Talia and my mother and father. Talia took me into a tight hug and then looked me up and down, looking down at my dress with
disgust.
I was covered in mud up to my waistline, my hands were grazed, and I was bleeding from somewhere.
“Ornella, where have you been?”
Mother’s stern voice came as Kathlyn stepped out of her way. Her arms crossed, and the face of anger washed over it.
Although my mother was a soft woman, she hated when you disappointed her, and it was rare she’d accept an apology.
“I’m sorry. I went for a walk and got lost.”
She clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes at me. Turning around, she stormed off, and Father stayed back, not wanting to
come near me as he shook his head and followed Mother inside.
“Come on, let’s get you inside. A nice warm bath, some food and fresh clothes will help.”
Kathlyn linked my arm on one side into hers, and Talia did the same on the opposite side. Walking away, I looked over my
shoulder, sensing that those same red eyes were still on me, hoping I would catch sight of my mystery saviour. All I was met
with was total darkness.
I already knew his name. Which meant I already knew who he was, and that perhaps we’d met before.
Chapter 6
ORNELLA
Isat at the large dining table, surrounded by my family and Lady Gelda’s. The organising of my brother's grand wedding
corresponded with the Festival of Light. Mother continued to try and convince Father to allow for the wedding to be on the
same day, and each time, Father said no.
He did not want to anger the Goddess of Light by stealing her day for his own son's selfish needs. Even if it hadn’t been
Norok’s idea, but Mother's. He most certainly didn’t want to get married. Talia and I had already caught him with a few other
ladies in the last week or so. Poor Lady Gelda had no idea what she was getting herself into.
Norok, although he would treat her well and kindly, had wandering eyes and hands. He inherited that gene from our uncle
on our mother’s side. Dorian had many, many lovers, as well as several wives since I was alive. He and Father were very
close, seeing as Dorian was my mother’s older brother, and they were close in age.
Dorian and Father often took counsel together. He was his right-hand man, and often advised him on all matters of the
kingdom.
Dorian currently sat next to Father, pulling apart a carcass of something. As he ate whatever meat it was, he licked his
fingers before looking at me with a creepy smile.
He always gave me a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, and anytime he visited, I would do everything to make sure I