21 - To The City

The Castiano family had left their manor to move to their townhouse in the city. They would be staying until summer. Their townhouse wasn't as big as their manor but it was tall to make up for it. There were four floors. The first floor was mostly used for receiving guests and parties. The second and third were the living quarters for the family. The last floor was reserved for the servants. There was a basement but it was used for storage.

Although it was in the Noble's district, they were given some room for a small garden. Her mother loved flowers and planted a variety there that bloomed seasonal. Autumn was the time where the vines, growing on the pale red brick, turned golden and sprouted small white flowers. The black gates also had vines twining over them.

Anemone only packed her traveling clothes and a few belongings. The townhouse was already stocked with what she needed for the city. Her mother always bought new clothes when they were here. Her parents would stay on the third floor. Her brother and Anemone shared the second.

This was perfect for sneaking around town and dragging him along. Her brother, Cayden, was reluctant but had no choice to go with her. They were the same height, making it easy for her to wear his clothes. When they arrived to their townhouse, they were given permission to go explore the shopping district. Unfortunately, their guards had to go with them.

Never mind, she thought. She'll just have then sworn to secrecy by blackmail or bribery. Her guard was a woman who was in her twenties named Calla. She had delicate features with light brown hair cut boyishly, tendrils curling over her pale cheeks. Her green eyes wore a fierce glow to ward off the meek or troublesome strangers.

Anemone liked her as Calla indulged in fighting with her in secret. Her brother's guard was Bern, an easy going man in his twenties. He wore a muddy red cap over his long shaggy dark brown hair. The cap nearly covered his dark brown eyes. He must be able to see if he guards her brother like that, she thought as she stared at him.

She had dressed in a short traveling dress. The blue and white ribbons crisscrossed over her bodice down to her full skirt. Anemone had wrapped a white shawl over her long sleeves as it got windy in the city. Her red hair was braided into a bun, a blue ribbon interweaving into a bow at the nape.

Cayden wore a simple white shirt with a brown vest over. His pants and coat were black. His shoulder length black hair was tied back with a brown ribbon into a ponytail. He turned and smiled up at her. As the months had passed by, he had been the one to accompany her to every party.

All the girls told Anemone that her brother was cute and can't wait to see what he looks like when he's older. Anemone suspected she was only invited so her brother would go. Unaware she was frowning at him, she studied his face. She guessed maybe he looked handsome?

He would look better in girl's clothing though, she decided. With his hair loose and a frilly dress, he would definitely be adorable. Anemone always wanted a younger sister anyway. She'll make sure to get his measurements so she can make him dress up when she does. She smiled back at him finally, happy with the thought.