Kalani Necklace

That night, after the birthday party, Rory sat down at her bedroom surrounded by a mountain of gifts. Elara, her personal maid, and a few others helped her open and arrange them. Some gifts still lay in the drawing room, waiting to be brought in.

Rory's face glowed with joy.

So many presents. All for her

"Oh, Lady Rory, look at this!" Elara held up a delicate piece of jewelry. "It's from Lord Severn. The dwarves made it. Isn't it stunning?"

Rory's eyes widened. The craftsmanship was exquisite. She ran her fingers over the intricate details, marveling at its beauty.

Another maid held up a bolt of fabric."Feel this, my lady. So soft. And the colors—green and pink, blended perfectly."

Rory's smile grew wider. She touched the fabric, savoring its smoothness. The colors shimmered under the light, catching her eye.

The room buzzed with excitement. The maids chattered, their voices rising and falling as they admired each gift.

Expensive, rare, and beautiful. Every item seemed to outshine the last.

Rory's heart swelled. These weren't just gifts. They were tokens of affection, proof of how much she was cherished.

A knock interrupted the moment. The butler stood at the door.

"Lady Rory, the Duke requests your presence in the leisure room."

Rory nodded, still smiling. "I'll be there shortly."

She glanced around the room one last time. The gifts sparkled, a testament to the love and care of those around her. For a moment, she let herself bask in the warmth of it all. Then, with a deep breath, she rose to meet her father.

***

The lavish Wynter Estate's leisure room glowed with warmth. Intricate tapestries hung on the walls, and polished marble floors caught the flicker of candlelight.

Duke Wynter sat in a high-backed chair. Beside him, Lady Victoria elegantly pose her posture straight and her expression calm. Their son, Julian, leaned casually against the fireplace, his sharp eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him.

Rory's green eyes sparkled with excitement as she entered the room, her smile bright and eager.

Lady Victoria's elegant fingers unwrapped a satin box, revealing the Starlight Serenade necklace. Diamonds and sapphires shimmered like stars.

"Rory, dear," Lady Victoria said, her voice soft and full of affection, "this necklace has been passed down through generations. It's a symbol of our love for you.

Duke Wynter nodded, his smile warm. "We're proud of the person you're becoming, Rory. This gift is for you."

Rory's face lit up as Lady Victoria fastened the necklace around her neck. The gemstones caught the light, dancing across her skin. For a moment, she looked radiant.

But then her smile faltered. Her gaze dropped to the necklace, then flicked back to her parents. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice flat. "But… I wanted the Kalani Necklace from Azura."

The room went quiet. Duke Wynter's expression hardened, his jaw tightening. Lady Victoria's eyes widened, her smile fading. Julian shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Rory crossed her arms, her earlier joy replaced by a pout. The Starlight Serenade, a treasure of their family, suddenly felt small in her hands.

Duke Wynter's voice was firm when he finally spoke. "Rory, this necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry. It's a part of our history. Your history."

But Rory didn't seem to care. Her mind was already elsewhere, fixed on the necklace she didn't get. It wasn't just any necklace—it was the one she'd been dreaming about for weeks. The one she thought would finally make her feel special. But now, it was gone. And the disappointment burned inside her like a fire she couldn't put out.

Her blonde curls bounced as she stamped her foot, her green eyes blazing with frustration.

"I want the Kalani Necklace from Azura!" she demanded sharply. "Father promised it to me!"

The Duke sighed, his tone patient but firm. "Rory, we've already given you the Starlight Serenade necklace. It's a masterpiece. The Kalani Necklace is their national treasure. It's not something we can simply take."

Rory's face flushed red. "You always make promises you don't keep! Julian gets everything he wants. Why am I always ignored?" Her voice cracked, and she crossed her arms tightly, her lower lip trembling.

Lady Victoria reached out with soothing words. "Rory, darling, we love you just as much as Julian. The Kalani Necklace is out of our reach. Let's find something equally beautiful for the Harvest Ball."

"No!" Rory shouted, her voice rising. "I want that necklace. If I don't get it, I won't go to the ball at all!"

The Duke's patience wore thin. "Rory, this behavior is unacceptable. We won't reward unreasonable demands."

Julian stepped in, his tone calm but firm. "Rory, the Starlight Serenade necklace is stunning. You'll look incredible at the ball. Don't throw a fit over something we can't control."

Rory's face twisted with anger. "You're all against me!" she cried. Without another word, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. The sound echoed through the estate, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

The Duke rubbed his temples, his expression weary. Lady Victoria placed a gentle hand on his arm, her eyes filled with concern. Julian remained by the fireplace, his gaze fixed on the closed door.

***

Rory stormed out of the leisure room, her green eyes blazing. "I hate them!" she shouted, her voice echoing down the hallway. Her blonde curls bounced wildly as she rushed past startled maids.

"M'lady, please—" one maid attempted to soothe, but Rory brushed past her, silk skirts swirling.

"Butler Stevens!" Rory demanded, spotting him. "Tell Father I despise the Starlight Serenade necklace!"

Stevens' expression remained composed. "As you wish, m'lady." His measured tone contrasted sharply with Rory's turmoil.

Rory sprinted up the grand staircase, her footsteps echoing off the marble. Maids scurried out of her path, exchanging worried glances. The butler watched her ascent, his expression a mask of concern.

As Rory reached her bedroom door, she flung it open and slammed it shut behind her, the sound resonating through the manor.