Disappear

"Sarah!"

Venera screeched and a mousy girl with freckles and curly hair ran towards her. "Yes my lady?" She squeaked, "h..how can I help?"

The poor girl looked like she would faint right then and there, not that I could blame her. Venera was a known beauty in our kingdom, with her long blonde hair and wide blue eyes. You could describe her as an angel, an angel with a demon living inside her. Whenever she failed to get her way the maids were beaten, and if the maids weren't there to ease her frustration, I was the next option in calming her down.

I was always told to be jealous of Veneras looks, especially since I was always described as quite plain. My black hair and amber eyes. I wish that I could carry myself with her same confidence. However, every time I looked in a mirror I could see every single thing I hated in myself. I know father wishes for me to be more beautiful, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't live up to Venera.

"I told you to pull it tighter, you fool!" Venera started to unleash her wrath on the poor, little maid as she worked to tighten her corset even more. "But miss, if I pull any tighter you could get hurt," she whimpered out. Venera rolled her eyes and pushed her away to admire herself. She had been spending the last day and a half to prepare for the visit of King Castor and the other nobles. She spent an unimaginable amount of gold on new dresses for the welcoming party. I already had my plan, stand in the back and pray to the gods no one talks to me.

"Are you listening?"

My eyes jerked over to meet Venera. She frowned at me "I said, father wants me to pick a gown for you too. Don't think this means you should speak with our guests. We just can't have you looking disgusting in front of such important nobles." I glanced at all the dresses scattered around. Most of them were bright pinks, purples, and blues with an unbearable amount of ribbons and poofy skirts. My eyes caught a simple dress in the back, gold with sleeves that laid softly off the shoulder and deep V in the front. "I'll just wear that one." I nodded to the dress. Venera looked over and I saw her smirk at my lame choice. "Your sense of style is still so cheap my dear sister, but I won't argue if that's what you really want."

I felt my stomach churn, I hated spending this much time with Venera, but hopefully if I don't try to outshine her she'll let me go in peace.

"Take that dress to Lady Estelle's room, and assist her with dressing tomorrow." She ordered the little maid, who seemed relieved to get away from her. I bowed to Venera, who had already forgotten my presence and focused again on her jewels for the party. I followed the maid to my room and saw the maid look around in shock at the state of my quarters. I had the basics: a bed, chairs, desk, and a fireplace, but that wasn't saying much for someone that was supposed to be the second princess of a powerful kingdom. "I'll set the dress her and be back in the morning to assist you my lady." The maid, Sarah I think she was called, spoke. "Thank you, Sarah." I said, flashing her a small smile. She beamed at me, "If there's anything else you need my lady, please call for me." She scattered out of the room. I knew she felt bad for me, all new maids did. Once they found out I had no power, however, they quickly changed sides. I couldn't blame them, and I had gotten to the point where the solitude became my safe haven.

My stomach growled and I realized that father and Venera would be going to have dinner soon. I glanced at the dress, it was more form fitting and I grew anxious thinking about all the issues it would outline with my body. I should skip out on dinner and breakfast tonight, or father will be furious if I can't look decent in a simple dress like that. I threw myself onto my bed and turned to lay on my back. My stomach was still roaring at me but my every time I thought about wearing that dress my anxiety overwhelmed me. I squeezed my eyes closed as I felt the start of a headache and curled my body into the blankets. I felt my body go cold and my heart pound against my chest. Sometimes this happened when I stayed with my thoughts too long. I willed myself to calm and eventually felt myself slip into a restless sleep.