Chapter 7

I struggle with the unfamiliar jewellery, the delicate pieces slipping through my fingers as I attempt to fasten them. The pearls feel cold against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the room. The air is thick, almost suffocating, as if the walls are closing in on me. My breath hitches in frustration as I fumble with a necklace clasp, my movements awkward and clumsy.

Lillian enters the room silently, her presence both comforting and commanding. She notices my struggle immediately and steps behind me, her fingers deftly taking over the task. As she fastens the necklace around my neck, her touch is gentle, almost maternal. She works with practised ease, securing the earrings, the shoulder pieces, the arm and thigh bands, the wrist and chest jewellery, the forehead circlet, and finally the delicate chain around my waist and the anklet on my right leg. The weight of the adornments is unfamiliar but not entirely unpleasant.

Lillian's eyes catch mine in the mirror as she lets down my hair, her hands moving with purpose. She braids two small French braids from the centre of my hair, pulling them back to keep my pale blue strands away from my face. The rest of my hair cascades down my back, free and untamed. The pale colour of my hair stands out against the rich tones of the room, almost ethereal, like the soft light of dawn breaking through a winter's sky.

"Your hair colour is so pretty, just like a winter's sky. I picked out this outfit after seeing your hair," Lillian says, her voice a soft murmur, her breath warm against my ear.

"Why pearls?" I ask, my voice a whisper, barely audible above the pounding of my heart.

"Your eyes," she responds, her tone filled with admiration, "are the epitome of a pearl. Grey, silver, with that hint of mystery, just like the sea on a cloudy day."

I meet her eyes in the mirror, seeing the sincerity in her words. My eyes, usually a point of insecurity, seem to take on a new depth under her watch, as if they hold secrets that even I'm unaware of.

"What am I supposed to do here?" I ask, the question hanging heavy in the air. My voice betrays none of the turmoil roiling within me, but the weight of my decision presses down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Lillian's smile is reassuring, but there's a sadness behind it, a hint of something deeper, something that speaks to the experiences she's lived through. "Well, your main job is to serve. In whatever way the men require."

Her words are soft, but the meaning behind them is clear. The weight of what I've chosen to do settles on my shoulders like a mantle of cold iron. "I see. But I will be safe?"

Lillian's hand gently brushes against my cheek, and her touch is both comforting and grounding. "All I want for my girls is for them to be safe." Her voice is calm, almost soothing, and it eases some of the tension coiled within me.

As I take in her appearance, I'm struck by how different she is from Mother. Lillian's black hair, lustrous and sleek, contrasts sharply with Mother's innocence. Her eyes, deep and green like the heart of a forest, are framed by the emeralds adorning her body. The dress she wears clings to her curves, accentuating her figure in a way that's undeniably enticing. Her aura is one of confidence and allure, a woman who knows her power and wields it with precision. The beauty mark below her eye draws attention to her gaze, and her voice, though gentle, carries the enchanting quality of a siren's song.

I glance down at myself, now dressed similarly. The dress is tight, hugging my figure in a way that feels foreign but not uncomfortable. It's so different from the restrictive corsets and heavy fabrics of my usual attire. Here, I can breathe freely, the simple fabric of the dress resting lightly against my skin. The coldness of the jewellery contrasts with the heat of the room, and the occasional breeze against my bare legs is refreshing in the stifling air. For the first time in a long while, I feel… unburdened.

I take another look at myself in the mirror. Lillian's hand combs through my hair, and I hardly recognise the girl staring back at me. She looks so bare, so naked, yet there's a sense of adrenaline coursing through her veins. It's as if I'm on the brink of something monumental, standing at the edge of a precipice, ready to leap.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Lillian's question cuts through the moment, bringing me back to reality.

I am determined to accomplish what I came here for. What does it matter what people think of me if I'm dead? The thought flits through my mind like a shadow. I've accepted that if I go through with this, I may never marry. Men would be repulsed, my family humiliated. Mother… Mother would be ashamed. But if I can keep them alive, it will be worth it. I am the only one who has seen our ending, and I am the only one who can prevent it.

"I am sure," I reply, my voice steady, resolute.

Lillian's eyes soften, a mix of admiration and pity in her look. "My dear, one last thing—your real name?"

"Alora. My name is Alora." The words come out as a quiet affirmation of my identity. I am the daughter of the Captain of the Imperial Guard, the daughter of the Duke of Lavigne. I am a noble. But more than that, I am a girl who wants to protect her family. And I will do anything to ensure their safety.

"You have the most beautiful name, Alora. It suits you perfectly. Your mother must have known you would grow into such a gorgeous woman." Her voice carries a hint of sorrow, perhaps a touch of regret, and it makes me wonder if she somehow knew Mother. But the question lingers, unasked, as I doubt the possibility.

"What do I do first?" I ask, needing direction, something to anchor myself to in this strange new world.

Lillian's smile returns, though it's tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Well, I recommend finding a certain man you like the look of. Be a little friendly, and see what happens. The tips vary depending on how you serve them, but don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to. And don't hesitate to find me if you need help. I've got plenty of men on restraining orders, so just let me know if anyone gives you trouble."

"Thank you, Lillian," I say, gratitude seeping into my voice.

"Oh, and Daisy," she adds with a wink, "try not to sound so stoic when you speak. Be a bit more… flirtatious."

I force a smile, trying to inject some warmth into my tone. "Right… I wi— I'll try."

She pats my shoulder reassuringly. "Go get 'em, sweetie."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I'm scared, but I will be fine. What's the worst that can happen?