The large doors to the castle opened, Vellatra making her way into the throne-room. Her mother, Cythriel, gazed menacingly down at her from the throne.
"Good evening, mother." The young Elf said, not daring to look her mother in the eye, instead staring at the maroon coloured carpet she stood on.
"Tell me, daughter. How was your first day as general?" Cythriel asked. On her face was a wicked scowl, one that sent shivers through most spines. The room was filled with the sound of her long white nail rhythmically tapping against the gold and bone of her throne.
"I'm sure Mirraden told you.." Vella answered, her strong arms crossed behind her.
Her irritated nail-tapping stopped, making complete silence in the room. "They wouldn't respect you. You know how we deal with disrespect in this castle, Vellatra. You must force them to respect both your title and your presence. Otherwise, your army will get nowhere and you will be the laughing stock of Drotherik."
Vellatra nodded, "I know that, mother." She sighed. "I'll do better next time, I promise."
"Of course you will. Otherwise, your title gets passed down to your brother." Cythriel began her tapping again. "And we both know that doesn't need to happen." She stood, her black cape dragging behind her as she walked to Vellatra. "My daughter, we all know you're destined for greatness. To achieve greatness, you must work so every person you walk by knows your name." She smiled down at her.
Vellatra nodded. "Yes, mother. I'll work harder tomorrow." She finally made eye contact with Cythriel. "I will make you proud."
Cythri's painted lips curled into a grin. She held Vellatra's chin in her hand, rubbing it between her thumb and index finger. "That's my girl."
She gave Vella a dismissive pat on the cheek. "Now, go tuck your sister in."
The young woman nodded, walking down one of the many halls of the castle and finding her way to her sister's room.
Vellatra walked into Galadriel's room, where the girl was already in bed. She was reading a book, one which her older sister didn't know of. She noticed her sister out of the corner of her eye, a grin forming on her lips. "Sister!" Gala smiled, putting her book down and holding her arms apart for a hug.
She laughed softly, giving her the hug she wanted with a grin. "Hello, Galadriel. How has your day been?" Vella asked.
The girl's smile fell, "Like every other day. Dreary and colourless.." Gala sighed, glancing around.
Vellatra stared into her abnormally large eyes. "Did mother comment on your appearance again?" She asked, disappointment in her tone. Gala nodded. "I'm sorry, my darling. I understand." She sighed.
"It's okay. I don't really mind.." Galadriel looked away, silently signalling that it was a lie. She squeezed her stuffed rabbit, a coping mechanism.
The older girl smiled, staring down at the rabbit. "And how is little Valicia?"
Gala giggled softly, "They're great!" She smiled, holding up the rabbit to her sister. Vellatra gave them a kiss on their fluffy forehead.
Vellatra stood up. "Get some sleep, darlings. I'll see you both at aroprandiia tomorrow morning." The woman smiled, giving her little sister a kiss on the forehead. Gala curled up, holding the blanket over her body.
After making sure her sister was asleep, Vella smiled, putting out the blue-flamed candle that lit the room, leaving Galadriel to dream.
YOU ARE READING
Glassglow
FantasyA young war general-in-training, trying her best to earn her respect on the training field. An abusive Countess, forcing marriage on her three royal children. A young, deformed daughter in need of reassurance, trusting her oldest sibling to guide he...
