4 Chapter 3: What is this sudden change of pace?

Chapter 3

A few days later

Making my way through the town, my excitement had gotten the better of me. It's been ages since I was able to smell the fresh air of the town outside!

"My lady, slow down, what would I do if something happened to you?" Susan, my right-hand maid yelled out.

She was on leave for a week as her son had fallen ill. And having her back gave me some room to actually feel relieved that I wasn't alone. In my dream, Susan had been shipped off to some far-off land as a way to discipline me. I wasn't going to let that happen to her again. She was going to live a long life and we were going to live together. Even if it meant me actually slowly shaving Anthony's hair or finding a way to kill Anita in her sleep, I would do it.

"what's wrong my lady? Why are you looking so dejected?" she questioned with worry.

"it's nothing."

"…"

"I'm serious it's absolutely nothing! Now, where should we start?" I questioned excitedly, grabbing her hand and starting at the first boutique.

Now one must be wondering where I had gotten the money to be able to go out and buy clothes? Well the previous Winter before I woke up was not stupid, I tell you. I had stashed 8 years worth of gold coins. Through my never-ending blood and sweat, putting my already useless life on the line and I managed to save up. It was a good idea dodging all those previous events and tea parties. Oh, what a difficult life I've led.

'And to think, I was going to end up living in misery?'

Sighing I felt my energy drain just by thinking of the horrid fate I'd have to face. I had to work fast if I wanted to be able to see light past my 20th birthday.

Entering the shop, the bell rang, catching the attention of the store clerk.

"How, may we help you, miss?"

"I'm, looking for a dress for the upcoming welcome ball. Do you have anything that would fit my taste?"

"Hmm, the store has been really busy the past week, so I'm sure we will find something that will work best for you."

"hmm… instead of something that is already prepared, can I request a dress to be made?"

The store clerk looked quite taken aback. During this time of balls and events, everyone looked for was pre-made dresses that were in fashion, and ordered tailored dresses were quite rare. But I wasn't looking for fitting in I was looking for standing out.

'Anthony was going to regret abandoning me for Anita.'

"of course, Miss, what do you have I mind?"

"well…"

*

Anita sat on her bed, her handmaiden combing through a silk blonde hair. She looked in the mirror lost in thought, as a frown etched on her face.

'Winter seems to look like a completely different person, what seems to have changed?'

She thought as she got no answer. Sighing she sat back in the chair in front of her dressing mirror. Well, it didn't matter if she changed or not. Herr goal was already almost fully complete, and no one could ruin her plans.

The humiliation she had planned for Winter at the ball was going to be one that was going to make her lock herself at home for the rest of her life. Nothing was more satisfying than that. To think a lowly girl like her was going to show up in her life and ruin it, was something Anita was not expecting.

Her lowly mother most definitely seduced their father, leaving Anita's mother in depression for a few years. She'd never forgive those that did that. Though she had taken her revenge on Winters mother, Winter, though innocent deserved no mercy. She'd allow her to taste what it felt like to want something, only for Anita to waltz in and take it away from her. There was truly nothing more satisfying than seeing the look of pain cross Winters face and she was going to achieve it.

"My lady, it's time for your bath" Alissa called out to Anita, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Oh, course." She slapped on her innocent smile, which seemed to woo anyone that simply got a glance at it.

"Did any letters arrive?"

"Yes, my lady, The Duke of Dominic, had sent one."

"bring it to me."

"Yes."

As soon as Alissa walked out to go fetch the letter, Anita let out a sigh, as a cunning smile had made its way on her face.

The Duke of Dominic.

He was an easy card to play. What was better than having a higher rank than she had now, and that too of a duchess. Being duchess would be everything. Anthony was attractive, wealthy and he had a status most woman desired in a man. Having him fall for her was easy, and just like any man fooled by beauty, he was no different. Winter seemed unaware of her loss and she was happy it was going that way.

Alissa rushed in with the letter, as Anita smiled thanking her for her hard work. She took the letter with the house of Dominic seal making her smile all the more. He went as far as to even write her name beautifully on the envelope. Tearing the letter and looking at what was written her heart could not have been more content than it was seeing the words he had written.

<My dearest Anita, I hope this letter finds you as beautiful and healthy as ever. I hope you have not forgotten about our agreement to go to the Ball together. It seems your sister was quite upset about the arrangement, but there's no need for you to worry, I shall coax her into agreeing readily and be happier with our arrangement. So do not sorrow for such trivial things.>

Anita's heart soared through the sky reading the letter. Her smile slightly got wider as she continued reading.

