Natural color

I woke up feeling the softness of my own bed and a sense of relief washed over me. I stretched out, feeling the familiar comfort of my room. The light streaming in from the windows painted a warm glow on the pastel walls, making everything look almost magical.

I took a moment to take it all in: the plush carpet underfoot, the delicate lace curtains, and the cozy reading nook by the window that had always been my favorite spot.

A knock on the door interrupted my reverie. "Enter," I called out, still reveling in the comfort of being home.

A maid entered, bowing respectfully. "Shall I prepare your bath, Lady Riley?"

I nodded. "Yes, please."

The maid disappeared into the bathroom and returned a few minutes later. "Your bath is ready, my lady."

I slipped into the bathroom, savoring the fragrant steam that filled the air. The bath was luxurious, filled with rose petals and scented oils that made the water feel silky against my skin. I took my time, letting the warmth seep into my bones and wash away the lingering memories of the dungeon.

After what felt like hours, I reluctantly stepped out of the bath and dried off. I chose one of my favorite dresses, a flowing emerald gown that complemented my eyes. The dress had intricate gold embroidery along the neckline and sleeves, giving it a regal touch. As I brushed my hair, I noticed the pink dye was starting to fade, revealing my natural light brown roots.

"I think it would be better if I left it its natural color," I said to myself, deciding it was time for a change.

I called for a maid and instructed her to find a product to return my hair to its natural color. A few minutes later, it was done. I looked in the mirror, feeling a sense of renewal. It had been so long since I had seen my natural hair color that it almost felt like a big change. My green eyes, still a bit tired, stared back at me, but the overall effect was pleasing.

Feeling refreshed, I left my room and headed to the dining room. The dining room was grand, with a high ceiling adorned with a crystal chandelier that sparkled in the morning light. The long mahogany table was set with fine china and silverware, and the walls were lined with tapestries depicting historical scenes.

Lydia was already seated and eating. Her blonde hair fell in loose waves around her face, and her green eyes looked a bit weary, but she still exuded a quiet strength. There were dark circles under her eyes, evidence of the stress she had been under.

"You could have waited for me," I said with a smile, taking a seat opposite her.

Lydia looked up and smiled back, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You took too much time."

I began to eat, savoring the rich flavors of the meal. It had been so long since I had enjoyed such food. As I ate, I glanced at Lydia. "How are things with Aurelia?"

Lydia's face fell, and she looked down at her plate. "She doesn't want to see me. I don't know what to do, but I love her so much."

I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I'm so sorry, Lydia. Give her time. Maybe she just needs to sort things out on her own."

Lydia nodded, but her eyes were filled with sadness. She changed the subject, looking at me intently. "And you? How are you doing since Jade's death?"

The mention of Jade made my throat tighten. I found it difficult to swallow the food in my mouth. "It's complicated. I think of her every day, but she won't ever come back."

We continued talking, sharing memories and comforting each other. It felt good to be with my sister again, to have someone who understood.

Lydia cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "Riley, your perfect match has been found. We will have the result in the week."

I stared at her, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Perfect match? What did that even mean? I felt a strange sense of anticipation and dread at the same time.

"What?" I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lydia smiled, a bit more genuinely this time. "It's a system that matches people based on their compatibility. It's supposed to find the perfect partner for you."

I wasn't sure how to feel about this. On one hand, the idea of finding someone who was perfect for me was appealing, but on the other, it felt almost like a violation of my free will. I forced a smile, not wanting to dampen Lydia's spirits. 

"That sounds... interesting," I said cautiously.

Lydia's smile widened. "I think it could be good for you, Riley. You deserve happiness after everything you've been through."

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely convinced. The idea of being paired with someone by a system felt impersonal, almost mechanical. But maybe Lydia was right. Maybe it was time to try something new, to find a way to move on from the past.

After breakfast, I went for a walk in the garden, trying to clear my mind. The garden was beautiful, filled with blooming flowers and carefully trimmed hedges. The scent of roses and lavender filled the air, and the sound of birds singing added to the peaceful atmosphere.

As I wandered through the garden, I couldn't help but think about the perfect match system. Who would it pair me with? What kind of person would they be? The uncertainty was unsettling, but there was also a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something new.

I spent the rest of the day trying to distract myself with various activities. I read a book in the library, practiced some piano in the music room, and even tried my hand at painting. But no matter what I did, my mind kept drifting back to the perfect match system and what it might mean for my future.

That evening, I joined Lydia for dinner. The dining room was just as grand in the evening, with the chandelier casting a warm, golden light over everything. We talked about our day, avoiding the subject of the perfect match system for now. 

After dinner, we retired to the sitting room, where we sat by the fireplace, sipping tea. Lydia looked more relaxed, and I felt a sense of calm as well.

"I'm glad you're back, Riley," Lydia said, her voice soft.

"I'm glad to be back," I replied, meaning it. Despite the uncertainty of the future, it felt good to be home, to be with my sister.

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the flames dance in the fireplace. I felt a sense of peace that I hadn't felt in a long time. Whatever the future held, I knew I could face it with Lydia by my side.

As I prepared for bed that night, I couldn't help but wonder about the perfect match system. What would it bring into my life? Who would it bring? I didn't have the answers, but for the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope.

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with possibilities. Tomorrow was a new day, and with it came the promise of something new. I took a deep breath, letting the sense of anticipation wash over me. 

"Whatever happens," I whispered to myself, "I'm ready."

And with that thought, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of what the future might hold.