Chapter 16: Chapter 15
From as early as Mary could remember, she had always felt overshadowed by Aurora. It seemed as though, in the eyes of everyone, she was invisible, even her own mother agreed.
"Why do I have to be friends with that girl, Mother? She's rather strange, and I don't like her," 13-year-old Mary once asked, perched on a small stool while her mother braided her hair.
Her mother responded, "I've told you, she's a lovely young lady, and if you spend more time with her, some of her charm might rub off on you." Her words stung, causing Mary to lower her head, her heart heavy with sadness. Did this mean her own beauty was lacking? She clutched her dress as a tear trickled down her cheek, unable to comprehend why her mother would imply such a thing. "Get up," her mother continued, pulling Mary to her feet.
She turned Mary to face her, a deep frown marring her features as she regarded her daughter, her heart heavy with the thought that Mary might not meet society's standards of beauty. She still held onto the hope that her daughter might just be a late bloomer. To assure herself of this, she decided to take extra precautions.
"From now on, I want you to stay indoors, Mary," her mother declared. "Except when Aurora visits, and even then, both of you should spend most of your time inside."
Confused by her mother's unusual demand, Mary's brow furrowed. "Why?" she questioned.
Her mother sighed, reluctant to explain but realizing that clarity was necessary. "The sun is tanning your skin, dear. To protect your complexion, you need to stay indoors and become as fair as Aurora. Don't you admire her for that?" She watched Mary for a response, but there was only silence. Mary clenched her small fists at her sides and took a deep breath to control her building emotions.
Her mother pressed on, seeking assurance. "You'll do as I say, won't you?"
With a slow nod, Mary replied, "Yes, Mother."
A faint smile graced her mother's lips as she embraced her daughter, and from that day forward, Mary's world had been limited to the confines of her home. While it might appear to be a blessing to others, the privilege of remaining indoors and receiving what some might consider the "princess treatment" felt more like a form of imprisonment to Mary. She longed to see her friends, but she was perpetually stuck with Aurora.
Aurora, to her credit, had done nothing to deserve Mary's resentment. In fact, she had been a loving friend, always kind to Mary. But therein lay the issue. Aurora's unwavering friendship made it nearly impossible for Mary to distance herself. Aurora clung to her like a shadow, leaving Mary perpetually feeling left out. All of her mother's efforts seemed to be in vain, and Mary's childhood had been sacrificed for nothing.
As Mary watched Aurora dance with her brother under the almost red moon, her eyes grew cold. They laughed together, enjoying a connection that Mary couldn't help but envy. When the music finally stopped, a young man approached Mary, extending his hand.
"Would you care to join me for a dance?" he asked, his brown eyes sparkling with delight. Mary observed him for a brief moment before rolling her eyes.
"No, thank you," she replied, her tone calm but carrying a hint of coldness that clearly communicated her disinterest. The young man withdrew his hand, understanding the unspoken message, and turned to ask another young lady who eagerly accepted his offer.
An audible sigh of frustration escaped her lips, and her frown deepened. However, her mood quickly shifted as she spotted Richard amidst the crowd. Her smile returned, and with a newfound determination, she rose to her feet and made her way toward him.
"Richard!" Mary called out, her hand waving energetically to catch his attention. He was engrossed in sipping a drink from a glass, but upon hearing his name, he turned his gaze in her direction, his face lighting up with a broad smile. Despite his internal desire to be anywhere but here with Mary, he maintained a facade of cheerfulness.
"Would you happen to know the steps for the next dance?" Mary inquired, standing before Richard with anticipation in her eyes.
Richard raised an eyebrow looking at her up and down with a bemused expression. "I do, but I am not sure you would be able to keep up."
Mary felt a flutter of indignation in her chest, but she did her best to keep her composure. "I will have you know, I am a fine dancer and I will prove myself if you give me a chance."
"Richard smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, now you've piqued my interest. I'll gladly give you the chance to prove your skill. But if you fail, you must promise to do me a favour in return."
Mary hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded. "Very well, I accept your terms."
"Good," Richard said, a smile still playing on his lips. "Then we have a deal. Now, if you'll follow me to the dance floor, we shall begin."
He offered his arm, and the young lady took it, a sense of anticipation rising within her. She wasn't sure what the outcome of this wager was but this was the closest she had been with Richard and she wasn't going to let this chance slip by.
As they began to dance, Mary felt Richard's hands around her waist drawing her close. As she felt his warmth, a blush creeped in on her face. They danced for a few minutes before she finally spoke up, her voice breathless from the exertion. "So, if I lose, what favour must I promise you?"
Richard grinned, and the young lady felt a flutter of apprehension in her stomach. Richard twirled Mary gracefully, her dress flowing around her, before he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. "The favor, my dear Mary, will be simple. You must tell me all about the relationship between Aurora and
your brother. They seem rather too close and she seems to be enjoying his company." Richard said looking over her shoulder as he watched as Adrian whispered something into Aurora's ear causing her to laugh. Annoyance flashed in his eyes and he gritted his teeth.
Mary furrowed her brow, her smile had gone. "Why would you want to know about that?" she asked, even though she knew the answer.
Richard led her into a slower turn, his eyes locked onto hers. "Why wouldn't I?"
Mary pondered for a moment, biting down on her bottom lip. "Very well, I'll tell you what I know. My brother has picked interest in Aurora and she clearly seemed smittened by him." She lied. "They are seeing each other and I think it's for the best if you move on from Aurora. She's not worth it and if you don't mind —" her words were cut short when Richard suddenly let go of her, without saying anything he walked away leaving her alone.
Mary's fist clenched and she struggled to fight back her tears. She didn't want it to come to this but right now there was no other way.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone