Judgment
As soon as I’d taken my last bite my sister was on her feet. She barely ate any of her food. I’m sure the food wasn’t up to par with what she thought she deserved to eat. They weren’t even supposed to be cooking today. She should have just been thankful that they were there. Food that warms your belly is one of the little things in life that I look forward to. How did we grow up so different?
I followed Ava as she walked out of the dining hall. The guards that had followed us out of my room were waiting outside. They stayed close as we headed toward one of the nearby buildings that was supposed to be used to entertain guests. We never really used this building, but Ava was walking toward it. I knew the large outdoor patio would be perfect for what she had in mind.
As much as I’d hoped she would have given up on that part of the schedule I knew better. The guards opened the door and I followed her in. The building hadn’t been used but had servants to upkeep it. They’ve done a marvelous job. As we walk in Ava makes her way up the stairs and I follow her.
Peering down at the beautifully polished floors and walls, a spiral staircase leads up to an open room. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light and large double doors open up to the outside patio. The servants at the doors push them open and I take a deep breath as I step outside. Tall tables and chaise lounge chairs sit outside overlooking the pack territory.
Ava takes a seat on a long white chair with gold finishing. I take a seat next to her on a second chaise. She looks out over the edge and I watch her as she scans the people down below. The men are dressed in their best. The women are beautiful as they walk effortlessly under this hot sun.
“Where are the refreshments?” Ava asked. One of the servants standing by the door came forward. Her head bowed as she addressed us.
“We’re getting it ready right now,” she whispered.
“Hurry! Can’t you tell I’m hot,” Ava said as she patted her forehead.
“I’ll go see what’s keeping them,” she said.
Ava waved her away. As soon as she was gone and the door closed behind her, Ava leaned forward. She looked down at the people on the ground. A sneer on her lips as she glared down at the women.
“What is she wearing?” Ava gasped.
I looked at who she was talking about. My lips parted as I saw the woman. She was dressed in a contour corset belt in natural linen. The dress fell just below her ankles but it wasn’t low enough to touch the floor. Her hair fell down her back to her backside. The beautiful blonde curls bounced with every step. She was stunning. I glanced at Ava, my sister would find fault in anyone.
“She looks like she’s wearing a sack made for potatoes,” Ava muttered. Her eyes dart from the blonde to a woman standing under the shade of a willow tree. “She’s practically naked! What have we as women come to? How scandalous!”
I did a double take and looked at this so-called scandalous woman. She wore black satin with an over-bust harness. Her shoulders were out and her hair was tied back and one single braid falling down her back. She wasn’t wearing a corset, her dress went down below her knees, and swooped outwards. Dark red rouge painted her lips and she held herself beautifully. I remembered her earlier as the Luna of the Skyridge pack. I knew why Ava called her scandalous. Women were expected to have tiny waists and wear corsets. The standards we were held to were ridiculous. The only time we weren’t laced up was when we went to bed. Since she didn’t have a corset so she was considered naked. I wanted to laugh.
“She looks fine to me,” I said.
Ava gave me a look that said I would think that. She turned from me and continued judging the women below. I kept my mouth shut and avoided engaging in conversation with her. After a few hours of that, she was finally satisfied. I was thankful for the snacks and drinks to pass the time.
When my sister stood to her feet I knew it was time for the next item on the schedule. I followed her out but not before staring longingly at the bookshelves that decorated the hall. I don’t think I remembered seeing them before. As much as I wish I could, there’s never any time for it. Turning from the only escape I know of, I follow her outside. When I realize we’re heading back to the packhouse I ask her why we’re going home.
“I’ve had the handmaidens draw a bath for you. You’ve been sweating all day. It’s a good thing we chose multiple dresses from the dressmaker. We need you fresh and clean when you… when you go to your celebration. Can’t have you stinking up the party,” Ava said.
“Of course not,” I said bitterly.
After sitting underneath the blazing sun a bath sounded lovely. The part that I didn’t like was that it was in preparation for Ethan. Time was ticking and I only had a couple of hours left.
“While you’re bathing I have to step out. I won’t be long. I have to check the meeting hall and make sure everything is prepared. I can’t have anything go wrong. I’ve had everything picked out and the decorations are light, but I need to be sure before everyone starts heading over.”
As the packhouse draws nearer I dig my thumb into my index finger. I’m screaming inside and I can hear Korra telling me to run. I can’t run, I can’t do anything. Not when they have Shane. I’ll wait until I’m in the bath. At least I’ll have some time alone before I have to face Ethan.
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