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Mira and Jack reached the dungeon where Alina was held towards late afternoon. “Mira, you came??” Alina ran to the bars in excitement as she saw Mira. “What do you want?” Mira put on a rude front even though she was shocked by Alina’s state. “Nothing.” Alina shook her head helplessly before whispering “Just your forgiveness but if you can’t, I will understand. I won’t forgive myself if I were you.” “There is nothing I can do to help, now that things have come to this.” Mira narrowed her eyes thinking if this was an act. “I know.” Alina’s eyes were clear unlike other times when they were full of schemes. “I have only got what I deserve.” Alina started talking “I have had enough time to reflect. Even if what my mother said was true and we were sisters, my actions were not justifiable. You were innocent.” “I could have asked your father openly instead of trying to vent my anger on you two.” “All things aside” Alina raised her head to stare into Mira’s eyes “I had truly fallen in l
“This is so pretty.” Joan fawned blinking with feigned innocence. “Your parents might also be coming.” Caster paused “Do you want to ….” “No need.” Joan interrupted and feigned a regretful expression “They won’t accept me anymore.” The real reason was she wanted to enjoy the glory Caster’s reservation would bring. She knew that her poor parents would be seated somewhere in the outskirts of the room if they ever made it to the event. She also knew she couldn’t sit with Caster, but she could still sit in the best seat for commoners. The seating arrangement was divided into classes, the prominent seats for grand dukes, grand dames, dames and dukes along with their families. The next seats would be reserved for nobility and the rest for commoners. Among commoners, there was no distinction between servants and freemen, except who ever registered first would get a better seat. There was a box which was close to nobility reserved for families of the contestants, but again it was a first co
“OH MY GOD … OH MY GOD….” Anne-Marie started shrieking as she saw the pretty sky-blue dress... she was the first to open the parcel. “My dear child…” Beth sighed helplessly as she opened hers. She didn’t know what was wrong with this girl… although her heart felt sweet when she thought that Mira care for her as much as her folks… no she considered them as her own… “This…. Good Lord!” Beth shrieked as she saw the gown that was meant for her. It was a beautiful…. Prettier than any she ever owned…. It was probably even prettier than the silk gowns of those madams even though it was only fine linen. “Aunt, the material….” Mira lowered her head with a pout and muttered “Not long… I promise I will make you a silk gown. “Child, what are you talking about??? This is so pretty…” Beth caressed her dress fondly. Matthew and Harry’s reaction was probably the calmest… John, Martin and even Oden’s eyes were misted…. On one side, their own sister was making things difficult for them… and here wa
“My husband still looks handsome!” Mira sighed with a dreamy look leading to another bout of laughter. “Since everyone’s ready, let’s go.” Jack chuckled to hide his embarrassment. “I am afraid my looks won’t match the cart outside.” Harry straightened his back and lifted his chin arrogantly. “Ha… ha…. ha…” Everyone laughed while Agnes chided “What are you making a fuss for old man? You are not half as handsome as my son-in-law.” “Ha…. ha…. ha….” “We were thinking of walking to the carriage ride stop and getting a ride to the city.” Mira spoke once the laughter died down. “No… no….” Beth shook her head “That will cost a lot of silver.” “Mom, I will pay for everyone.” Martin tapped his chest proudly as he remembered the coins he had in his pocket. Jack was about to refuse when Mira nudged his hand and shook her head. She didn’t want to hurt his self-esteem. “Alright.” Beth nodded happily; She was worried about burdening Jack… she also felt proud that her son could afford a ride
“Excuse me.” Mira smiled politely as she got hold of the attendant. “Madam” He bowed respectfully. “Can you only charge 1 gold coin for our room and hand the rest of the charge to my husband on the sly?” “Madam, is your husband the handsome lord?” “The one you spoke to when you led us to the room.” A pink shade crept up Mira’s cheeks as she heard the man describing Jack. “Sure” The man smiled brightly and bowed “Anything for a pretty lady.” Mira slipped back into the room with a happy smile. It was so rewarding to see everyone’s happy face. “Little Mira, what are we celebrating?” Harry asked with a boisterous smile as the attendant filled his wine goblet. “Just family.” Mira smiled with a shrug. “To family” Harry raised his goblet. “To family” Everyone raised their goblets and drank in one gulp. “Your best dishes.” Jack ordered as the attendant came to take their order. He was confident that he would be able to pay. He had the 5 gold sheets Mira had given him earlier in the
“What’s there to be proud of?” Joan twisted her lips that were painted red in disdain “They are just entering in Mira’s name. They will be seated with us after all.” She didn’t notice the purple badge in their hands. Emma lowered her head and pursed her lips resentfully. ‘Why didn’t they look back? Did they not hear her in this crowd?’ The attendants who were guiding the people to their seats bought Mira’s group to their seats which was in the third row and had a good view of everything in the center. “Madam, you have to sit in the front row with the contestants.” The attendant informed Mira by looking at her circular badge. “Um” Mira nodded as she turned to Jack and adjusted his hat to cover his face with an affectionate gaze “I will be back.” “Um” Mira walked with the attendant to the front row and giggled as she heard her father’s sigh “Only husband in her eyes… we old men are totally ignored!” Almera was already seated waiting for Mira. The two held hands first in excitemen
She regained composure and sat up straight in a few mins. Almera pressed her hand as she saw her despair. Mira smiled to gesture that she was okay. A stout man dressed in rich silk and pot belly walked to the front with a haughty expression. “I can bet anything that this is not his work.” Almera whispered “This is the second lord of Soren. Not a single good root in the lot.” Mira looked at Almera in confusion. “They must have commissioned someone from overseas to do the work.” Almera shrugged “That is not against the rules.” Mira nodded in understanding. Lord Soren walked with his entry with a smug smile. He too had chosen royal red velvet cloth. He had embroidered a beautiful peacock in the centre with feathers cascading throughout the robe. It was definitely a beautiful piece. “Tell me about your design.” “Beauty…. Beauty and beauty” Lord Soren laughed happily thinking his answer was witty. “Why did you choose this concept?” One of the judges who was irritated with his smug
“This work is most certainly exquisite but quite heavy.” One of the judges who had previously stretched out his hand to touch the robe asked with narrowed eyes “Do you think it is ideal to have such a heavy work for a king to wear? Weren’t you being thoughtless?” There was a tinge of admiration in his eyes although his question was sharp. “Not in the least.” Mira didn’t cower to answer this pointed question. “Unfortunately, that is a burden for whoever sits on that throne has to bear. It is definitely not easy.” Mira feigned a regretful expression before raising her head with a mischievous smile “And my design is definitely a gentle reminder. Didn’t I say the splendor was an illusion compared to the weight of the responsibility?” The whole court burst out laughing with Cornelius in the lead. Orseus couldn’t muck around like his father, but he was most impressed and hid his laughter with a few coughs. The only faces that were not happy were the Slegh’s and Joan. “Eloquent…” Lord Dul