The Dinner
Vanna
So they want me to be the defeated Villainess?
Vanna
No; they shall watch me rise instead!
Vanna is sitting in an armchair, thinking over her plans.
Vanna
(The first thing I must do is gain a high position in society, so that before I do anything else, I know I have supporters.)
Vanna
(The Queen's dinner is not such a bad idea to begin with, as Madame Dorbes said. It is tomorrow, isn't it?)
Vanna
(But how can I make myself affluent there, among high ranking nobles, when I can't even maintain a steady position at home?)
She sighs, and closes her eyes.
Vanna
(What did Karina do in the original novel?)
Vanna
(Of course, there is one way I can pull myself upwards..)
Next day, Vanna is getting dressed for the dinner by her maid
Carlota picks up a rather pretty, but cheap necklace.
Vanna
Stop, Carlota. I will not wear that necklace.
Carlota
Oh, no? But my lady, the Missus never let you have any other neckpieces. This is the only one you have.
Vanna
I'm aware. Still, I don't want it
Vanna
Also, please take off this dress, on second thoughts.
Carlota
Oh? Then what would you like to wear?
Vanna points to a rather shabby, dull dress, with no pearls embedded and nothing fancy to make it even slightly admirable. The maid looked uncomfortable
Carlota
M-my lady! Surely not that dress for such an important event?
Vanna
Don't worry about it, Carlota. It's not like the dress I'm wearing right now is any better other than the small pearl strings.
Carlota
...as you wish, my lady.
All the best nobles are there, and many debutantes and young girls and boys have also attended, looking very nervous and yet, excited.
Mrs Harlow
This is such an affluent dinner for you, Karina. This will surely elevate you to the heavens in the eyes of the society!
Karina
I know that for sure, Mother.
Karina
(That will obviously happen. I made sure to wear my finest dress, put on my shiniest jewellery and use my most expensive trinkets just for this!)
Mrs Harlow glares at Vanna
Mrs Harlow
And mind you don't say something stupid or strange to anyone.
Vanna
Of course not, mother. I'll make sure to speak only when I'm asked.
Vanna
(...and she will very much regret my opening my mouth.)
The Queen
Thank you for coming. Please enjoy the dinner.
Everyone bowed, and as she sat down, so did the rest.
Karina
>whispers< How lucky we are, to have a seat on the same table as the Queen herself!
Mrs Harlow
Indeed, my daughter, it is.
???
My, Miss Harlow, your outfit is absolutely divine.
Karina
Oh, thank you mam, I had it specially sewn!
???
That is clear- it is marvellous. However...
???
However, it is rather a shame the same cannot be said of her sister
The mother got uncomfortable.
Karina hangs on to Vanna's arm.
Karina
Oh, you see, Madam, my sister is rather humble in her taste! She specially requested to have a less showy dress.
She turns to Vanna, smiling, but her eyes were threatening.
Karina
Isn't that so, sister?
Vanna
>smiles<
Of course it is so.
Vanna
After all, the other dresses I was being offered were pronounced too good for someone so lowly as me! So this was the best option, was it not?
...
So this is how the other daughter of Count Harlow is kept? What a shame!
...
Dear, dear, the mother's love has not extended much, that is evident!
The mother and Karina become uncomfortable and at a loss for words.
Vanna
Mother, I have finished eating. May I go out to take a stroll in the gardens?
Mrs Harlow
A-ah...
>trying to smile<
Of course, go ahead.
Her eyes seemed to say, "And don't come back."
Vanna left the dining hall, and reached the garden
She saw the flowers, and remembered her night at the debutante ball before she had stabbed herselves
Vanna
(Well, now I no longer want to attempt that, knowing my return that way is impossible.)
She looks at her reflection in the pond
Vanna
(Perhaps my dress is a little shabby.)
Vanna
(Maybe I should use a flower or such to make it just a little more ornamental- but not too much, so that the nobles keep talking.)
She goes further into the garden
Vanna
(Ah, roses! They match the pink hue of my dress.)
Vanna
(Perhaps one or two at my bosom would do.)
As soon as she bends down, she hears the shing of a sword.
She immediately stands up, and turn around.
Behind her is a young, handsome man, dressed wonderfully, with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
She sees the star-shaped embroidery on his clothes, and a shining, engraved diamond chain on his pocket....
Thank you for reading (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
Comments
o^┢┦apΡy
I can't stop smiling, what a perfect way to end my day!
2024-07-10
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