16 Customs

The rest of the day was spent with Mother on training, ever since it has been laws, laws, laws, laws... more LAWS.

This Empire was built solely on that word, LAW. It was beginning to make me more bored.

I sighed for the 5th time today.

"Do my lessons make you bored?" Mother asked in an unpleasant tone.

"No... no mother not at all" I said forcing a smile.

We were both in her library, a ton of books on the table before me, just waiting for me to read, I hope my eyes don't gouge out first.

She held up the white slim cane she was holding.

"Sylvia my dear, you don't slouch" she began tapping the cane at my back, I sat up.

"And you don't place your hands on the tables like that" she states once again tapping the cane on my hands against the table.

I quickly pulled them down on my lap.

"Chin up".

The cane under my chin tilts it upwards.

"A good posture when you read is necessary, when you eat also, don't forget that... I will not tolerate any vague behavior".

Ugh, what now? even when I read too? I have never been told of such things, I eat on the bed not on dining tables, I read on the bed too, this was all too bizarre for me.

"Yes, mother," I said, forcing a smile.

"Now shall we get down to the rest" she states smirking.

The smirk sent shivers to my spine. I had a feeling today was gonna be a long long day. Lord help me!.

☆☆☆

"123,123,123,123!" mother chants as we both waltz in the mini ballroom.

"Always keep your chin up!"

I did as I was told.

"You must be gracious even on the dance floor, many balls are hosted by this family, so expect a lot of balls ahead"

I gulped.

"Keep your posture straight, and do not slouch!"

☆☆☆

"As a lady, you must walk gracefully, it shows you're delicate and more... an eye-catching flower" Mother states showing me the proper walking steps for a lady.

She was indeed giving the graceful walk, I was beginning to wonder if I would even catch up to her.

She turns to me.

"Walk my dear" she orders.

I took a deep breath, standing up straight, chin up, shoulder raised, my hands on either side of my kimono sleeve, and then I did the walking, as graciously as I could to avoid any mistake and any scolding from mother.

"Good, good, maintain that posture, remember you're not just a lady but a lady to the wealthiest House of Sorcery, perfection is expected" she states placing a book on my head.

Ugh, curse her! Now I have to be extra careful, does this ever end?

Turning, I made sure that I did it carefully so that the book wouldn't fall off my head.

I gulped as it shook a bit, so I continued my walk.

Olivia gave me a look of pity, the poor girl could tell I was in for it today. Mother was fierce and demanding today, we had all the time to do this training, I wondered why she rushed.

The doors barge opened as a maid rushed in, walking to mother.

"Atlas as if I knew it would come in sooner!" she exclaimed.

"Sylvia my dear, come" she called.

I turned walking towards her making sure the book was still on my head.

"Yes, mother," I said, my eyes averting to a letter she held.

"An outing has been called in for the House of Sorcery, a picnic held at the Eternal Garden"

"A picnic?"

"Yes... ha, the memories, many I attend with my dear husband, the most enchanting days" she as her eyes grew wistful.

I could see the sadness in her eyes, but as it came it was gone before I could blink.

"You must represent our house in a good name, I will tolerate no nonsense or any unladylike manner," she said in a serious tone.

"Understood mother".

"Come" she motioned to my maid.

Olivia came forth as she bowed.

"Make sure Sylvia wears the most expensive silk, I want her to stand out in all the ladies. Understood?"

"Yes Madam" Olivia said bowing once again.

"Good," she said in amusement, walking away.

"Mother, will you be attending?" I asked in haste.

She turned to me.

"Of course, not my dear, it's for the young couples" she answers walking out.

The rest of her maids followed her behind.

Great! Now I will be stuck with Cedric all day. I sighed, turning to Olivia.

"I'm sorry my lady, you must be stressed out, Madam was pretty hard on you today, at least now we know why"

"All for a picnic" I huffed, taking the book off my head.

"Could my living in this Empire be any more worse?" I added sarcastically as I took my seat.

"Society is really a big deal in the Empire. Looks, wealth, name it all, it's the major thing they look out for, mostly reputation. Madam is very sensitive to those things" she explained.

"Hmph... how long have you served the Hartford household?" I asked curiously, it was only neutral I knew, she was a friend to me.

"Ever since I was 5, my parents died at a young age, Madam was kind enough to take me in, I have served here ever since," She said as her eyes grew wistful with memories of the past.

"You have been here so long," I said with pity in my tone.

She smiled.

"Yes I have, but I'm happy because I now live a life someone myself would have always dreamed of, it's an honor to serve under the House of Sorcery, mostly to you my lady," she said with a genuine smile on her lips.

I smiled.

☆☆☆

The weather was calm, with no rain or dark clouds, it was just so peaceful, but cold. I was on the bed, the covers against my body, I was once again in my very revealing nightgown, which I hated the most, but it appears that mother will continue to torment me with dresses like this, I just hope it doesn't last long enough still I produce an heir.

I was lost in thoughts, thoughts of what might transpire tomorrow, it was after all a picnic, it would be the first I was ever out in society ever since I was married into this house, I wondered what lay in store for me.

I heard the door barge open, I jolted a bit, I knew it was Cedric because I heard the sounds from his boots.

I gulped, suddenly I wasn't just anticipating what might happen tomorrow but of right now.

In curiosity I turned on the bed quickly, the curtains were down, I couldn't see anything, only his movement in the shadows, it made my heart pound more than I can bear.

This was the first night, ever since I was married, that I haven't fallen asleep first, I was curious to where he has always slept all this time whenever I'm in bed, I was beginning to wonder when this charade of us spending the night together was gonna keep going, it appears I was about to find out.