"Callista come down the carriage awaits you!"
Callista grabbed her ring off of her nightstand, sliding it onto her finger once more. "I'm coming, one moment!" She hurried down the large, extravagant staircase, almost tripping over the carpet in her haste.
She headed out into the foyer, where her Aunt was waiting for her. "Emilie has already put your luggage up in the carriage, be sure to visit me dear." She hugs Callista, sending her off. "Goodbye, my lady."
Emilie bows her head as Callista steps foot into the carriage. As she took her seat on the plush, purple cushion, the carriage began to move, headed to the imperial palace. She sat in her seat, twiddling her thumbs.
I have a bad feeling about this already.
Just then, the palace came into view, the large three story building, stretched across an expansive set of land.
The arched windows and tall pillars, and the infamous rose crests patterned in gold on every flag. Callista rocked forward in the carriage as it came to an abrupt stop, the doors opening.
"Please, watch your step, my lady."
Callista stepped out of the carriage, and the driver got back on, yanking on the lead rope to signal to the horses that it was time to start moving again.
This is ridiculous. They knew I was coming so why is there no one here to escort me? Father could at least pretend to care as Lucien did.
Callista stepped up the front stairs and pulled on the golden door knocker. At first there was no answer, so she knocked again. She clenched her fists, beginning to get impatient.
Am I being ignored on purpose?!
Just as Callista was about to knock again, the door swung open, the butler opened the door.
"Ah, princess! His highness is waiting for you in his study." Callista stepped into the palace, it felt so unfamiliar to her, in fact the only thing that did feel familiar about it were the glares of everyone around her.
I won't pay them any mind in this life.
The palace staff all briefly stopped what they were doing to glance at her, beginning to whisper, but Callista just walked past.
"That's the princess? Why has she been gone for so long?"
They continued to talk amongst themselves.
"Don't you know? There was an incident three years ago. His highness sent her to live with the duchess."
"What incident?"
The girl began to sweep faster.
"Shh!! We're not supposed to speak of it"
They all got quiet as Callista passed by them, and she headed straight for her father's study. She opened the door and entered, and there she saw her father sitting in his chair, looking over some important looking papers.
"Ah, it seems after three years with your aunt you still haven't learned the proper manners…such as how to knock."
He glanced up from the stack of papers in his hand, his green eyes a stern glare, although Callista was used to it by this point.
"Forgive me for my transgression father, I was merely eager to see you after such a long time away."
He didn't respond to that, and instead gestured his hand towards the chair in front of his desk.
"Take a seat, Callista."
Her face contorted into a reluctant smile as she moved forward to take her seat.
Does he know how hard it is to sit in this dress?
She plopped down into the chair, the stiff fabric of her floor length dress sitting with her. "What is so urgent, father?"
Although I think I already know the answer..
He placed his papers down on the desk. "You're eighteen now. That's past the age most girls make their debut in high society. We've had to postpone yours because all you've done up until now is embarrass me."
Callista adjusted in the seat, trying to get comfortable with the stiff fabric. Her father rubbed his temples in irritation.
"Everyone in high society has been talking about Lucien's mysterious fiance. I'm sure it's been embarrassing for him to be engaged to someone who hasn't shown themselves in public for three years."
How is that my fault when he's the one who sent me away?! Why does he always look at me like that?
"You'll be living here from now on and you will be debuting in a month, Callista. I will have a personal maid assigned to you, as well as an allowance so you can purchase something suitable to wear. You are dismissed"
Finally.
Callista stands up, smoothing out the firm wrinkles in her dress, before stepping out of the room and leaning back on the door. She let out a sigh.
He always looks at me with such disappointment, like he hates me. Even before the incident…
Callista looked down at her hands, the traces of her magic dancing across them, before she compressed them, sealing it away.
He only ever assumed the worst of me, no matter what! So I don't need him.
Just then, a tall woman appeared. She was wearing a long, elegant, yet simple, black dress. Her blonde hair was neatly tied up in a bun, and her face was smooth, even though you could tell she was a middle aged woman.
Callista recognized her from her past life as the head maid, Carmilla. She was a loyal member of the palace staff, who had worked there for over a decade. She and Callista had never gotten along.
Not her again.
She didn't even bother to bow or address Callista as a formal title. "Ah, Callista, you've grown since the last time I saw you. Allow me to show you to your room."
The little powers my father gave her always did seem to get to her head. She never knows when to quit.
Callista didn't bother to fake a smile, and instead just nodded. "Yes, that will do." She followed Carmilla to her bedroom, it was surprisingly well taken care of, and just as she left it.
"Oh, and your father asked me to give you this" Carmilla handed her a small bag filled with coins.
"It's your allowance, the one for your debut. Aren't you excited?"
She paused an imposing glint in her eye.
"You should be sure not to repeat any mistakes, after all you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of the entire kingdom a second time!"
She knows that was an accident! Just what exactly does she gain out of trying to humiliate me like this?
"And just what are you implying?"
Callista placed her hand on her cheek. Carmilla feigned innocence.
"Nothing at all, I was just hoping that during your time on..probation you learned how to control your gift. Not that I am worried! I am sure you have it under control"
yea right.
"Well then, if you need anything just let me or any other maid know."
Carmilla left the room, closing the door behind her, leaving Carmilla standing alone.
I hate her. Knowing her, I can expect her to report everything she hears about me to father…none of the other maids here can be trusted either.
Callista started to pace around the room.
And I'm sure the personal maid assigned to me will just be acting as a monitor. However if I remember correctly…father isn't there for my debut..something came up. Which means…I will have complete freedom.