An adoption

“You said that I should be honest about how I felt about it and that no one would be hurt either way” Mary nodded.

“That’s right, that still goes. You get to make the decision, okay?”

“Okay” she agreed.

“Bettina and I have been talking and having you here just fells right. You fit right into our family” he started.

“We feel like you belong here” Bettina cut in.

“Yes, that we do. And I know that because of everything that has happened to you, you may think of this as a temporary situation. But we assure you that we don’t. We would like to formally adopt you Mary” he said looking at her.

Mary just looked at him and then at Bettina, then back to Kopa again.

“Adopt me?”

“Yes, you are almost of age, so the legal ramifications aren’t that big. But it will make it so that you know that we are your family. For now, and for always, you belong with us” he clarified.

“You would do that for me?” Mary asked trembling as tears were about to choke her.

“In an instant” Bettina said, grabbing Mary’s hand in both of hers. “We would be honoured if you would become our daughter”

Their daughter, Mary thought as the tears started to fall. She hadn’t been anyone’s daughter in a long while. She really wanted to become their daughter, she felt, as they did, that she belonged here.

For a moment she wondered if she should feel guilty towards her parents for wanting Kopa and Bettina to adopt her. But then she hoped that they would want her to be happy and safe. And to have Kopa as her father and Bettina as her mother would make her both happy and safe.

Mary realised that the two other people at the table were still waiting for her to respond. Bettina clung to her hand in a way that made Mary understand that the kind woman was hoping she would agree.

“I would love to” she finally croaked out as the tears that were now falling made her throat close up.

Bettina jumped up from the table and before Mary knew it, she had been dragged on her feet by the woman and was engulfed in a tight hug. Kopa came to stand beside them, putting his hands on each of them. Mary looked up to meet his eyes and she could se tears in them. They both smiled at each other despite the tears.

“It will take some time for the paperwork to go through, but I will get it started today” Kopa said, not wanting to waste a moment.

“And we will celebrate by trying our best to make Kopa a poor man” Bettina laughed, hugging Mary again. Both women were crying now. Breakfast had become quite a sentimental deal in the household with all of them crying and smiling.

After a few more tears, a couple of hugs and smiles that wouldn’t go away, they all got ready to head out. Mary vas a bit nervous as it would be the first-time walking around Salmis for her.

As they walked down the street, she realised how much she stood out in this city. Despite having her hair hanging in a braid down her back, her appearance was nothing like the other woman that she could see.

Mary’s cloak was black and heavy, the fabric was dense and cut in a way that made it hang in almost a perfect circle around her. Concealing her body and somewhat constricting her movements.

The other women wore cloaks that were swaying and conforming to their movements. They all had vibrant colours and were decorated with embroideries. The exception was the grey rides that wore plain grey cloaks.

Kopa said goodbye and went on to the magistrate’s office, promising to meet up with them for lunch. Bettina led Mary towards the tailor she told Mary that she always used. After a while Bettina noticed that Mary seemed uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong Mary?” she asked.

“I just feel that people are looking at me, I’m not used to it, and it makes me a bit nervous” Mary said uneasy, looking around.

“Don’t worry, we will soon have you in some clothes that makes you blend in a bit more. But I’m afraid that people will always take notice of you Mary, especially men” Bettany said with a smile.

“Why?” Mary asked, feeling genuine surprised.

“You’re a beautiful woman Mary, you can’t tell me that men haven’t told you this before” Bettina teased. But Mary just frowned.

“No, they haven’t. Only one man has ever shown me any kind of…” Mary searched for the right word. “… affection” she decided on. “It was my friend Erik. He would tease me that I was beautiful. But that’s it” she confessed.

“Mary, I don’t think he was teasing you.” Bettina laughed as they made their way through the unfamiliar streets. Mary was trying to take everything in and trying to keep up with the conversation.

“He must have been, no one else ever told me, or showed any interest in me. I lived in a castle full of unwed soldiers. If I was beautiful, I would think at least one of them would have noticed or taken interest” Mary said with conviction.

Bettina looked at Mary in surprise. If it was true that none of the young men had shown interest in Mary, then things must be different in Domne, Bettina thought. Or maybe the lack of interest had other reasons. What ever they were, it had left Mary with the impression that she was plain looking. Bettina needed to make her see the truth.

Bettina guided Mary to a small shop with an outside that were painted in green, lilac, and gold. In the window there were displayed fabrics and a dress that looked to be of the same style as Tariana, Mildy and Leana had used.

“This is our goal for today” Bettina said, opening the door and ushering Mary inside.

“Good morning” a woman greeted them. Mary looked at her and was awed at her beauty. She had skin like a dark chocolate ganache, dark eyes with flecks of gold and long, black hair that were twisted in small strands that hung loos down her back.

“Good morning Cheara” Bettina greeted the woman.

“Ah Bettina, I didn’t see you there. How have you been?” The woman called Cheara said with a smile.

“Fine as always. Kopa is back and you know that makes me happy”

“I bet it does” Cheara said with a chuckle. “I heard they had no luck this time either” she continued and turned serious.

“I’m afraid not” Bettina confirmed.