My skin grows clammy as I stand still, allowing his hungry, vengeful eyes to rake over me. He doesn’t make it quick, he draws it out, memorising every freckle and pore that paints my otherwise flawless, cream skin. He draws his glass of water to his lips and I watch as the deep cut presses into the glass. I don’t dare move in fear of what he’ll do to me, and the second he slips away from the doorway and disappears, I sag in relief. I quickly bunch up my dress and pull it on over my head. I will not be wandering around the manor today. No way.
∞
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt living in the same world as the Sarios, it’s that every meal is a big event for them. There’s always a crowd of people lingering around the manor, filling the chairs, drinking the alcohol, and laughing until their bellies hurt. What a life… Unfortunates have to wait until the Fortunates are finished before we can eat. We can’t sit or relax until we crawl into our beds of a night time and we sure as hell can’t make our existence better with alcohol. Escaping from our reality isn’t allowed. They want us to experience and remember every single second of the hell they inflict on us. Granted, I’m yet to experience the worst of it. For a Sario, Master Kade has treated me exceptionally well. In all honesty, I thought I’d be dead by now. I guess Kade protecting me only to use me later on isn’t really a bad thing… if I’m to seduce Fortunates, that means I’m in control, right?
“Distribute juice. Now,” Portia demands, all previous hints of friendliness gone from her voice.
I’m shaken back to reality as she presses a silver tray of long, thin stem glasses against my chest. I grip the tray and the citrusy aromas that emanate from the glasses filters into my nostrils, making my mouth water and my belly rumble. I turn and leave the kitchen, feeling a hell of a lot more comfortable in a dress that hides all of my privates. I keep my gaze fixated on the glasses, terrified that I’m going to drop them. Believe or not… they don’t teach you how to carry drink-filled trays in class.
Outside, at least fifty Fortunates sit around large, white tables, adorned with beautiful white decorations and gorgeous porcelain dinnerware. I start from the left because the smaller children deserve their drink firsts. As I place the first lot of stem glasses down on the table, I notice the little girl to my left is watching me. Though I know better, I let my gaze flick to hers and I almost gasp at her beautiful blue irises. I’ve never seen a blue so clear… so hypnotising.
“Hi,” she whispers, leaning closer and smiling. “I’m Sanna.”
Nervously, I peer around me. No one is watching me—all of the adults are busy in conversation. I can talk to the little girl, right? I know I’m not supposed to, but surely, it can’t hurt to say hello? Slowly, the girl’s smile begins to fade and it crushes my soul. Say hello then leave.
“Hi, Sanna,” I reply in my quietest voice. “I’m Nine.”
Her blue eyes brighten and she grabs her glass of orange juice. “I like your hair.”
Without making eye contact, I continue to place glasses on the table. “Thank you,” I fight a smile. “I like your hair, too.”
She shakes her long blonde curls and giggles. When all seven of the children’s drinks are on the table, I offer Sanna my smallest smile and move on to the next. You know, even when the world is turned on its head, you can always count on children. They don’t know the difference between social classes, ethnicity, or sex. Fortunates aren’t born selfish and ignorant, they’re taught to become selfish and ignorant. Sanna doesn’t hate Unfortunates, not yet… and I hope she never does. Who knows, I might’ve made the world a better place with that one smile… and I take comfort in the thought.
I approach the next table and begin setting down the glasses of juice. I take no notice of the Fortunates that surround the table, knowing that if I lift my eyes for a second, they’ll see it.
“Nine, right?”
I swallow and expel a subtle breath of air before I lift my attention to the blonde on the opposite side of the table. I recognise her immediately as Master Kade’s friend, Elizabeth.
“Yes, ma’am.”
I take in her grey gown that wraps around her like clouds on a dreary day. The grey washes out her skin and dampens the gold in her hair. Her current dress is nothing like the red she wore last night… the red was regal and elegant. The grey makes me feel like I should trade places with her. I wonder if she’s ever been mistaken as an Unfortunate in that dress?
“It’s nice to see you fully dressed.” Her pink lips quirk into a fake, taunting smirk. “I was worried you’d put me off my breakfast.”