91 I have to Prepare?

Yawning, Lucy sits up. Grandmama enters her bedchamber, waving the maids away.

Lucy shrinks her neck. Although she didn't see it, she could imagine the damage a cyclone would make. She didn't dare look at her Grandmama.

"Well, child. You've managed to create quite a mess." Grandmama says. Lucy looks at the thick yellow carpet on the floor, biting her lips. "Did I break the Maze?" Lucy whispers. "It needs some attention, now" Grandmama acknowledges. Lucy winces. What is my punishment?

"The clan decided to put your Wind training on hiatus until we locate a Wind mage to oversee you" Grandmama says. Lucy sneaks a peek up at her Grandmama. She didn't look angry, rather she looked tired. Lucy relaxed, even as a hint of guilt creeped up. She shouldn't have messed around.

"Here," Blue earing hoops rested on Grandmama's palm. "These are inhibiters from the clan treasury, and will stop your wind magic if it misbehaves."

Do I have pierced ears? Lucy touches her earlobe, confirming her lack of piercings. "Sir Jenz will ensure you wear them each day" Grandmama says, shifting her attention. "As for now, your Father has sent a letter. Emma, and Brynn's Blessing Feast is in 20 weeks. You need to prepare."

Lucy freezes. "I need to prepare?" Lucy looks at her suspiciously. Didn't she just need to go, and watch the ceremony? What could a child her age do?

"Of course. As the twin's direct sister, you must prepare gifts, and bless them. Not to mention, greet your elders on the twins' behalf." Grandmama says. Greet my elders? Lucy tenses. I have to learn more rules?

For a second, Lucy debated running.

No. It was no use. Her short legs wouldn't go far.

Grandmama continued undisturbed to Lucy's horror. "Your Imperial Grandmother sent a etiquette tutor, to familiarize you with the ceremony rules, and begin your enlightenment."

Lucy swallows. It's come. She dreaded learning the so called rules. What if she was taught some feudal bullshit? Lucy recalls her Mother's occasional dim gaze, and smiles. Mother rarely left their courtyard. She was trapped. Like a hamster in a tiny cage.

Lucy shuddered. When I marry that General's son, will I be just like mother?

"Little Lucy?" Lucy's head snaps up. Grandmama's eyes were serious yet gentle. Her anxiety vanished in her silver eyes.

"You are a Rimes daughter. Nobody can trap you"