trust him? He hasn’t done anything to make me think otherwise.
“Ornella! Aren’t you listening?!” Mother shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts as she stood in front of me. She had her
hands on both her hips as she tapped her foot heavily on the ground. “Did you even hear what I said?”
I shook my head, waiting for the repercussions for my ignorance. Mother didn’t show any ounce of love to my siblings or
me when we had company. I was used to her cold shoulder most of the time.
“I said, once you’ve been fitted for your dress, you are to head downstairs to have dinner with Dorian. To discuss the
arrangements of your marriage with your father and I.”
My stomach turned at the mention of his name and the idea of sitting there, pretending to be grateful or happy with their
choices as well as eating.No, thank you.
“Mother, as much as I would love to, I am not feeling very well, and I don’t think it would be a good idea to push myself
before the big day.”
She tutted at me and turned on her heel, heading back to her comfortable seat and crossed one leg over the other, before she
said, “You do not think about these matters. You just do them.”
I felt myself grow angry at her reply. I wasn’t going to sit there, look pretty and be quiet. I wasn’t that person and as much
as my father would allow Mother to step all over him and run wild, I wasn’t going to let her do the same to me.
“Well, as heir to the throne. I am going to rest and perhaps tomorrow, if I feel better, then I will meet with my father and
Dorian to discuss everything.”
I stepped off the stool and Maria began to protest before I turned to look at her with a coldness deep within my eyes. I may
have been my father’s daughter, but I was also my mother’s and I needed to bring some fire to get myself out of this room
before I threw up.
“And until I am dead, you will only ever be the heir.”
“Correction, dear mother, until Father is dead. You will then become dowager queen and Dorian may think he will rule, but
he will not. Now, hurry up and get this over with, I wish to bathe.”
Clicking my fingers, the assistant worked quickly at getting the rest of my measurements. Maria played with fabrics or
whatever around me. After another ten minutes or so, they were done, and Kathlyn was throwing my navy-blue dress back over
me.
Talia was silently watching with a rather playful look on her face while Mother stayed silent. I could see the red-hot rage
as it covered her face and spread down her neck. She was clearly biding her time with her reaction. I was grateful when I left
the room minutes later, ignoring Mother’s protests as I headed up to my chambers.
“Kathlyn, I do not need your assistance tonight. I wish to be alone.”