Iviyana

It had taken the better part of the morning as the maids pinched, niched and arranged my body according to their wishes. Then they had moved on to undress me and scrubbing my body clean in the bath.  I had fought tooth and nail. The dark purple bruises and scratch marks on the meanest one will testify. She was as tall as me and had some meat on her bones unlike me. She subdued me with some help from her sister. Both looked similar. 

My cheeks reddened as I remembered the shame. I cannot let what happened today repeat. I have become malnourished since I came here. I should up my food intake from three to five a day. Then no one will be able to mess with me or look down on me . I glared at my nemesis who stood guarding the door. Just you wait. She ducked her head to her sister who shrugged in return. I harrumphed.

No matter what I threatened or how many curses flew out of my mouth, they didn't stop and carried on to do their work stoically. My  hair was next. They unbraided it and washed it with soap and some powder mixed in water. The fragrance that emanated took me by surprise. It was the same one I always smelled on the bastard . And it is  as wonderful as I remember. I let the aromatic scent sooth me and surrendered my body willingly to their  ministrations. I don't know why but that scent calmed me like nothing else despite the fact that its owner made me want to kill him in different ways. Like always, I let go of the things I couldn't understand or make sense of. Halfway in, I started enjoying the pampering I was receiving, for the first time in my life.

The seamstress had then come  in with one of the loveliest black colored ball gown with black sequins and black sparkling stones. I oohed and aahed at it much to her and the other's delight who were much happy now with my acceptance and approval of their work. They helped me in donning it. It was  a perfect fit and I thanked the seamstress profusely for creating such a masterpiece. She reddened at my praise. My mood  turned drastically. I forgot all my anger and happily assisted the others. A collective sigh of relief hit me. It was then I realized how ignorant and selfish I had behaved when it wasn't even their fault. I had apologized much to their surprise and the rest is history.

The tensed atmosphere had changed quickly with my apology. Although  not all were satisfied and begrudgingly helped me in amiable silence. One of the sisters had even smiled at me.

 And now I stared dumbfounded at my reflection. Is that really me?

"Yes and you look really beautiful." I turned to the seamstress as she fussed over the the folds of the gown. Did I speak out loud?

I didn't care.

 I have never felt more womanish than I was doing now. More like a lady. I never cared how I looked. More busy in the practical world of life. Maisie was always dressed to impress and I had once tried to imitate her style. I grimaced at the memory of the very unsuccessful attempt of mine that had resulted in  being the laughing stock of the village for a whole month. I had run back home ,scrubbing off my face and tearing off my clothes in anger , not withstanding the humiliation any further. Maisie being the ringleader. Even the elders had laughed at my face. Since then I had refrained for any such endeavor and lived with my simple self and I enjoyed it. It gave me much more freedom . To do as I like, having the freedom to hunt down Maisie and her imitations to teach them a valuable lesson or irk the elders who had laughed. 

 But now, as I looked at myself more and more, I finally understood what it meant to look like this. No one will laugh at me now. I dare them to.

I grinned big and turned around ,looking at each and every one of them. "Thank you for making me feel this good about myself." I said softly. Their eyes widened. I smiled in gratitude, showing them my earnestness. This time ,all of them smiled back and this doubled my happiness. They bowed not paying heed to my vigorous shake of head and went out leaving me alone.

 I looked at myself again and again. My long hair brushed my hips and sashayed as I turned this way and that. If only Papa was here to witness this...this enormous moment of my life. This.. beautiful me. 

I turned around and walked to the door .I have to show it to Genie. She'll be so surprised. And Mr.Berovin and ..The door crashed open before I could get to it. I looked up in surprise. And kept on looking. Gawking.

Because there he stood. Looking even more magnificent than before. Dressed in all black, his tunic adorned the same stones that my gown did. Our clothes matched as if made from the same cloth. A section of his hair was pulled back from his face in some intricate braids and secured with a tie at the back of his head, falling down his mid back. His silver eyes were accentuated more than usual  framed by kohl-rimmed lids. The translucent skin shined.

"Wipe that drool before it drizzles to the ground." Those red lips commanded and I conceded, bringing my hand up to do his bidding. Wipe the drool. Yes.

