You know, black was never my color. Even though it was always associated with us, the ones who lived in the dark, I mean. It was simply too common. Depressing color too. But alas it would’ve seemed rude if I didn’t wear it. After all, it is a funeral.

Prologue

She settled on wearing a black cartwheel hat, a pair of black heels, and a pair of black lace gloves. The only thing that wasn’t black was her dress. It was a wine-colored dress. Marilyn couldn’t bear the thought of wearing black at all, but she had to because Marilyn Illvione was not an ill-mannered bitch. Oh, the thought of wearing the same colors as the corpses unsettled her greatly. She didn’t like it, not one bit.

Not that she’ll ever know what it would be like to be that permanently dead. But still.

“Marilyn?" Marilyn looked up from the vanity at the woman coming into the room. Liya Ming stood in the doorway giving her an exasperated look, her black hair was tied into a neat bun and not a hair was out of place. "You have ten minutes. Don't make them wait. You know how they are."

“I know, Liya. Get me the pearls, number twenty-nine. The ones that Madame Rhea sent.” Marilyn replied as she twisted open a tube of red lipstick and leaned towards the mirror. Not missing a beat, Liya appeared behind her with the black velvet box holding the pearls.

Liya unclasped the necklace and expertly hung it around her neck. “You look nice, Marilyn.”

“Don’t be silly, Liya.” Marilyn snorted, resulting in a disdained look from Liya. "I'm going to a funeral."

The two descended the staircase and down a long hallway towards the front door, Marilyn humming a tune from last night's opera.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Liya resisted in rolling her eyes. “Merely a polite remark.” She helped Marilyn into a black coat. “And besides, it’s been a while since you’ve gone to a funeral.”

"What are you trying to imply, my love?" Marilyn grabbed her sunglasses from the table by the door and gave Liya an amused look before placing them on her face. “But you’re right. I haven’t been to a funeral for a long time. But I do, however, spend too much time with those far worse than the dead. And they said that this one needed a sealing. Also, this will be my bid farewell to them.”

She turned to look into the mirror by the door and inspected her reflection.

Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her, and she stumbled before catching herself on a nearby table.

Liya gave her a vaguely concerned look. “If you feel nauseous, it's better to stay home than to pass out and fall into the grave. I don't feel like removing stains this time."

Marilyn let out an annoyed grunt, head in her hand. "That was one time. And it didn't help that Ivan bit me right before." She took in a deep breath trying to quell the dull thudding that appeared at the back of her head. Then stood up and straightened out any creases in her dress.

"How do I look?"

"Like actress Marilyn Illvione. But I am still sensing that you feel-"

Marilyn held her hand to cut her off and then went back to fixing her hat, which was expertly perched on her head.

Liya's left eyebrow twitched but said nothing. “I'll assume that you are still going then. Do you want tea and then dinner when you get back?” Liya asked, handing her an umbrella.

"Oh, darling, how do you know me so well?" Marilyn smiled and opened the door. "Will you enlighten me on other features you've noticed about me?"

"I've noticed that you're a stubborn little bitch who likes to waste other people's time. Hurry up and get home earlier."

The blonde woman laughed at her companion, who gave her an impatient look. "Last thing, last thing. Any warning for me?"

"Silence is a source of great strength. Lao Tzu. That's the original message. But I think just paying attention more to others around you should suffice."

Marilyn nodded quietly.

"Also, get Akila to fix that headache of yours."

The statement erased the serious expression on the actress's face in an instant. "Awwww look, you care." She cooed, earning her a glare. "Alright, alright I'll go."

And with that, she stepped outside and walked to the black car where Ivan was waiting with the door open.