Talia practically dived into my closet as she found the blue dress. It reminded me of just how young she was, even if she
was nearing her age to be shipped off and married. I adored seeing her as my younger sister. I wished for her to stay this
way forever.
“Kathlyn, I will need a different dress. This one has mud on it from my walk. Find me the dark green version please.”
I was still going to wear something less dressy, and of course, Talia wanted to match me this evening. Dark green happened
to be the only other colour I had, other than the blue and lilac. Throwing off the lilac dress, Kathlyn replaced it with the green.
She brushed my hair out, leaving me with natural waves. She then secured a velvet choker that matched the emerald of my
dress around my neck.
Nerves snaked up my back as I thought about Lord Cole sitting downstairs. I wondered if we’re going to discuss anything.
Perhaps Mother had changed her mind, and he would be the best suitor for me.
He was a proper gentleman, and seemed to come from a well-to-do family. Clearly he was an heir of some sort, even if he
did need to marry for luck and money. He seemed to get on rather well with Norok and Father, which was a good sign. I could
use that to my advantage.
Linking arms again with Talia, we headed downstairs towards the dining hall. We were chatting amongst ourselves, mostly
about silly things when Gelda joined us at the staircase with Norok. She quickly lowered her eyes and curtsied towards us
both.
“Why don’t you head downstairs, Gelda. I need to speak with my sisters.” Norok’s voice was stern and Gelda’s eyes lit up
as she looked at me. She was likely hoping I was going to get into trouble, quickly descending down the stairs and into the
dining hall.
“Ella, how could you say those things to Gelda? She has only ever been polite to you.”
“Norok, I will say as I see fit. She was looking for information to hand over to Mother about me.”
He tutted at me and rolled his eyes, tensing his shoulders. It was the only sign that showed his annoyance.
“Talia, go and join the others. We will be with you shortly.”
Talia did as she was told, without question. Norok being the oldest out of the three, he would often have the most power.
Turning around, I headed to sit down on one of the small decorative chairs in the hallway. Norok took the seat next to me.
“Ornella, I know more than anyone how nosey Gelda can be. All she wants is to be on yours, Talia’s, and Mother’s good
side. Did you really have to be so harsh earlier? She came running into my room, crying just as Mother arrived moments before
to talk about boring wedding things. She then told us everything you had said.”
“I didn’t mean to be as harsh or hurtful as I was. It’s just she was so informal towards me, and in front of her friends,” I
paused, running a hand through the front of my hair, nervously. “You know I would never talk down to anyone of low birth, but