To say I had a hangover was an understatement, found in the kitchen this morning with stolen wine and tarts, father got a good laugh while mother scolded me for getting caught, at least she’s honest. 

Laying in my bed, I looked up, today was the second day, a wondrous day, the day that was the worst of them all because of one thing. 

Nothing important happens.

Unlike the first day where a crystal lands, the third day where there’s a fiasco in town, the fourth where news spreads and the fifth where we die, the second was rather boring, which meant I had to make it fun. 

Strapping on my corset, the maids helped me dress to impress, they put oils in my hair, and I gladly wore whatever they gave me. 

Most of today has many wonders to discover, I’m sure there’s something fun that’s to happen! 

Walking about, I find Mother who sits near a window, smoking her pipe. 

“Good day mother, how are you?” I say, sitting down beside her. 

“Your father couldn’t even blow out my back this time, stress is really getting to him.” She said with a sigh. 

What a wonderful start to this conversation Mother. 

“I see, a shame really, but I’m sure you’ll be screaming and pulling his hair in the morning.” I said as I politely stood up, 

“Speaking of, how’s your efforts with Count Trixx going? While he’s pretty I can’t help but think that’s all he is.” Emptying her pipe, mother looked to me and I grinned. 

“Who knows, for now, I just plan on having fun, just as you’d like.” 

Mother had always told me to do what I wanted, she pushed me out so she gets to decide what happens to me, and so she allows me to do whatever my heart wants, as long as I don’t trouble too many others. 

Standing up, I kiss her cheek and giggle. “Thank you, Mother, until supper.” 

And with that, I ran along, circling the halls until I found my target, clearly out breath and skidded to stop and leaned against the wall. 

“What a coincidence seeing you here dear Count.” 

Judging by his look he didn’t get much sleep, which might have been partially my fault, either way, he looked just as hungover as I was, yet he was still so dashing. 

“I suppose…now, what is it, Lady Alindell.” If annoyance could have a voice it would be his. 

“I simply missed you, am I not allowed to miss my favorite twat?” 

Stunned into silence again, he looked at me with this look that belonged at an opera, or at dinner with mother. 

“I-“ Trying to speak he couldn’t, and with that I took the opportunity to take his arm. 

“Shall we go into town? I would love your company.” Today was the day that Wilkins was to rummage around fathers study, so of course it would be beneficial if I left the manor, and I know he knows that. 

But judging by the hilarious scowl on his face he wasn’t pleased. 

“I suppose, what pulls you to town?” He manages to ask as he walks me down the hall. 

“Why I’m looking to buy a new dress, I was thinking the colors of the skies, honey gold, spring pink, and lavender purple.” A sunset dress would look stunning on me no doubt. 

I was the most gorgeous woman in this part after all, and I worked hard to keep it that way, growing your hair this long isn’t easy after all. 

“I see, then shall we go now?” He said. 

Well, look at you being all demanding! I can imagine how slappable your buns are, so squishy and delectable. 

Smirking, I sway to the side, while sure I may have some issues, this man’s entire body is perfect in every way, it would be an actual crime to not admire it. 

 “I would love to.” I promptly said with a bright smile as we were off to town, I had lost count of how often we had gone, how some trips felt like fresh summer and others like a carriage in winter.  

Hopping into a carriage, and arriving in town, I found myself breathing in the warm summer air, basking in the sunlight I opened my arms. 

“Lovely weather, I could stay out here forever, what about you Count Trixx?” Turning around, I watch as he steps from the carriage and looks to the sky. 

“Quite, a splendid summer day.” Nodding, he put his hands behind his back, as he began to walk closer, he always had this scholarly look to him, so I won’t lie and say I wasn’t surprised when I found out he could wield a sword. 

Skipping down the lane, we came across the boutique I had wanted to go to, for quite some time. 

It was famous, even in the capital, but they refused to move, after all, this was their home, and they loved making dresses for all. 

Nobody designed dresses like BellClaire, they were the finest shop in my opinion, and my favorite. 

Getting closer and closer, I can’t help but notice a ruckus outside, a gathering really. 

“Goodness, it’s rather busy today.” I said, standing on my toes to be able to look over the crowd, I can’t help but wonder what’s here. 

Is it new? Interesting? A possible new path to take?

While looking around, my thoughts were soon shut down when I heard a fair voice speak. 

“Fenton, is that you…?” 

Stepping out from the crowd, a beautiful lady with light pink hair the color of pink petals, and a soft dress closes in. 

I watch as his hand curls up, a habit he had, he hated this woman, that I knew well, the princess, Addison Felderyn. 

“It’s so wonderful to see you, I missed you so much.” Giggling, she walks closer, a bright smile on her face. 

No wonder there was such a crowd here, the incest princess was shopping for a dress. 

“Greetings your highness, it’s a pleasure to see you in good health.” I had never heard his voice so cold, not even while killing my family. 

This sadness was something only I could see, or I felt only I could see, to everyone else he looked as if he would start lopping off heads any second, and I’m sure he wished he could. 

“Oh Fenton, how many times do I have to tell you, call me Addy.” 

The princess sweetly smiled, and before I knew it I was walking closer and closer. 

“I-“ Before Count Trixx could even say a word, I took hold of his arm, hugging it as I beamed up at him. 

“Trixxy there you are, I was worried I lost you in the crowd.” I watched as his eyes widened, and I gave him a small smile before looking at the princess. 

“Oh goodness, you're beautiful, are you from around here?” Acting my hair color, I mindlessly smiled, just seeing her shock as I grabbed his arm told a story of its own, I knew today would be a treasure. 

“And you are…?” The princess managed to stammer out. 

“Oh! Excuse my rudeness, I’m horrible with formalities still.” Yet while saying that, I let go of his arm and gave the most perfect curtsy in the entire world, I worked to perfect my mannerisms, I may be from the country but that means nothing when you’ve died as many times as me.  

“I am Belliana Alindell, daughter of Baron Alindell, we dance in the wine industry.” Politely, I latch back into Count Trixx’s arm. 

I could feel his tension stir, how his muscles went stiff, and for once it wasn’t because of me, would you look at that, I won’t lie, it was nice to not have his anger directed at me for once. 

Not that I mind, nobody stabs and chokes me like he does. 

Grinning, I rest my head against him, smiling at the princess. 

“And if I may, who might you be?”

And thus the battle began.