Chapter 2 Wake-Up Calls and Other Forms of Torture pt2

“Come on, Belladonna. If I have to be awake, so do you.” I shoved gently at the great furry mass hogging my blankets. Bella cracked open one amber eye, huffed a hot breath that smelled faintly of venison scraps, and sprawled wider across the bed. Her thick coat was warm under my hand, her ribs rising and falling in a soft rhythm.

“Lazy beast,” I whispered, though affection softened my voice. She was more like a wolf than a hound with her size and colors. Brown and grey like the wolves out in the woods, yet she was larger than any I have ever encountered. Somehow Father had let me keep her. He wanted to toss her out when he found her in my room. I was so lonely and wanted a pet for company. I found her with an injured paw but she protected me from would be kidnappers that night my father discovered her. Or so he thought. I was able to protect myself just fine as I was secretly trained to do. But it worked out I still hadn't gotten rid of her. I lied and said she protected me, when I was really protecting her. So I used that instant to prove my case to keep her for protection. And it worked.

“Nera! We need to get you dressed!” Hana’s voice carried through the oak door, clipped with impatience. 

I sighed and pushed to my feet. My reflection in the polished metal mirror showed wild hair and a sleep-creased face. Not exactly ready for whatever “important company” awaited. Bella rumbled a deep, amused growl as I left her to my warm side of the bed.

The dressing room smelled faintly of lavender and hot wax from the candle flickering on the table. Hana stood ready, her sleeves rolled up, a brush clutched like a weapon in one hand. Across the chair lay a gown the color of midnight skies, trimmed in gold thread that caught the light like fire. Not house colors at all. 

“So…? What’s going on?” I asked, eyeing the dress with suspicion.

“An important guest has requested an audience with your father and everyone of importance  that is currently staying in the estate, including you.” Hana said, her  grin sharp with excitement.

“So why am I to be dressed in blue? And not my family’s colors?” I loved the dress but father will be angry if I show up in anything but green and brown. A disrespectful act in his mind. 

“You're not truly part of house Ver—” Hana shut her mouth really quickly before she could finish what she said. But I heard enough to question her meaning.

“What? What do you mean by that?” I asked.

“Sorry, Nera I missed spoke. I meant to say is that they are marrying you off. So really, you won’t be a part of this family much longer. Why not stand out. And put on a beautiful dress. I think this dress will look amazing on you.” Hana said sweetly. It made sense. Everyone will be in the house they belong to. No house has the color blue, So I wouldn’t be showing favoritism. Also not being in house colors while everyone else was would make me stand out. Then I remember we had a special guest that she was rushing me to go see. So who was it? 

I narrowed my eyes. “Which one of my dreadful suitors is it this time?” Sometimes one of them will request an audience to showcase some sort of skill or gift to “win my affections.” They never worked, I would not be bought by silly gifts that don’t have any personal value or meaning.

She smacked my arm with the brush. “Mind your tongue! Some of them will be present, true, but no, this is someone else entirely.” She lowered her voice to a whisper, the candle’s flame flickered as if it too was listening in on a secret. “It’s an old friend of your father’s. He brings news….” Hana pauses, taking a steading breath before continuing, “about the dark plague.” The words landed heavy in the quiet room.

For just over five years, the dark plague has crept like fog across the southern lands. I’d heard the stories whispered in the kitchens. Villagers collapsing with black veins spreading like roots beneath their skin. Wolves turning rabid and twisted. Children vanishing into the woods and returning as something unrecognizable. Scholars poured over ancient tomes, mages burned themselves out casting wards, but nothing had stopped it. The air itself seemed tainted where it spread.

It was devouring the south and creeping ever northward. If it reached us, if it reached the forests I  loved, nothing would survive. The thought of that broke my heart. Dread filled my body like always at the thought of the plague. Somehow, the thought of an important guest, who wants everyone who is important in attendance. A spark of hope lit inside my chest. Maybe this guest brought news of a cure. Maybe the plague was ending. Maybe then Father would delay my marriage, loosen his grip, even let me—I smothered the rest of my racing thoughts before it could take root. I couldn’t get too excited before I knew what was going on. I took a deep calming breath and made my face stay carefully blank as Hana tugged and twisted my hair into order hiding shameful scars. Hana watched me in the mirror. She looked like she was trying to suppress a smile. She knew me too well.

“Well,” she said at last, stepping back admiring the work she did. She always knew the right colors and style that would make me shine like a rare gem. That's what she always told me when I would fight her on getting dressed for events. You are a rare and beautiful gem. All will love to look at you. I never felt that way. “Well that was the easiest time I’ve ever had getting you ready. Not that I am complaining, but are you okay”

The gown’s fabric was cool against my skin, the weight of gold trim pressing at my shoulders. I felt like a bird with her wings bound. Still, I stood tall. “I don’t want to keep Father and his important guest waiting.” I said, my voice flat, though excitement clawed beneath my ribs.

“Mm-hm,” Hana hummed, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Whatever you say, dear.”

Together we stepped into the dim corridor, footsteps echoing on stone. My heart beats faster with every one. Not for suitors this time. Not for courtly games. But for news that could change everything.