34. Payback

**Ester**

“Is something wrong?” Anna asked me. “Another fanmail?”

I sighed and folded the letter before turning to look at her. She had a book with color schemes for the wedding that she wanted me to see. I smiled, hoping not to alarm her.

“It’s nothing,” I told her. “My father is asking for me to pay him a visit. I should go and see what he wants. I heard that there was a party being hosted by Lady Hernia. Maybe you should go and have some fun.”

Anna gave me a tight smile. She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I'd rather stay here, there is a show I wanted to catch up on anyway. I hope you enjoy your visit back home.”

“Thanks! Next time, let’s get some ice cream at the same place we went last time.”

She groaned.

“Urgh, can’t they do delivery?” She said.

I chuckled. “Deliver ice cream? Yeah, I don’t think so.”

Anna left me alone in my room so that I would have privacy getting changed. I chose a yellow dress that didn’t have sleeves and stuck to me like a glove. Next was to let Chester know I would be gone for a couple of hours. I don’t always have to tell him when I’m leaving, but I like to. Seeing him every day was a nice reminder of why I was here.

In the meantime I had Amanda pack my bag for me. On the way, I saw Claire who was bringing lunch to my room and smirked.

“Bring that back to the kitchen and meet me at my room in ten minutes,” I said. “We’re going back to the Hermonia estate.”

Claire’s mouth dropped open. She didn’t even hide her joy when she replied, “Are you serious?”

“Of course. Aren’t you excited to see your old master?” I taunted.

She did as I told her and I watched until she disappeared from sight. I had half a mind to leave her at the Hermonia mansion and come back to the palace alone. She would be happier there, anyway.

But if she’s forced to stay there, Christopher will be suspicious. I’d rather not have him try another method to stick his nose in my business. Claire is more manageable.

After letting the king know where I was going, Chester convinced me to take several of his guards and have them accompany me. Since I knew it would put his mind at ease, I didn’t see any point in arguing.

_______

**Anna**

It’s been over an hour since Ester left. The garden looks beautiful as usual. I waved to one of the gardeners before walking away to let him finish his work.

I leaned against one of the columns under the gazebo, a book pressed to my chest. My platinum hair was braided and pulled over my shoulder. Sometimes, it can get lonely. My brother and father try as best as they can but they’ve got their own duties to fulfill. If I told them how I felt, they would start blaming themselves.

“It’s a pretty nice day, isn’t it?”

I groaned. What is she doing here?

“Hi, Melissa.”

Melissa grinned at me and looked around. She stretched her arms into the air. “The air here is so fresh,” she said. “It’s almost as if magic is used to maintain the atmosphere.”

“I guess so,” I shrugged. All I wanted was for her to leave. I’ve always got a bad vibe from Melissa. It was hard to put my finger on it.

“Aren’t you going to Hernia’s party?” Melissa suddenly appeared beside me. Since I was still bracing against the column I couldn’t back away. “I heard that a lot of noble ladies will be there, no guys allowed.”

“I’m fine staying here,” I told her, turning my head away. Melissa smiled.

“Is it because of what happened the last time you went on an outing?” She asked.

I swung my head back around, staring at her with wide eyes. “You know about that?”

It was her turn to shrug. Melissa’s eyes wandered into the garden. Blue butterflies hovered over sunflowers. “I know someone who knows someone. It’s awful what they did to you, using that Hernia’s dog to freak you out and then laugh about it. Doesn’t that make you angry?”

I sighed. “It doesn’t matter. There’s nothing I can do about it now.”

Her lips stretched into a strange grin. “What if there is?”

Our eyes met. Whatever she had planned in her head, I wanted to hear it.

________

Melissa tapped her feet as she leaned against one of the walls of Hernia’s house. When I came trotting towards her, she pushed herself off the wall. “So?”

I caught my breath and nodded. “All done. He took the money and agreed to do it.”

“Good!” Her lips stretched into a smile. “I told you he would. Come on, I’m sure that her maid told her we’ve arrived.”

Melissa and I walked side by side to the back of the house. We changed into clothes that had more of a summer feel to them. Just like we suspected, hernia left her table and walked up to us.

“Anna! It’s been so long! I thought I would never see you again. Where have you been hiding?” She greeted me in a light-hearted voice. Melissa folded her arms.

“I’ve been busy. But since I had some spare time today, I figured why not come? Besides, I don’t need an invitation to be here, right?” I said.

Hernia looked me up and down but didn’t say anything. She’s always like this, trying to assess a person to find a way to intimidate them. She smiled. “Well, don’t just stand there! You and Melissa should come join us. I can’t have my guests so far away from the festivities!”

Melissa gave her a polite smile. Once she turned around, her smile dropped.

“This is why I don’t come to these kinds of things.” Melissa rolled her eyes.

Rather than a party, It would be better to call it a social gathering. Hernia held them at least twice a month. There were treats, drinks, and even different types of tea. Tables were all over the lawn. The top trending songs were played on a stereo system.

Melissa and I found a table that didn’t have anyone sitting there. I took a slice of lemon cake, watching some girls as they danced with each other. Then she walked in.

The most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen in my life. Her wavy blonde hair bounced as she walked. Her grey eyes held a bit of mischief. She had a smile that could take someone’s breath away and the charm of fairies. There was a confident air about her that was hard to imitate. That could be why I’ve had a crush on her over all these years.

Of course, no one knew about it. I kept that secret close to my heart. Today she wore a casual white dress. It suited Bianca perfectly. The others noticed too. They gathered around her.

Her gaze drifted over to where we were. I reached for a glass of water, unable to meet her eyes.

“Look.” Melissa nudged my elbow. “He’s coming with it.”

I saw him. The servant walked with a covered silver bowl on his tray. He looked at me. I nodded. The servant headed in Hernia’s direction.

Melissa chuckled, a finger at her lips. “Now we just have to sit back and watch the show.”