What? What? What?

I jerked my hand down from my face and glared at the black devil.

"Tsk,tsk... Just because you are dressed like a lady doesn't really makes you one." He said as he glanced up and down my body.  " But this'll have to do. "

I bristled at the direct insult. "I never asked for your opinion and I only act like a "lady" in front of genteel and refined men."  I made a show of looking here and there ,behind him and around him. "There isn't one in sight right now so I can do as I please."  I said battling my lashes at his narrowed ones.  "Now, will you be kind enough to let me know what this is all about?" 

"You don't have to know. Just try keeping that big mouth shut." With that demand he exited the room. 

I followed to give him a piece of my mind and halted as soon. He stood outside my room with a group of guards. Nodding his head at me he instructed. "Keep your eyes on her at all times. I don't want any excuses later. Don't let her out of your sight even for a single moment. She is not to be left unsupervised in any condition. Am I clear ?" I frowned at his odd display of protection or should I say supervision.

The head guard ,  the one I have seen a couple of times with my beloved, nodded his bald head once. The bastard turned to me. "Come."  With the single word command he walked to the main door and out, expecting me to follow.  He really knows how to get on my nerves. I'll show him who he is dealing with. 

I walked as slowly as I could. Let the bastard wait.

Outside , he stood with his hands on his waist, glaring at me. "I didn't think you'll be able to make it out today, seeing there were 10 BIG STEPS to conquer."  he said sarcastically.

I smiled sweetly. "Oh , I tried walking fast as usual  but as a "pretend lady" I have to be careful and maintain my image."

His glower intensified and the smile on my face lingered longer, enjoying it all the more.

He turned away and whistled. I didn't knew he could do that. A large horse came prancing from around the side wall. The horse stopped in front of him. I stood rooted to the ground.

" Oh hell no." I said. I am not getting up on that. He can tell Papa everything. I don't care. I AM NOT GETTING UP ON THAT THING EVEN IF I HAVE TO DIE.

He must have heard me. "Don't twist your knickers. Black hates you much more than I do. Isn't it, my friend ?" He turned to the horse, patting his head affectionately. The horse neighed happily. Like master ,like beast. The bastard smirked back at me.  I looked up at the sky. Just take him, please Lord.

A black carriage rolled in with two horses upfront. I watched as the coachman jumped down and bowed his head to the monster, opening the door.

The bastard nodded me to get in. "That's how you'll be travelling. I'll follow with Black. "  With that he dismissed me and turned to the guards once again, talking in softer tones but no less commanding. Rude bastard. I didn't wait around for him and moved to the carriage. The coachman held out his hand for me. I smiled in thanks, not that he noticed. His eyes were on ground. What's with the people here? 

Before I could take it, the bastard was there, holding my hand .No sign of the coach man. His large hand folded over mine. I was so surprised at this action that I let him help me. It was rough but still so very gentle.  I took the steps up and seated myself on the plush cushion. I looked around at the interior of the carriage. It was spacious and comfortable. I smiled. I felt like a princess , the ones I had heard about. Feeling eyes on me, I turned to see that the bastard had yet to leave. He was standing  at the door looking down at something. My eyes followed just what was  so interesting. My hand was still enclosed in his. I jerked it back from his immediately.

His head snapped up at me as if just now realizing what had happened. The silvery depths cleared as he blinked ,a bit confused.  He glowered back at me as he came to his senses as if I was the one at fault. My mouth hung open at the audacity.  "Don't open the curtains." He barked and shut the door forcefully making the whole carriage shake. Seriously, what is wrong with his head ?!

Finally ,the carriage started rolling. Ignoring his order, I lifted the curtain and peeked outside as the castle walls gave way to the scenery I had fallen in love with. I watched it all and then settled back with a sigh. 

I was still unsure as to what was going on? Where was he taking me ? and why? Everything seemed like a big mystery. But what could I do but listen to the monster and follow his orders. I had no fear for my safety .The bastard won't do anything to harm his relationship with Papa. He valued Papa way too much. So that meant nothing must happen to me, his only daughter and the love of life. Only time will tell what it held for me. Till then all I could do was move along with the bastard's plan. 

Whatever it was, again.