FIVE YEARS LATER
Cold water splashed across Aethel's face, dragging her out of sleep with a jump and a quickened heartbeat.
"Wake up, you lazy girl, and come downstairs immediately."
Aethel blinked rapidly, lifting her eyes to see Mrs. Bellwood standing over he-brown hair neatly pinned, blue eyes sharp with annoyance. She held an empty cup in one hand, wearing a fitted green morning dress.
"And wear something presentable," she added, eyebrows tightening. "We're having breakfast with Mr. Adams. I don't want you embarrassing us dressed like a servant. What are you staring at? Get up."
"Yes, Mother," Aethel murmured.
Mrs. Bellwood turned and swept out of the room, leaving fourteen-year-old Aethel staring at her own reflection. Her nightgown thin, worn, and fade hung loosely on her small frame. She frowned.
Of course. The only reason Mrs. Bellwood wanted her at breakfast was because of the guest. On normal days, Aethel could eat or starve it made no difference to the woman. Mrs. Bellwood only spoke to her kindly when nobles were watching. Otherwise, every conversation was an order, an insult, or a complaint about Aethel's "unknown parents."
Aethal sighed, left the mirror, and went to wash up.
---
Sunlight spilled through the tall dining room windows, glinting off plates arranged in polished shelves and shining across crystal jars filled with flowers. The long table was crowded with all kinds of foods far more than anyone at the table could finish.
Mrs. Bellwood sat beside her husband, who occupied the head of the table. Nancy, their daughter, sat across from her mother. Beside Nancy sat a black-haired man Mr. Adams their guest.
Silence hung over the room until Mr. Bellwood finally spoke.
"How was your trip to Alabas, Mr. Adams? I heard you encountered thieves on the road."
"Yes," Mr. Adams replied with a bored shrug. "A few men blocked the path. Complicated, but my guards handled them."
"And how is Mrs. Adams?" Mrs. Bellwood asked sweetly. "I haven't seen her since you moved homes. Your son must be a young man by now."
"They're both well," he said politely. "You should visit for dinner sometime." Then he turned to Nancy with a gentle smile. "And where is your sister, little one?"
"She'll be here soon," Nancy replied politely.
Mrs. Bellwood added a flawless, fake smile. "Our Aethel likes to take her time getting ready. She behaves above her age." She laughed lightly.
"She must have grown into a fine young lady," Mr. Adams said. "I haven't seen her in years."
At that moment, Aethel stepped quietly into the room, dressed in a simple light-brown gown. She paused respectfully near the table.
"Ah, there comes my pretty young lady," Mrs. Bellwood said in a warm voice that fooled everyone but Aethel. "Come, darling."
Aethel approached carefully. Mrs. Bellwood placed her hand on Aethel's head and tapped her gently, like a proud mother.
"Say hello to Mr. Adams," Mr. Bellwood said.
Aethel curtsied. "Hello. I'm Aethel."
"Nice to meet you, Aethel," Mr. Adams replied quickly. "You've grown into a lovely young lady. Come, sit beside me."
Aethel nodded and sat quietly. Breakfast continued with talk of kingdom politics, trade, and then noble gossip. When the meal ended, Mr. Adams and her adoptive parents moved to the living room.
Aethel and Nancy remained in the dining room playing quietly together.
Minutes later, Mrs. Bellwood returned after seeing Mr. Adams off.
"Aethel, dear," she said with a tone that no longer matched the sweetness from earlier, "go wash the dishes."
It was always like this-one moment treated equal to Nancy, the next reminded of her "place."
Aethel washed the dishes silently. More chores followed, not because there was a shortage of maids, but because Mrs. Bellwood insisted on reminding her how different she was from Nancy.
Still, Nancy helped her whenever she coul secretly, gently, lovingly.
And every time she got caught helping, Aethel was punished for it.