As I returned from the palace, my maid sprinted toward me, her eyes wild. "Miss-you weren't chosen, were you?"
I said nothing, merely gestured. "Pack those fabrics Mother sent. I'm visiting Cousin Amy."
Amy Kasdorf resided in Sunflower Palace-a grand courtyard, once mine, until she'd cooed about its beauty at age ten. Even now, before I crossed the threshold, their voices slithered through the door.
"Auntie, I heard the girl who can't be choice must serve as maids for years. Do you resent me for not going myself?" Amy's voice was honeyed.
"Never, my dear. You deserve a prince, not that decrepit alpha. Besides, your cousin's stubbornness will keep her busy." Mother's tone dripped with affection. "See this soft silk? I saved it for you."
"I love it, Auntie!"
I stared at the closed door, memories clawing up.
Inside, Mother sang Amy to sleep; outside, my hand hovered, too afraid to knock.
Once, I'd begged for a lullaby.
"You're too old for such things," she'd snapped.
Amy was only a year younger.
I rapped sharply. "Mother."
Silence. When the door opened, Mother forced a smile.
"I thought you preferred plain clothes, so I gave these to Amy."
"Since when do you know my tastes?" My gaze pinned her.
She frowned. "You never wear bright colors-"
She'd forgotten the day Amy whined I "stole her style" after we wore matching gowns.
Mother had banned all vibrant hues from my wardrobe, leaving me in ashes.
Amy piped up, all innocence:
"If you want the fabrics, take them-"
"You're too kind," Mother cooed, glaring at me.
"No need." I held out the bundle.
"These are for you, too."
Mother's scowl lifted. "At last, some sense-"
"I came to discuss Father's shops in the east. I want them before entering the palace."
Her nostrils flared.
"Those are your dowry! Are you trying to split the family?"
Your dowry will go to Amy.
I smiled thinly. "By the time I return, I'll be past marriageable age. I need security."
Amy cut in, eyes glinting:
"Auntie would never cheat you."
Mother's chest heaved.
"You blame me for the draft? It's a mere formality-"
"Let Amy go in my place, and I'll forget the shops."
Amy's smile vanished.
Mother seethed, "Fine! For your obedience, you'll have them."
"Thank you, Mother."
I curtsied and turned, catching her final sneer:
"Obsessed with coin-nothing like my Amy."
As I walked, a chill crawled up my spine.
