03

AISLING (POV)

    She would forever be grateful to Lady Kenna. Over the last week and a half, she had been fed and bathed every day. Aisling no longer felt that aching hunger she had grown so accustomed to over the years. She wore silk gowns and had flowers braided in her hair. She ate three meals a day. She bathed every night in warm water wonderfully infused with oils to keep her skin soft.

    Slowly over the last few days her magic had started to come back. Her ribs ached less as they slowly finished healing. Aisling felt more alive. She was content with living like this for the next six months. Beth had calmed down a lot since being brought back to the life she had gotten used to before it had been stripped away. Lord Devon, however, had made it clear that he didn't agree with Aisling being chosen by his wife for this spot. She was a servant and she should stay a servant.

    Tipping her head back and inhaling, scents of spring filled her nose. The world around her had begun to blossom while she herself started transforming into something entirely new. Aisling loved spring. It had always been her favorite time of year. Nothing could really change that.

    The lesson Lady Kenna had given her had been easy. Aisling had adjusted fairly well to it all. Her sisters had helped of course. They knew if even one of them happened to be mated to a noble everything could change for them. Though, Aisling was certain Beth would rather let her stay in the cottage than let her stay. Beth had always been cold. She was hard to get along with. Lady Kenna had learned that the hard way.

    Though Lady Kenna had threatened several times to send Beth back, she never did. She knew it would help Aisling with her new role. Her mind wandered to the possibility of a mate. It was unsure. Aisling had no idea where to even begin unlike her sisters. Normally, by age sixteen flickers of emotions and imagines would come through the mate bond, so the pair could find each other. Aisling never got anything. Not once.

    Maybe fate had other plans for her. Who knew? Sighing, Aisling turned and walked back into her room and bit her lip. This all felt like a dream. And surely it had to end at some point. She would be back in her plain brown dress and covered in dirt soon enough. But, Aisling found she liked the way she looked now. Healthy. Radiant. Lady Kenna had called her radiant. She saw the soft glow Lady Kenna had talked about. It was very soft but there. She had a light that shone from within.

    She stared at herself in the mirror and  a blush crept its way across her face. She was beautiful and for the first time in her life she saw herself that way. A beauty. Someone that would be desired by others. For the first time, she no longer believed Beth's double edged words and back handed compliments. The door opened and Aisling turned to see Lady Kenna walk in, a soft smile on her face.

"Aisling. Are you okay?" She asked softly. Aisling and Beth had fought again. Beth spewing her venomous words at Aisling and Aisling ended up coming to room to get away. She never understood Beth's hatred for her.

"I'm alright. I just needed time alone." Aisling murmured and smiled at Lady Kenna softly, reassuring her.

"I guess it's still hard to believe what has happened. To think of myself as anything close to beautiful but I am starting to see it. Thank you. For showing me this and allowing me to enjoy my life, even if it's just a short time." Aisling whispered and felt her eyes sting with tears. She was grateful. She would be forever. Now only if she could find her mate. Aisling wouldn't care if he was poor, honestly she just wanted someone to love her. To cherish her as she remembered her father cherishing her mother. She may barely remember her parents but she knew they had loved each other deeply.

"Aisling... even before you were beautiful. Covered in dirt and everything. You shouldn't listen to your sister." Kenna murmured, her voice held a hint of frustration and sadness in it. It wasn't fair someone so kind and gentle should suffer so much. One thing Aisling had figured out at a young age was that life wasn't fair and it would never be. Good people suffered all the time. People who deserved more than they ever got.

"Thank you, Lady Kenna. I suppose you came to tell me something?" Aisling smiled and threaded her fingers together. Kenna nodded and sat down in a chair, waiting for Aisling to follow. Aisling sank gracefully into the chair and a servant walked in with a tea tray.

"Thank you, Bria. For the tea." Aisling smiled at the girl as she left and reached for her cup. Kenna grabbed hers as well and both began sipping. It had become Aislings favorite in the time she'd spent here. The scent and warmth relaxed her and grounded her.

"My brother has moved up the ball. We're leaving tomorrow in the morning. Your sisters have been made aware of the change and are preparing for the trip to the palace." Kenna murmured and placed her empty cup down. Aisling nodded and chewed on her bottom lip. A habit that she would always have. A give away for when her nerves got the best of her.

"You don't need to worry. My brother knows I'm bringing you three. He's in search of his mate, as you know I'm sure. Who knows, maybe it's you." Kenna giggled to herself at the idea. It seemed silly and impossible to her somehow. But what if her brother was indeed mated to Aisling? Aisling couldn't help the hope that blossomed in her heat and soul. This was her chance at a different life, only if she found her mate.

"I'm not worried. I.. I'm nervous. As my sister said, I've never been to a ball or party of any sort before." Aisling murmured and tugged on her hair, another nervous habit she'd developed. Kenna smiled softly and nodded in understanding.

"It'll be fine. Get some rest. I've already had gowns sent ahead to the palace. The ride will take most of the day, and once we arrive, you'll need to dress for the ball. But get some rest for tonight." Kenna murmured and hugged Aisling before leaving.

    Once alone, Aisling stripped to her chemise and sang to herself softly. The lullaby she remembered her mother singing to her when she was small. Curling under the blanket for warmth, she closed her eyes and relaxed into the bed.