Steel Rose

Chapter 4

Belle Pov

   That night after Queenstrial, back in our residence the Red girl falling onto the shield and surviving was all my brothers could talk about. It was odd, I really did have to admit. A red girl, a girl born in the dirt and mud possessing silver ability. I never really hated reds, I never really looked down on them. Sure they were born different, and weaker. But not useless. 

   "It's an impossibility," Quinton says sipping at a clear class of water. Quinton is the youngest of my brothers. Unlike Christian and I, Quinton has our mother's black curls falling strategically over his forehead and green moss eyes. He is the shortest too, but faster then the others.

   "It happened right before our eyes," Titus says my third brother says, "as clear as day. The Red landed right in front of that Samos girl," he adds. He also has the same features as Quinton but he keeps his hair slicked back from his face. 

   Christian, the second laughs to himself. My closest brother and the one I most closely resemble with his own dark honey hair falling to his shoulders and charming smile, "That Samos girl, Evangeline, I believe. A pretty name and face for such an ugly personality." he nudges me in my shoulder, "She has already won. Who do the royals think they fool?" he laughs again, and I can tell by the way his eyes pass over my face he's slightly drunk.

     "That's enough for you," I say taking his drink from his hand, and placing it on the far side of me.

   "Enough from all of you," Kane, the eldest says. Soon Lord of the house and the least playful of us all. Kane is also the most handsome with sharp features and piercing dark green eyes. He is also the one to usually scold us for talking or saying the wrong thing. But still, Kane prefers to watch rather then speak. 

   "Kane is right," Father says his deep voice stopping all of us. He pushes his long hair over his shoulder. Mother on his right, leaning back her curls in a tight bun,  dressed in a green dress with gold embroidery in her sleeves and waist, nods in agreement with Father. "Enough of this talk about what happened. The royals are undoubtfully handling this situation," I know Father only says this to stop the chatter between us. He isn't one to listen to long conversation. Nor is he going to depend royals like the way he pretends to now. He smiles, "We are here to celebrate your sister, my daughter, for her astounding presentation this morning."

    "How selfish of us," Titus mutters sarcastically, under is glass of water.

   Father ignores him and Christian elbows him in the ribs, "Well done, Isabelle," 

   The look my Father gives me makes me smile, "Thank you," and his eyes sparkle.

Ptolemus Pov

   Eve is raging mad when we meet in our joined residence. Both of us where surprised at the showcase. After dinner she paced in my room for almost an hour, running her fingers through her hair, tugging at the roots.

   "Stupid Red," she mutters to herself.

   My sister wasn't happy that a simple red girl had ruined her showcase. This was her chance to show off, not only to the royals, but to the other houses. Let them see what your made of. That the power of Samos still stands tall.

   Eve had grinned when I told her those words before Queenstrial. Father had told her she did great, and not to worry. Rare praise, since Father didn't give it out carelessly.

   "Eve," I say standing, she stops pacing and looks at me, "calm down. Get some sleep, the prince chooses his bride tomorrow. You need your rest."

   She sighs, "Your right,"

   My sister stresses too much. But she is good at hiding it. Now is one of those times I wish Elane was here, to put some ease for her. I myself am not a fan of the Haven girl. I have no desire to be her presence. But for my sister's happiness I will. At least I'm familiar with Elane.

   "I'm gonna head to bed," she says rubbing a hand over her face, "Goodnight, Tolly," she opens the door.

   "Night Eve," I say back and she closes the door.

   The thought of Elane brings me again to think of the Nornus girl I meet two days ago in the theater. Isabelle, her family cheered. She had raced around the arena, creating a whirlwind of dust, that reached the shield. When she was finished she simply smiled, chest pumping for air. Sweat on her brow, but she was still pretty.

   I don't know anything about her other then her name and house. She had stood her ground that night in the hallways. She had a nice smile. The more that I think of her, the more I want to know. This curiosity of mine is new, especially for a women.

   When I rest my head on my pillow, the hazel eyed, dark honey haired, Nornus girl, is oddly the last thing on my mind.