The Mcquides were rarely home themselves, always handling trade affairs across the land. Like rulers of small kingdoms, Evah mused.
"I didn't know Ar'sia was so different," Evah said.
"Different?" Nova blinked. "I think it's the best system."
Evah nodded. Outside, corruption ruled in many places. Ar'sia was... functional.
A shadow fell across the doorway, stilling the room. Silas.
"The Lord said dinner won't be necessary. We'll attend the plaza event. Dress well." His eyes landed on Evah. Cold. Measuring.
Why does he always look like I stole something?
"Be respectful. She's Lord Erion's fiancée," he warned the twin girls. But his eyes stayed locked on Evah.
Then why does it feel like the warning was for me?
He left in silence.
"Don't worry," Nova said, wrapping her arm around Evah's shoulder. "He's always like that."
"You'll get used to it," Luna added, unbothered.
Evah smiled faintly. Or maybe he doesn't like me because of Erion.
Nova plopped down beside her. "You're lucky, you know. I wanted to marry Lord Erion too."
"Nova!" Luna scolded.
"What? She doesn't mind." Nova grinned. Evah just smiled, unsure what to say.
"Every girl here dreams of being the Lady," Nova added. "Lady Evah, sorry for my sister." Luna said, still chopping vegetables.
"It's true! He's hot and powerful. Right?" Nova nudged Evah, fishing for agreement.
She smiled awkwardly.
"Though I really thought he'd marry his childhood sweetheart," Nova said dreamily.
Luna raised a brow. "You remember that?"
"Of course! He used to talk about her all the time when we were kids. Said they were already married." Nova paused, then looked at Evah. "Don't worry. You're way prettier, I'm sure."
Evah blinked. He never told me about that.
It sounded ridiculous—almost cute. Hard to imagine Erion saying something like that.
"Bunny!" a voice called, shattering the moment. The girls scurried to work as Erion stepped in, scanning the room.
"You should answer when I call," he said. She looked away, avoiding his eyes.
He sighed. "Hello, Luna. Nova. Thanks for keeping her company."
"Anytime, Lord Erion!" they chirped.
He was disarming, even here. Never just a soldier—always a charmer.
"Give me your hand," he said, smiling. She narrowed her eyes.
"Bunny, you said you trust me." He was whining now, boyishly.
She offered her right hand.
"The other one."
Before she could protest, he gently slipped the ring onto Evah's finger with the ease of someone who knew exactly what he was doing… and absolutely no intention of explaining it.
"Just in case." Erion's grin was playful,—the kind of smile that made it impossible to tell whether he was joking or dead serious.
Evah blinked down at it, stunned. She didn't even know what it meant. Erion, meanwhile, acted like it was nothing at all.
"We'll be at the plaza in a bit," he said casually, already turning away. "Silas will escort you later. Later, Bunny."
And with that, he disappeared into the corridor like he always did—leaving behind his usual mix of confusion, charm, and chaos. The room was quiet for a moment, like the air had to settle after he left.
Then Nova grabbed Evah's hand with a dramatic gasp.
"Aah! Lord Erion is so possessive!" she squealed, practically pressing her face to the ring.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief and pure envy.
What was that even supposed to mean?
She glanced back down at the ring. It felt light… and heavy all at once.
That night, Luna and Nova helped me get ready.
No fancy gown, but the dress they gave me—stitched with tiny flowers and soft threads of color—made me feel like I belonged somewhere.
Like a princess.
They said most of the guests would be estate workers—no need for anything extravagant. Just enough to look respectful, but not too much to stand out.
Luna braided my hair, weaving in delicate blooms. Nova dusted my face with surprising skill—she knew cosmetics like someone twice her age.
I really did judge this country too quickly.
They promised they'd join later, after finishing their chores. I sat still, quietly absorbing the warmth.
When they left me alone, I finally caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
Why does it feel like I'm becoming someone else?
The girl who once stood in Erion's office, trembling as secrets spilled out—the girl who uncovered too much in Newfangled—
Is she even still me?
Or is she buried somewhere, suffocating beneath this silk and laughter?
Back then, I felt like I was standing at the edge of something monstrous.
Now… I'm in a painted dream.
A soft world filled with flowers, warm hands, and borrowed peace. And yet—
A slow burn began to bloom in my chest. This will end.
All of it.
This painted dream, this fragile illusion—
The fairytale will peel away, and what waits beneath will hurt.
Maybe I should stop enjoying it now.
It's easier when you expect the fall.
Because when good things happen… bad things usually follow. That's just how it's always been for me.
A knock on the door pulled me back from the rising tide. "Lady, the car is ready." Silas's voice, calm and respectful. As always.
But something in it—just like the tightening in my chest—reminded me that no matter how far I run into this beautiful lie…
Reality is still waiting.