Layne’s Point of View

A day before the Grand Ball.

“Again!”

“You are slouching! Again!”

“Water spilled! Again!”

It’s already been five hours since we started and I am doing this routine over and over. I am holding a tray with a glass of water in it. I need to walk carrying it without spilling while wearing these high shoes. I jolted every time she made me repeat.

20 more rounds of torture and a couple of blisters after, I finally did it! “Aunt G! I did it!” I shouted with joy.

“Not bad. But it is too soon to celebrate!” She said. “Chop, chop! Let’s move on!” Regardless of Aunt G’s comment, I am still extremely happy we can finally move on because my feet hurt.

And suddenly, I felt a burning sensation piercing inside my stomach. Maybe it is because of the corset I am wearing. Anne really hinged it tightly. The sensation then went up right through my chest.

I can’t breathe.

“Is there something wrong?” Aunt G asked. When I was about to answer the pain stopped and I was able to breathe again. “It’s nothing. I am alright.” I said.

It’s definitely because of the corset.

We both are now seated facing each other on a desk. I feel like she will give a lecture, which I guessed right. “What do you know about balls, Layne?” When she worded it like that, I couldn’t help but laugh. “What’s so funny?” she asked with great seriousness.

I gulped and answered so she wouldn’t punish me, “Balls are special gatherings hosted by the Royal Family and aristocrats.”

“I am glad you know the basics.” She then stood up and walked back and forth again to give a lecture. “Balls are special gatherings, but it is more than just dancing and eating lavishly.” She paused and looked at me, “Remember Layne, that balls are not just for fun, but it is also an opportunity to make connections with other powerful families.”

“Of course, as a young noble, I won’t advise you to dive into that right away. You are still a piece of work, still incapable! It needs experience and knowledge which you lack!” Just like a bullet fired straight into my gut, Aunt G’s words were right, I knew nothing. In her eyes, I am just that “girl” who toiled the fields of Venos.

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“Your incapability is a weakness to the Brevont’s and Theone. So, you must be careful because one small mistake,” Aunt G slammed the table which startled me, “and gossip will not just be about you, but your family’s honor as well.” Silence then echoed across the room. The silence broke when Aunt G’s assistants brought a pile of papers.

What are these for?

“I know you are wondering what are these for?” She said and I nodded “These papers contain all the family names of nobles that reside here in the Royal City. Most of the names written will be attending tomorrow’s ball and so, you need to memorize all of it.” My jaw dropped and I cried in my mind. It would be better to toil the fields and deliver eggs, than memorize all of this!

This is torture!

Lady Montes’ Point of View

Sleeping was hard, knowing that you would do something that would shake the whole Kingdom.

Regardless of an individual’s social status, divorcing a spouse is the same process. The papers Miern presented me yesterday need to be submitted to the Royal Tribunal of Family Affairs, this is Axen’s specialized court which handles divorce, marriage, and family disputes about inheritance.

Usually, there is a need to consult a family lawyer, but our case is far more complex because I am filing a divorce 18 years later after my disappearance. I can feel my heart racing as I am riding this carriage. I am wearing a black dress, for some extra drama, as suggested by Miern. He is an expert in these things. Minutes later, the carriage stopped.

It is now or never.

As I walked inside, everybody inside paused for a moment. Despite getting stares I gracefully handed over the document. I can even hear their whispers.

“The brooch on her chest, isn’t that House Brevont’s family emblem?”

“What do you mean House Brevont? More like House of Cowards.”

“Who is that lady anyway.”

“Could it be that the Count is married already?”

“No! Look at the color of her hair and eyes, it’s the same as the Count!”

“Could it be?!”

Their discussions were amusing.

The lady officer whom I handed it to asked who I was. Her focus is fixated on the document she is brushing her fingers into, “Could you state your name my Lady?”

“Montes Brevont — Theone” I said calmly.

Her hand stopped from turning another page. She looked at me slowly while her face is painted with surprise and confusion.

As if she saw a ghost.