Florin

The night filled every crevice in the palace. Despite this, flaming corpses were scattered throughout the hall attempting to overtake the darkness. I held my nose. The scent of the burning bodies reached me before I saw flailing forms. It was if the flames attacked everything in sight—except me. Smoke clouded my eyes, yet it could not blind me from the tarring bodies that littered the hall floor. Men and women screamed in agony as they ran around helplessly trying to put out the flames on their bodies. Alas, the flames refused to die and outlasted their victims' wails. I continued to walk slowly through the corridors trying to see past the chaos. Leaning on the walls, my trembling body walked further towards the large, closed doors at the end of the passageway. I was searching for someone or something. Whatever it was, I was sure it was just beyond those doors. If only I could reach them before the flaming bodies swallowed me whole. My heart began to race as I stood at the heavy doors before me. Just one more step…

"Lady Florin…," the gentle call awoken me from my dream—or was it a nightmare? I have always had these types of dreams since I could remember. However, they would be rare. Now, it seemed as if these strange visions would visit me every night. Unconsciously, I reached for the necklace around my neck. The cold metal calmed my unease as I slowly stirred from my sleep.

"Mm?" I rolled over to see that blinds had been previously opened and the sun glared onto my face. I instantly grimaced and pulled the blanket back over my head. For some reason the sun always put me in a bad mood.

Sensing my mood change, the young woman closed the curtains once more. "My Lady," she said. I could hear the smile on her face as she continued. "I have done my part and welcomed you into the new day, now it's your turn to accept it."

"Do I have to?" I murmured, peeping from beneath the blanket.

"Mm and make it fast. The day's tutor will be here shortly and you know how Mr. Travers hates to be kept waiting."

I scoffed at the mention of it. 'He should wait at another's house then.' I thought to myself. Besides the sun, I also had an aversion to tutors, especially Mr. Barkley Travers. His glances always made me feel uncomfortable. He was the third son of a family within the Drecia Kingdom. His family apparently were related to royalty but somehow their name was removed from the main line of nobility and could barely still be qualified as a branch family. However, this did not change the Travers' haughty attitude and this son was the definition of snobbish. "Just remember, you are soon to be eighteen, which will draw a conclusion to all of these sessions," Nora said as she pulled clothes out of my closet. She could always read my mind. Reluctantly I dragged myself out of the bed and began to prepare myself for my daily lessons.

After washing in the bathroom, I walked back into my room where I saw that Nora had already tidied it and prepared my day wear. It consisted of a white silk blouse and a gored skirt in a rich navy color. I eyed the corset laying still on my dresser, and after calling one of the lady servants into the room, began the never-ending process of transforming into the daughter of Earl and Countess Cartwright.

The young man walked into the foyer and waited to be escorted to the study. He looked around at the lavish surroundings. The black and white checkered tiles covered the floor stopping at the first entryway. It had to be over twelve feet high and wide enough for at least three people to walk through comfortably. Not shifting his sight line, he stared at the sitting room. The structures were made of cherry wood, which only enhanced the different shades of maroon and beige and gold embroidery throughout the room. It gave off a rich yet elegant vibe—the very definition of the Cartwright family. That is, all except for Lady Florin who took the notion of being austere to another level. Her simple way of carrying herself was only highlighted by her aloof attitude. He furrowed his brows in annoyance. Just once he wished for her to show some form or reaction or concern. He was used to drawing the attention of ladies all over Drecia, and was even considered to be one of the most eligible bachelors. Never once had he ever had to work for the affection from the fairer gender. He had benefitted from all of the breeding from a family high within the aristocratic circle. Plus, he was even sought after by members of the royal family to be a personal tutor- and yet, he turned them all away to instead be closer to Florin, a mere daughter of an earl. He felt bad in his heart. However, whenever he thought of that cold, quiet, beauty, he felt it was worth it- she was worth it. Pride be damned!

"Greetings, Lady Florin." The nearby servant's welcoming brought him back to the present as he noticed a figure gracefully descending the stairs. She was wearing a simple blouse and skirt, but it only enhanced her beauty. Her long, ebony hair was pulled back into a neat braid. She glanced at the young man with her ice blue eyes.

"Young Master Travers." She started. "Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I only just arrived." He quickly responded.

"Then I shall not let you wait any longer. Let's start."

"As you wish, Lady Florin." With that the two walked silently towards the study.