Crystal
"'He loves you.'" That word sounded strange to me, making me laugh, but when I met my brother's serious face, I stopped.
"How? I mean, he never acted like he loved me and only treated me like his friend's sister," I asked.
"Well... he's not the type to show his feelings, but he told me a year ago. I didn't bother about that because you were not of marriageable age back then, but now that he brought it up, I decided to let you know," he replied, earning a sigh from me.
"Brother... let's not talk about it. I am not interested in marrying anyone, not him. Tell him to let go of any feelings he has for me because I won't return it," I spoke, and he scoffed.
"You aren't ready to get married? You should know you are not only defying our family's order but the king's own. Aren't you afraid of death or forced marriage to an older man?" he questioned, his eyes cold.
"Brother... let's talk about this another time. Let's get the mask fast. Maybe I might see someone I will take interest in tonight," I spoke, lightening the mood, and he finally smiled.
"That's my sister! That's what you could have told Mother earlier," he said with a laugh, and he picked different masks, showing me which one would be okey. I chose a white color with a little light blue design on it. It was so beautiful and attractive.
"How much is it?" my brother asked the salesperson, and he replied,
"Fifteen pieces of silver."
"What? It's too expensive," I spoke in surprise.
"I will give you ten," my brother said, handing him my mother's money.
"No, this won't do," he said and handed it back to my brother.
"I'll add two," he said and picked two silver coins from his pocket and added them.
The salesperson sighed in defeat. "Okey, I'll just accept it because of your sister," he said with a smile, making me frown.
"How...?" I spoke, looking at him.
"My son will be in the ball tonight. I hope you guys meet each other," he said, about to hold my hand, but I moved back and smiled awkwardly.
"O-okey," I replied, and I heard someone speak.
"Father! Your attention is needed!" Turning to the sound of the voice, I saw a busty guy with an unkempt beard. He looked dirty. If they put him and Collin to choose, I'd choose Collin without blinking my eyes.
"Oh, son!" the salesperson spoke and walked toward his son.
"You see that lady over there?" he said, pointing at me. "I would love you to get married to her. You will meet her tonight at the ball," he said and whispered something into his son's ear before he left.
The guy walked toward me, taking each step with pride, acting like a dignified person, but his looks and appearance betrayed him. I could perceive a faint smell of alcohol coming from his body.
"Hey, young lady," he said, his voice grumpy, making me laugh.
"Back off," my brother warned, pinning him to the wall. "If you come close to my sister again, I'll make sure you never bear any children."
The guy immediately covered his lower area in fear, trembling as he stared at my brother.
I couldn't help but laugh at his expression. My brother finally let him go, and the man ran off without looking back, which only made me laugh harder.
"Thank you, brother," I said with a smile. Then I remembered something. "How did you get here so fast? I thought you were supposed to be at home?" I asked curiously.
"Oh… I followed you guys to ensure your safety," he said, scratching his head awkwardly.
"Ah, brother! You're being overprotective! If anyone tried to hurt me or mother, I'd have ripped their head off," I said, showing him the dagger strapped to my side.
He gasped, quickly taking it away from me. "Don't walk around with such objects again, sister. You're a lady," he said seriously, and I laughed.
"What? Are you scared I'll use it to scare the guys away?" I teased with a grin.
"Maybe," he replied with a laugh, holding my hand as we left the shop together.
"Do you have new shoes?" he asked, glancing at a shoe shop.
"Ah, brother, don't bother. You know I don't like wearing all those fancy shoes. They're not meant for me," I replied, but he shook his head.
"You're wrong, sister. It's high time you start behaving like a lady. Me and your other brothers have almost turned you into a man," he said, clearly not pleased.
I laughed at his expression. "Should I start regretting having brothers instead of sisters?" I asked playfully.
He sighed. "Let's get you a good pair of shoes," he said, dragging me into the shop.
After trying on several pairs, we finally found a beautiful one that matched my gown perfectly as if it was made for it.
I looked at the shoes with pity. I knew once the ball was over, I wouldn't bother wearing them again.
"Wouldn't it be better to gift these to the person you'll pick tonight?" I asked, giving my brother a reasonable suggestion.
He laughed. "How would I know if they'd fit her? And don't abandon these shoes like you usually do with the ones mother buys you. You should know I work hard to earn this money."
I nodded. "I will try," I said with a small smile.
"No, no, no. I won't take that! Promise me," he said, extending his pinky finger.
I bit my lower lip and sighed. "Promise," I said, linking my pinky with his.
"That's my sister," he said proudly and held my hand as we walked home.
"Brother… why haven't you chosen a wife yet? You'll be twenty five next month, yet you haven't picked anyone. You'll be defying the king's order if you reach twenty six without being engaged or married," I reminded him.
"Well… I hope I find someone who catches my interest today. The truth is, I haven't met any lady who does yet," he said, and I nodded in understanding.
We continued walking until a fierce wind suddenly blew, lifting the veil off my face. I gasped in fear and surprise.