Page 28 of Oath of Rebellion

Eirwyn opened the door and shut it softly behind her.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Eirwyn asked as she bit her lip. She hadn't ever told anyone about Gastone throwing fire at her or any of the things he'd tortured her with through her life.

She didn't want to complain to Bella. She'd learned long ago that it was pointless. Sure, she'd joked around with Bella about her annoying brother, but she'd kept it all fun and light-hearted. Would Bella break off the engagement if she knew how twisted her brother truly was?

Bella powdered her nose.

"Yes, I'm sure. This is going to be a good thing for our country, Eirwyn. Think of all the good I'll be able to do as queen. With all the resources at my disposal, we can finally solve the things we've complained about for years."

She knew her friend was excited, but that didn't make this feeling of dread disappear. Eirwyn leaned against the bedroom door and really looked at Bella. Some of the worry lines on her face had disappeared, and a small smile hovered on her lips.

"You're truly happy about this?" Eirwyn asked, crossing the floor to where Bella fixed her hair in the mirror. The vanity was old, but the mirror itself had sat on the mantle in the library for years.

Bella nodded, not looking away from the ugly mirror.

"Are you sure he doesn't have you under a spell? You remember how we used to talk about Gastone, right?"

Bella bumped the desk as she turned and rolled her eyes, the light bouncing off the mirror at the movement.

"Truly, there was no potion or spell involved. Look, if you don't want me to marry your brother, fine. I can live with that. But I don't understand why you're so against it? I thought we were friends."

Bella's hurt look gutted her, and Eirwyn sighed and frowned. Bella's tone was sharper than it'd ever been, and she slowly stood up, her back as straight as any noblewoman Eirwyn had ever met.

Gone was the tavern owner who had a smile for everyone. Gone was the friend who'd wash dishes while Eirwyn cooked and complained about her brother.

Bella looked exactly as a queen should, and Eirwyn shifted uncomfortably. She felt lacking. Was it any wonder her brother was constantly disappointed in her? She'd never look that regal and poised.

She was too wild and carefree, her attention span too short. She wasn't as well-read or as good at conversation as Bella was. All she had were the fantastical stories she told in the tavern with her illusion magic, but that was more performing than interacting.

Eirwyn finally said, "We are friends. That's why I'm worried. I don't want to see you hurt."

Bella smiled and turned back to the mirror with a glassy look in her eyes. "Oh, stop worrying so much. Gastone loves me, and all will be fine. Now go get ready for the ball. We need to shift how they think about him, and marrying a commoner might not go over well with the nobles."

Eirwyn bit her lip and forced a smile. "You're going to be a great queen, Bella. And I'll do what I can to help with the nobles."

Chapter 10

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