spent crying, without anyone beside me. I gathered courage and entered. The same old tent-bed and walls, covered with the paintings of dancing suns and fairies, were welcoming me home. They were the only things reminding that this was my bedroom. When I was here I always wanted to leave as fast as possible. Standing in front of the mirror I finally doused the cold mask off my face. I have learned never to show my emotions because that was bringing me even more pain. Many years ago I have stopped being sad because of the indifference of my parents but my biggest wish was to have someone who would care if something happens to me. No, I hadn't to think about that - it was destructive for me. I braided my long blond hair but the braid loosed almost immediately. I snorted impatiently and stared into my big blue eyes reflected in the mirror. I got ready quickly and decided to take a nap. No one would be missing me anyway if I skipped the dinner.