Castle

"You are beautiful!" Ellie cried when and the other maids had finished their preparations.

Omalia gazed upon her reflection in the mirror. Most girls her age were awkward in their bodies, with their physical bodies growing too fast for their mental age. Omalia had the long, slender limbs of an adolescent girl but she had already begun to grow curves and her swollen bosom was already too large for a dress whose fitting she had a month ago. Her dress was modest as she had not yet had her coming of age ceremony and was still considered a child, but anyone who glanced at her would know that she would mature into an unparalleled beauty.

A knock at the door told her it was time to leave for the castle.

She was escorted by her elder half-brother, Elliott. He was ten years older than her but had the face of a man who had to grow up long before his time. As their parents were unreliable, Elliott took it upon himself to manage their properties and it was thanks to him that their family had not gone bankrupt. He had thought that a younger sister would cause him even more worry, so he was pleasantly surprised to find that he enjoyed conversing and sometimes even sharing work with his younger sister.

It was very rare to find all four of the Loremirres inside the same carriage. Royal festivities required all nobility in attendance, so the count and countess had no choice but to return home from one of their travels and attend the princes' seventeenth birthday celebration. Seventeen signified the age of adulthood in the kingdom.

"How stunning you are my dear," the countess said. "You look so much like me."

"Yes, Mother." The words that came from her mouth were only polite with little feeling. She did not hate the countess but she did not feel any warmth nor love for this woman who had not been a part of her life since childhood.

The ride continued with light conversation. When they arrived at the castle, the count and countess left first. They were eager to share stories of their adventures with their friends. Elliott and Omalia lagged behind.

"Finally we are free from them," he said light heartedly.

Omalia laughed. "They are good people. Just not good parents."

They gave each other a knowing look. Then Omalia placed her hand around Elliott's elbow and they walked through the palace gates.