Truth be told, I didn’t hear much of what he said after that—something about cloud people and staying professional or something. I really wasn’t sure. The uncertainty of being kept in the dark about this “ethereal magic” irritated me the entire day. I was in a daze just thinking about it.

“You seem upset, my lady? Did Lord Rannon say something that upset you?” Angeline asked from her seat in the home theater.

I flashed out of my thoughts and grabbed another chocolate bar. “Yeah, something like that. There’s just a lot of things that still don’t make sense to me.”

She sighed, settling deeper into the recliner. “I know he can be…frustrating at times, but I can assure you that he doesn’t have any ill-intentions.”

“Not that I don’t trust you, Angeline, but,” I took a seat beside hers, “how can I be sure of that?”

“I know there’s nothing I could likely say that would convince you, but I only ask that you bear an open mind.”

“Pfft,” I scoffed, “I think I’ve been pretty damn open so far.”

“Ha,” she laughed. “That’s true.”

“You!” My eyes widened. “You just laughed!”

“That isn’t so surprising.”

“Uh, yeah, it is. You’re always doing one of these,” I said, mirroring her mean mug.

“Oh, please. I look nothing like that.”

“You so do.”

“I do not.”

“Yeah, you do!”

“Hush, the movie’s starting!”

…

The next morning was busier than I could have ever imagined. I was startled awake by constant chatter and the occasional crash as something, somehow broke and crashed against the marble floors. I could even make out Angeline’s usually monotone voice rising, shouting out orders here and there.

Suddenly, my door burst open. My head spun around towards the noise.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re awake,” Angeline said, marching past me and whipping open the curtains. “The manor has been preparing for Lady Augustine’s arrival all morning.”

“Lady Augustine?”

“Didn’t Lord Rannon tell you? The tailor will be coming by to make sure you look just right for tomorrow evening.”

“Oh, right, of course.” He probably did tell me; I just wasn’t listening.

“Well, Lady Augustine is rather famous amongst ethereals. Her handiwork is mesmerizing, but she hates to see even a single speck of dust. Otherwise, she’ll throw an enormous fit. I’ve seen it once. You do not want to be there for that.”

“Understood. It seems like you’re busy though; are you sure you have time to be watching over me?” I slid out of bed, enjoying the cold of the marble floors against my feet.

“It’s an inconvenience certainly, but Lord Rannon asked me to look after you, and I gave him my word that I would.”

“Talk about dedication.”

“Well, if you know, try to make things easier for me, will you?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

…

After breakfast, I found myself waiting in a parlor room, one I hadn’t been to before. Even after nearly a week living here, every room seemed to blend into each other. The rose gold details, the navy furniture, even the flowers bursting from every vase. It all looked the same. No wonder I got lost.

The only difference I could really see from this room and the others, was that this parlor had a small stage and a full-length mirror.

“She’s coming! She’s at the door!” Maids rushed into the parlor room, scurrying and taking their places behind a chaise. Among the line, I managed to catch a familiar face, Morian. I wanted to speak to her—apologise for tricking her the other day, but, as soon as I stood up, Angeline came running into the room.

She wore a twisted expression, her brows furrowed and her lips tugged down. Her gaze scanned the room in quick succession: the maids, the chaise, the floors. “Good. Everything looks good.”

The next sounds were like a stampede of clicking heels and shuffling fabrics. An army of well-dressed people bustled into the room, but it was clear which one was Lady Augustine. Thick purple locs spilled from a huge updo, decorated with flowers and beads and gold bands, which contrasted with the bright orange dress ensemble, but blended with the glossy purple eyeshadow and violet lipstick.

“Angeline!” She called, her sultry voice fluttering, “You’ve done an amazing job with the place, darling. Oh, if only you’d work for me instead of that pitiful Lord Rannon!”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to turn down your offer once again, my lady.” Angeline said, her voice completely returning to monotone.

“Hmph! At least visit once in a while! Bring that gorgeous wife of yours too.” Lady Augustine motioned her workers to begin setting up.

“Of course, Lady Augustine,” Angeline replied.

“And!” Lady Augustine stepped forth, her eyes falling upon me. A sudden nervous came over me. Here was the beautiful, fashionable woman looking at me, and I was still dressed in that old nightgown. “You must be the new Lady Rannon! Well, of course, not yet, considering the Arch Oracle may reject you but--”

My heart dropped. It was just for a moment, but I felt it. Why did I never think of that? What’ll happen to me if I’m not the one?

“You’ve got a very expressive face, young lady,” her soft voice shook me from my daze.

“So I’ve been told.” A nervous laugh escaped me.

“Oh, don’t worry too much, darling! Much as I dislike him for stealing one of my best workers, he’s a good man, I’ll give him that. He won’t throw you to the wolves or anything.”

“Marietta, you’re scaring her.” Angeline called over the chatter enveloping the room.

Lady Augustine huffed. “After all this time, you’re finally calling me that again. I suppose I’ll need to visit this girl more often,” her hand extended towards me. “Now, let’s get you measured.”

The next thing I knew, my limbs were pulled in every direction—an arm there, a leg here. The soft zip and tug of measuring tape wrapping around me and the scratching of pens against paper as they wrote were overpowered by Lady Augustine’s musings.

“Oh, yes, maybe ribbons! Ansia, your thoughts~?” Lady Augustine called, flipping through pages in her catalogue.

“Ruffles might be better, Lady Augustine!” Ansia replied.

“No, lace!” Another worker interjected.

“Yes! Lace!” Lady Augustine exclaimed. “Now, for the silhouette!”