02

LADY KENNA (POV)

    Lady Kenna had sent for Aislings sisters. She wanted Aisling to feel okay with her raise in her status even if it were momentarily. The girl would refuse if her sisters weren't allowed to enjoy the same luxuries for a time. All she did was for those two girls. It bothered Kenna. It wasn't fair to Aisling, who had begun working at just twelve years old. Somehow the girl had ended up working for her mate. Kenna knew Aisling had been warned not to, but her sisters were starving and dying.

     Kenna sighed and made sure the girls were settled. She'd make sure they found their mates too. That way if Aisling happened to find her mate, she wouldn't feel bad about leaving them. The poor girl was so gangly and tiny. Years of barely being able to eat anything. She knew Aisling still starved herself. Kenna had heard the other servants whisper the story. The girls parents had died and her fathers family took back the manor and threw them on the street. They were just children. Aisling only eight at the time.

    It amazed her what the girl was willing to do for her sisters. She wished her sisters had been the same. But, being the Kings siblings had gone to their heads and they were like sharks. They would much rather tear Kenna down and humiliate her than help her. She felt bad for them, the fact that they thought that was the only way for them to keep their rank at their brothers side.  Sadness ripped through Kenna at the thought of her brother.

    Torin hadn't deserved that curse placed on him. He was but a boy at the time. Nearly eight years old and his sight ripped from him. Not to mention the incredible magic he possessed dulled. Though, Torin had learned to fight and use whatever magic he had access too as he grew. He did not let the curse effect in way. She loved her brother and was protective of him. It was only fair. He had lost so much and suffered so much because of their parents carelessness.

   Her husband, Lord Devon, had been reluctant to approve Aisling for the position this season. However, Kenna would have no other person fill the roll so she was to handle everything. Aisling would need to be taught some manners and the way to behave, but she was sure the girls sisters would be more than willing to help her teach Aisling everything she needed to know.

   Kenna walked to the room she'd given Aisling, the room directly across from hers. She stood outside the door and listened for a moment. Giggles floated to her ears. Her sisters must have found Aisling. The laughter was musical and happy. Though, she could not hear Aisling laughing at all. Her heart sank just a bit. She felt bad. Aislings ribs had been broken by her husband just months ago and still ached. She saw it in the way she winced with breathing sometimes.

"Ais, I have no idea how you did it, but you did. You've gotten us a break from that dreary cottage. Thank you, little sister." Kenna heard and felt a bit of anger towards the older girl. She'd let her younger sister do all the work and starve herself. Aisling had no one in the world to protect her until now.

"Perhaps you'll find your mate and he'll be able to overlook everything." The other sister murmured and Kenna had enough. She would not let them pick apart Aisling anymore. Their sister should not be treated in such a manner by them.

"Ladies. I suggest you not talk your sister in such a way." Kenna nearly snarled as she entered the room. Her eyes landed on Aisling and widened a bit in shock. The girl was truly beautiful. Now that she was cleaned up and dirt no longer clung to her pale skin. Kenna noticed she seemed to glow from within, a soft radiance to her skin. The other servants had taken great care with Aisling. It was clear how much they cared for the girl as well. She was dressed in the sea green silk gown that Kenna had left out. The color beautifully contrasting with the curls that tumbled down Aislings back. The color had started Kenna at first, such a vibrant orange and red, such a fiery color.

"You look beautiful, Aisling. Every bit of of the lady I need this season." Kenna murmured softly and walked around Aisling. So tiny. She was so small. Her frame boney and gangly. It reminded Kenna just how badly things were for Aisling. She was starving.

"Thank you, Lady Kenna." The soft, delicate tone to her voice had Kenna freeze for a moment, so soft spoken. Kenna knew though, she might seem soft spoken but Aisling was fiery. Her spirit not broken. A survivor in every way. Something Kenna could only one day hope to be.

"We'll get you some gowns and start your lessons. Ones I'm which your sisters will be helpful in. We leave for my brother's ball in two weeks." Kenna informed them and Aislings sisters eyes widened in surprise. It was no secret she was the kings sister.

"You're sure she'll be read in two weeks? She's never been to a ball before." One of her sisters sneered. Beth, Kenna believed her to be. Kenna turned her attention to the girl and glowered at her fiercely.

"Listen here. Stop belittling your sister. She is younger than you. She provides for you. It should be the other way around. Yet, your littlest sister keeps your ass alive. You disrespect her one more time and you can go back to that dreary cottage you complain about." Kenna snarled at the girl, watching her shrink back with an apologetic look on her face.

"Beth. Don't."  Aisling whispered and stared at her sister wide eyed. The girl turned and stormed from the room. Aisling turned to Kenna, her eyes apologetic.

"You needn't apologize for your sister. Don't worry about her behaviors. Let's get some lunch and next week we'll start getting you fitted for gowns. We'll start your lessons today. Come." Kenna murmured and tugged Aisling with her down the hall to start her lessons with dining.