Chains of the Raven: Marks of Atonement

Chapter Three

"Mother, you aren't going to believe what just happened!" Kara said pointedly, as she started for her mother's room.

"There will be time enough for that later." Her mother said pointedly, despite the warmth in her smile.

"Sorry, ma'am." Kara replied sheepishly. She gazed down at the rich carpentry that covered the floor. It was maroon with forest trimming and patterning, growing beautifully throughout.

"Permission to enter Mother?" whispered Kara.

"You have no need to ask for permission, Darling." Kara's mother walked over to her and embraced her. "I am your mother Karalyn, not your warden." her laugh was light and airy as if she were a songbird.

She smiled at her mother and returned the embrace. "I apologize for delaying you." Kara smiled sweetly, reflecting her mother's dreamy gaze.

The queen returned the smile. Her mother's hair was blonde with a tint of summer strawberries. With a fair complexion that was pale, but not sickly and a bosom that filled out the top of her form-fitting emerald dress, Kara's mother was quite possibly the most beautiful woman in all of De' Strada, if not at least the most beautiful woman Kara had ever seen.

As she entered the room, Kara took a passing glance at her mother's looking glass, which was propped against the armoire. A single surface of polished silver, framed by gold and bronze engravings of leaves and ivy, stared back at her. Kara frowned at the reflection gracing the silver void in front of her. Her cheeks were freckled like ants. Her hair was a fiery orange and tangled mess. She glanced at her own chest and blushed. Nothing about her was like her mother.

Kara quickly glanced back to her reflection then turned towards her mother who had walked up behind her as if she knew what was going through the princess's head- and placed her hands on the young girl's shoulders. "What are we to do with you and your hair, my dear?" She chirped. "How you manage to tangle such beautiful locks is beyond me." She smiled sweetly at Kara, who then rested her head on her mother's arm. Kara felt safe and secure nothing could harm her.

The queen released Kara's shoulder and went to grab a brush from the dresser. Kara lifted her doe-eyed head in response. The queen motioned for her to sit down on the stool that rested in front of the vanity.

"Your birthday is tomorrow isn't it?" Her mother asked as she began to brush Kara's hair.

"Yes, ma'am; 18, old enough to attend my first ball!" She exclaimed trying to hide her excitement.

"Of course, My Dear" The queen chortled. She ceased brushing Kara's hair. "I have something for you Karalyn." The queen rose and returned to the armoire.

Kara heard the rustling and opening of drawers. "What is it, Mother?"

"Patience is a virtue, Child. Ah, here it is!" The queen exclaimed. "Now close your eyes. I will let you know when to open them."

"If you insist Mother," Kara closed her eyes. She heard her mother walk over to her and then Kara felt something cold and smooth being placed around her neck. It was heavy. She felt it drop like a light anchor.

"Open your eyes, my sweet." Her mother whispered softly. As Kara opened her eyes her mother began to smile. Around Kara's neck hung a necklace. It was a gold, bridled band and at the end hung a pendant of emerald. It was expertly cut and gleamed in the light with a deep green and viridian light. The gem sparkled: a star in the dim light.

Kara's jaw slowly hinged open as if pulled by wenches and gears. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice as quiet and airy as the wind. A look of complete shock painted her expression. "What- what is it? Is- is it yours?" She spun to face her mother.