Possible
For a second I don’t utter a word. I just stare at Ava, her cheeks flushed from a mixture of anger, jealousy, and embarrassment. The sun has the same effect on her, sweat drips down the side of her face and falls to the ground. Everything she’s ever done to me has me sitting back and enjoying every second of her fit. I can see her anger rising with my lack of response and it only makes this moment sweeter.
“What’s the rush? Our guest of honor has arrived. We have more than enough time,” I said. “What do we even have to do?” I asked.
“We’re going to be judging the others from higher ground,” Ava said.
“You can’t be serious?” I laughed. When I looked at my sister the expression on her face answers that. She’s dead serious. “Why would we do that?” I asked.
“It’s what anyone of high nobility does. Our guests have arrived and now we’ll go and judge them,” Ava said. She said it as if this explanation was enough to make me understand.
“Skipping breakfast to greet guests is one thing. Continuing not to eat because we’re judging makes no sense to me,” I said.
“You’re not eating because you’ll bloat. I would like for you to fit it in your dress,” Ava said. Her words were meant to taunt me. As if I cared about fitting in my dress. “We need to keep your waist thin. If I’m being honest with you, you look like you’ve gained a few pounds,” she whispered with mock sincerity. Her words were meant to hurt me but I already knew that was a lie. If anything, I’ve lost.
“I’m so happy you’re concerned with my weight and my looks, but I’ve got that under control. Besides,” I said as I took a step toward her. “Men like a little something to hold onto. Not everyone finds a thin waist appealing.”
Her cheeks flushed further and I knew she got what I insinuated. It was petty but I’ve had enough of her consistent prattle. It was time I put her in her place. If I stopped now she would only get worse. I’ve been proving to her that I won’t be taking any more of it. I turned on my heel and headed inside the packhouse. I would find that kitchen boy. I don’t care what he made me. Anything would be better than this bottomless pit I felt in my belly. I don’t bother checking to see if my sister is following me. I already know she will follow even if she’s not right on my tail. It is my day after all and if this is my celebration day I can at least have a bite to eat. When we grow near the dining room the guards there open it for us. I walk through the large room and push open the servants’ door. There aren’t any meals being prepped here today but there are a couple of servants cleaning in here. I spot the boy right away and nod at him as he dips his head respectfully.
“You’ve found me again,” the boy said.
“I have,” I smile.
“What would you like?” He asked.
“I would appreciate anything. Thank you,” I said.
Taking my leave, I turn from him and walk back through the door to find my sister glaring at me. I ignore her and walk to the table. Taking a seat I close my eyes and wait. I hear her shuffle on her feet before walking toward me and taking a seat.
“You shouldn’t show how comfortable you are going into the servant area,” Ava said. I decide to ignore her and don’t open my eyes. Maybe if I block her out she’ll leave me alone. “It’s unbecoming of an heir,” Ava continued. I couldn’t help but groan.
“Don’t you ever get tired of being better than everyone else?” I asked. Opening my eyes, I find my sister who is sitting across the table from me in her usual spot near father’s chair. If she wasn’t already sitting up straight I know she would have straightened her back. “Isn’t it exhausting looking down your nose at everyone?”
“Why would I tire of my place?” Ava asked.
“Your place? Have you ever been honest with yourself about your place?” I asked. I shake my head. I need to stop. Arguing with her is pointless. I can already feel a headache coming on and the last thing I need is to engage with a useless argument.
“I know my place,” Ava said. “Do you know yours?” She asked. She doesn’t even give me time to respond. “How could you know your place? You’re sneaking around with a servant, a wanna-be alpha that will never move higher than his station. You are an heir, Adealine. Why don’t you act like one? Walking through the servant’s quarters as if you belong there,” Ava said. She didn’t bother hiding the disgust from her voice.
“Why do any of these things matter? Is his station of any importance when he was made for me? Why do you confine yourself within the limitations that others have given us? I don’t care what his station is. What he does shouldn’t be the deciding factor in a relationship. Why does his station define his worth? Aren’t you curious about who your mate is? Are you someone who can judge me? Look at yourself. You’ve given yourself to someone who isn’t destined for you!”
I slam my hands on the table and I realized I’d been yelling. I clear my throat and lean back in my seat. Removing my hands from the table I sit back and cool my features. My sister stares back at me with a snarl on her face.
“You think of things that aren’t possible. We are not people who make the laws of this world. We’re women, we’re destined to obey orders and follow what our father’s plans are for us. We don’t get to run after the fairy tale you’ve told yourself. I don’t have thoughts about my mate. I’m loyal to another. I won’t bother trying to explain loyalty to you. You’ve never had it,” Ava said.
The door opens and our conversation ends as the two servants from the kitchen walk out. The boy walks up to me and the girl walks up to Ava with their platters in hand. My food is placed in front of me and I turn and thank him before they dismiss themselves. I don’t bother speaking to my sister. I pick up my fork and begin to dig in, determined to enjoy one thing about this Goddess-forsaken day.
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