Both the maid and master became nervous at the young woman’s threat. Raven, for her part, who was still just standing there and watching quietly, suddenly became quite interested in how this scenario would take place. She was both curious and confused by the girl’s actions, wondering just why she was bothering to intervene on a mere servant’s behalf.

“Now, now, Miss, there is no need for—"

"Linda? What are you doing in here, and just what is going on?" another voice demanded.

Everyone turned to see the Governor himself standing in the doorway now, looking quite aggravated.

“Ah, Governor! Your daughter here was just—" the master began.

“Oh, Father!" Linda quickly interrupted in a most dramatic way. Raven watched as she ran off into the man’s arms, faking a pretty good sob. "I cannot believe these people would treat this poor girl so vilely! It is just shameful! She is but a servant, I know, but how cruel and unjust their actions are!" she wailed.

The Governor stooped down to her level and cradled his daughter in his arms. He gazed at her with gentle adoration and love, as if she was the most precious treasure in the whole world.

“Now, now, my pet, no need to get upset. I will make it better for you."

Linda smiled with relief and gave her father a big hug. “Oh, Father! You always know just what to do!”

Raven nearly gagged at such a phony display of tears. Nevertheless, she watched with intrigue as the Governor turned to the master and maid. "How much for the girl?" he asked.

"What?" they asked in unison.

Raven blinked with confusion, unsure of what she had just heard.

"I said, how much for the girl? My daughter is obviously in need of a companion,” the Governor repeated.

*

So that was how it had all started. Instead of working like a slave, from now on Raven would become a rich girl’s playmate! The very next day she was packed up and dragged out to the Governor’s countryside manor, living as a ward in the family’s care. It was a grand change from the life she had been living, and certainly nothing she had ever expected to be able to experience. Instead of stealing and lying to survive, Raven had to adjust her methods to pleasing and playing along with a very demanding child.

*

As it turns out, being a ward to a rich girl was not a bad gig after all. Raven received three square meals a day, a warm bath three times a week, and plenty of lovely clothes to wear. Her days were peaceful, and full of calm hobbies like piano lessons and sewing.

Ironically, though, her so-called “sister” turned out to be her biggest reason for complaint as the days went on. Being a secluded and sheltered only child for most of her life, Linda was obnoxious and clingy, and ever eager to play the part of the elder sister. Raven rarely got a moment of peace, and when they did have quiet time, her sister always insisted on trying to train her into displaying proper, ladylike manners.

*

"Raven! Stop chewing with your mouth full! Please, you will embarrass me!" Linda scolded in her usual fashion.

"But we are alone in your room, who cares what others will think!" Raven retorted with aggravation.

Her sister’s eyes narrowed with disapproval. "A lady ought not to act any different in private than she does in the presence of others. You must display manners at all times, my dear."

"I guess it is a good thing I am not a lady then."

Linda gasped at her words, as if they were something terribly untrue. Raven just rolled her eyes.

“Oh, come on, Linda! I am just your companion until you get married and move out, right? That equals about five years or so of living a decent life before I am kicked back out onto the streets. I do not plan to change everything about myself for this brief stint of luxury,” she said.

Linda folded her arms, a very cross look on her face and a bright fire in her eyes. She was quite persistent when she wanted to be, which was always.

"You WILL become a proper lady in my eyes and those of others. Should I decide to marry and leave this house one day, then you WILL go and get yourself a respectable job, such as governess or perhaps a schoolteacher. However, you will by no means sit here and wallow in past misery, play the victim, or chew with your mouth open!"

Raven sat there in shock as her sister snatched the cracker out of her hand and placed it back on the plate.

“Now, dear sister, wipe your face with the napkin before you proceed with the rest of our meal."

She scowled for a moment, but did as she was told. “Very well,” she mumbled.

Linda smiled with satisfaction at her obedience. “Good. After you have finished, perhaps we will send down for some tarts, seeing as you have made so much progress today,” she said with a proud giggle.

Raven just rolled her eyes again, though she was not entirely offended. When it came to Linda, she was never too unhappy to oblige. Honestly, having a sister like her was a luxury in a world such as this, even if it was mostly pretend. In Linda’s presence, she was not only wanted, but welcome. The young miss never left the house without her, or agreed to a party unless Raven could also attend.

In truth, Raven had quickly come to love her so-called sister.