<I apologize for not being able to make you my wife, as it was already arranged that I would soon propose to Winter and take her as my bride instead of you. If only I had met you before her, would things have been different? But no worries, it's never too late to change what is already done. Will you not wait for me?

Well, this letter has rather become too lengthy and I do not wish to strain your eyes any further. Until the ball.

Anthony Dela Marcus Dominic.>

Anita could not have been more satisfied than she already was. This was wonderful. She was going to kill two birds with one stone and Anthony was going to be hers quite soon. Her heart leapt in happiness just thinking of what was to come.

"My lady, it seems you have received good news," Alissa spoke out, happy with her master's reaction.

"Yes, it is good news indeed. Come help me take a bath."

'Soon, she was going to succeed.'

*

"Oh my, that's a wonderful idea miss! It will definitely work out!" the store clerk said.

I couldn't have been happier now that the dress design was finalized. Susan also seemed quite surprised and pushed me to order the dress.

"When do you think you will have I t ready by? The ball is in three days if you must know." I ushered the clerk as he waved me off slightly

"do not worry miss! Oh, how excited I am to start on this dress! It shall be done in two days. Do you want me to deliver it or will you be collecting?"

"I want you to deliver it but let us try to be discreet about it. I'll Gove you an address, my handmaid will collect it and deliver it to me." I smiled.

I couldn't let Anita see the dress. God knows, if she sees it, she may coax father into making me give it up by force. I refuse to lose this. The store clerk agreed as I paid using my blood and sweat. Who knew to make a dress cost so much? Was the cost of living always this high?

Bidding goodbye Susan and I made our way out of the boutique and onto the suddenly crowded streets.

'what's going on?'

Everyone had gathered and were waiting for something. Was someone arriving?

"My lady, we had best go if you want to finish your buying. We still have jewellery to for as well as your hair ornaments and shoes to match the dress. We need to hurry before it gets late!"

Susan ushered me. Pulling my hand. Trying to get through the crown, I was suddenly drawn back and moving at the flow of the crowd.

'What is this sudden change of pace?'

I felt myself get pulled into the flow even harder than earlier, trying to get myself free I finally managed to escape from the crowd. Sighing I dusted my dress, only fro a horse to neigh above me.

Well.

I was going to die.

And I was going to die a shameful death.

My face paled as I froze at the sudden event unfolding before me.

"MY LADY!" I heard Susan yell out in horror as her eyes looked at the horse as well.

Well.

Now it was more shameful.

I was going to die because I blanked out.

Closing my eyes, waiting for the impact, I prayed silently.

'God this was absolutely unfair!'

A minute passed by as I felt my body being jerked to the sideline. No pain or impact my way.

"My lady, are you okay?" Susan questioned with a shaky voice.

Nodding I turned around only for my winter blue eyes to meet with cold green eyes that could kill with a single look. There on the black horse, a man, with green eyes with a tinge of grey in them, black hair, that looked like the dark night sky, a face so perfect that caught one's eyes the moment they saw him, sat.

He looked down at me from above the horse for a moment, as though memorizing my features, before continuing on the pathway.

"Long live the Prince, the sun of the empire!" the crowd cheered.

The prince? I looked around searching for the prince, yet I couldn't see him. Did I miss him? Thanks to the knight that almost crushed me with his horse, I missed getting a glimpse of the crown prince. It seems I'd never see that man's face; I didn't see him in my dreams, and I won't even see him when we're near each other.

Was this some high order spirits way of saying, a man that great can never be seen by my lowly eyes? Is that it?

Sighing I shook my head facing a tear faced Susan. Ah, I had almost forgotten about her.

"My lady! Are you sure you're okay?" she asked.

"Ye, yes, Susan. I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine, see." I twirled for her to see.

"uwaaaah…" she cried out.

I guess it must have been a shock for her.

"I'm really okay. Come now stop crying." I coaxed her.

"…"

"If you continue to cry your lady is going to end up looking plain at the ball! Shall we go get the remaining items?" I questioned with a smile, as she wiped away her tears.

"Yes, yes. Let us go on."

I smiled a sad smile as we continued our walk. To think I would lose such a great person just because of certain people. I couldn't allow myself to see Susan taken away again. This time I was going to protect her.