The meal continued cheerfully, at least for the women. They both chuckled at the child who spoke so earnestly about making her father proud. She may have not meant it that way, but the adults poked fun of the very grown-up girl during the meal.
As the meal drew to a close, Ravina found herself whisked away by Elysia for an impromptu shopping trip. Though her cheeks still burned from the teasing at the table, the change of scenery promised a welcome distraction.
Ravina provided the perfect excuse for Elysia to spend some time away from the barracks, and the young girl could use a day outside the manor. Just not with people who made fun of her. The thought lingered in Ravina's mind as she returned to the quiet of her room, a stark contrast to the bustling streets she'd roamed with Elysia.
As evening fell, the room took on a tranquil ambiance, and Ravina, feeling the weight of the day, welcomed Siet’s assistance with her sleepwear. It was still somewhat awkward to have someone help her with dressing and undressing, especially undressing, but she knew she would have to get used to it. So she tried and it was working…for the most part. She sat at the vanity table, looking herself in the eye as the young maid finished putting the room in order in preparation for the night before retiring herself.
Siet tilted her head, a playful smile on her face. "Anything else you need tonight, my lady?"
"No... no, thank you, Seit," Ravina replied, feeling comforted by the girl's bright energy. The woman in her life may have betrayed her but at least she still had Siet. It was just enough to overcome the embarrassment of her day. Unfortunately, as soon as she thought she had stopped dwelling on it, she inadvertently brought it back to the forefront of her mind. The memory burned her ears. She didn't know why such a childish act was so embarrassing, but she pulled a cushion close to her chest and buried her face in it.
"My lady?" Ravina looked up to find her little maid looking at her with worry in her beautiful brown eyes.
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Ravina smiled and spoke as warmly as she could, her face resting on the pillow. "I'm alright, just a little excited," tossing the pillow aside as she stood up. "Thank you, Seit. Why don't you go ahead and retire for the night?"
Siet bit her lip, looking up with round, worried eyes. "You sure you're okay, my lady?"
The genuine emotion easily readable on a child's face pulled a smile on Ravina's face. "Of course, I’m just going to do some thinking before going to bed myself."
"Of course, good night, my lady." With that, the girl bowed politely and left, giving her one last worried look before leaving her alone with a soft click of the door.
Ravina inhaled deeply, the room's faint lavender scent a reminder of the luxuries now at her disposal. She mused on how even in these olden times, she could still find certain modern comforts today. She let out a soft sigh, sitting down and drawing the still-warm pillow into her lap.
Elysia had arrived and taken her shopping for the day. It had been a complete waste, and Ravina had enjoyed every moment of it. It helped clear her head. With that came clarity of thought.
Ravina's gaze drifted to the fading light outside her window as she mused quietly, "Tomorrow, I'll meet with the sword, or at least give it a try." She could think of only a few ways to meet her. Gaining her trust was a crucial step, bringing her closer to becoming a true daughter and granting her influence and resources for the future. Plus she would be the one smiling in the count's stupid face.
There was something that Elysia avoided talking about. She wanted to complain about it, but couldn't. However, from what she hinted at, it seemed her order was preoccupied with something significant. The only thing Ravina could think of that would command the entire order's attention was the preparation for a war; after all, they were knights. What else could divert their focus so completely if not war?
War was just the beginning, though. It would take time for the conquest to be completed.
"Tomorrow, I'll meet with our dear sword and learn how she wields the blade." Thankfully no one was there to hear her. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. With a determined nod, she stood up and gazed at the fading sunlight outside. A yawn escaped her lips, and she suddenly felt very heavy, especially her eyes. Realizing that tomorrow would be a busy day, she made her way to her very comfortable bed and slipped under the cozy covers. If there was one thing she had discovered in this new life, it was that the beds were warm, comfortable, and safe. She drifted easily to sleep, peacefully unaware that tomorrow she would take her first step to her destiny.