Cashiopine's nerves still rattled. "I-I'm fine."
Cassandra's brow furrowed. "What possessed you to wander alone in the forest?"
✧~•~✧
Kiana sat under the shade of a majestic tree, surrounded by scattered books and papers. "Study hard, Kiana..." she whispered, her eyes scanning the pages. Suddenly, she realized her pen was missing. "Where's my pen?!" she exclaimed, frantically searching every nook and cranny.
"Mom?!" Kiana called out, but the house was silent. Rosalinda had left early. Her gaze fell upon a sweet surprise: her favorite cupcake, accompanied by a heartfelt note.
"I had to leave early, so I got you your favorite treat. Love, Mom."
Kiana's face lit up with a warm smile.
Later that day...
Kiana walked through the village, her books clutched tightly. She greeted Ms. Vance respectfully. "Good day, Ms. Vance."
Ms. Vance's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Kiana! Why aren't you at dance lessons?"
Kiana's shoulders sagged slightly. "Well, Ms. Vance, I appreciate the offer, but it's expensive. I couldn't afford it."
Ms. Vance nodded understandingly. "I see."
Kiana's passion for learning danced in her eyes, despite the financial constraints.
✧~•~✧
Lukas' voice echoed through the hall. "Cashiopine, your father, (Duke William Baroque), knows about last night. He appointed a temporary bodyguard for your safety."
Cashiopine's eyes narrowed. "A bodyguard?"
Lukas nodded firmly. "Yes, for your protection."
"I don't need a bodyguard, Lukas," Cashiopine protested. "Last night's incident was just a crow."
Lukas' expression remained resolute. " As your cousin, I must adhere to your father's instructions for your safety, Cashiopine. Since your accident, you've been absent for a long time, necessitating companionship to ensure your well-being, even during minor events.."
"Erwin, bring Cashiopine's bodyguard here, now," Lukas commanded.
Erwin bowed. "Yes, Master."
A towering figure emerged, his presence commanding attention.
Lukas introduced him. "Cashiopine, this is your bodyguard."
Erwin interrupted, "Excuse me, Master. You have a meeting scheduled for noon today."
Lukas: "I'm leaving now; please heed my words. Take care of my cousin."
Lukas departed, leaving Cashiopine with her new protector.
Soren Bachmann offered a charming smile. "Nice to meet you, my lady. I'm Soren Bachmann. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
Cashiopine's silence was deafening.
Soren's thoughts whispered: "Is she always like this?"
The lady finally spoke
Cashiopine: "Could you please hand me that book?"
Her melodious voice startled Soren.
Soren: "Certainly, my lady."
Cashiopine: "Place it here."
He retrieved the book, gently placing it before her.
Soren's curiosity grew.
Soren: "You enjoy reading, I presume?"
Cashiopine's response was elegant.
Cashiopine: "Reading has been my lifelong passion, though occasional boredom is unavoidable."
Soren's smile turned sly.
Soren: "You're remarkably different from your sister, my Lady."
"I wonder if Lady Cassandra genuinely has a sister. I've known her from her stay here, unlike yourself, my lady - "
Cashiopine's gaze narrowed. "You talk too much, Soren Bachmann."
Soren bowed. "Apologies, my lady."
✧~•~✧
Lady Cassandra's gaze fell upon Kiana with disdain. "Hi, Kiana," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Kiana curtsied, unaware of the impending storm. "Good day, Lady Cassandra."
Cassandra's expression twisted. "Please, don't bother greeting me. Your presence ruins my day."
Kiana's smile faltered. "Lady Cassandra, I don't understand why you despise me."
Cassandra laughed, her eyes glinting with malice. "You're beneath us, insignificant. Nobles like myself don't associate with...your kind. Whether I respect you or not is entirely up to me."
Her voice turned venomous. "And what brings you here? Begging for free dance lessons from Ms. Vance, no doubt?"
Kiana's words were cut short. "Lady Cassandra—"
"How shameful!" Cassandra spat, her face reddening. "You're an embarrassment!"
With a dismissive shove, Cassandra sent Kiana stumbling. Turning on her heel, she strode away, leaving Kiana shattered.
----
Tears streaming down her face, Kiana fled, the courtyard's whispers and stares searing her soul. Cassandra's words echoed, a haunting reminder of her perceived worthlessness.
Kiana's tears fell like autumn rain as she whispered, "Why does she treat me like dirt? Nobles can be so cruel!"
Wiping her tears, Kiana squared her shoulders. With determination burning within, she steadied her voice.
"Stop thinking about it, Kiana. Stay strong. You are worthy, no matter what Lady Cassandra says."
------
Kiana burst through the door. "Mom, I'm home!"
Receiving no response, Kiana searched the rooms, concern growing. She rushed to her mother's bedroom.
"Oh no, Mother!" Kiana exclaimed, finding Rosalinda coughing weakly.
Rosalinda forced a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, sweetie. Just a stubborn cough."