FVN Chapter 1: The Girl In The Tower
Chapter 1: The Girl In The Tower
Chapter 1: The Girl In The Tower
Isadora watched the wagon approaching the building. There were five of them, guarded tightly. She tilted her head to the side.
She had seen many wagons from this particular window but not ones like this. Was it someone important?
The familiar sound of a key turning in the lock drew her attention. On cue, Isadora veered away from the window and the door swung open revealing an oversized man—his shoes stomping against the floor loudly as he stepped in.
"Oh good, you're awake!" he said, a grin spreading across his lips, revealing most of his teeth had turned silver.
"G-Good morning, Dashwell."
"Rise and shine, my precious, it's time to make a fortune again. I expect you to be ready, yes?"
Isadora gave a stiff nod in reply.
"Come on, my precious," he drawled. "You have to warm up to me more," he mused. "Now smile for me."
Isadora offered a simple one but it wasn't enough to please him.
"Wider!"
She jumped, complying with his wish. It got so hard to keep her lips stretched that wide but Dashwell didn't care as long as he got exactly what he wanted.
"Now that's better!" he clapped. "Perfect."
"I take care of you and expect more gratitude, yes?" Dashwell signaled to someone behind. "This will look magnificent on you. I've called Serena to come get you ready." He walked to the bed and dropped the dress. "I want you to look your best tonight"
Isadora shook her head and a frown formed "Dashwell wouldn't listen"
That man would force her into that dress and drag her down himself. He wouldn't take no for an answer. That was exactly the kind of man he was. He always got what he wanted.
"At least I considered it," Serena said, drawing out the barrel and filling it with warm water from the bucket.
Isadora quickly stripped, wrapping her long hair at the top of her head, and sank into the water. Using the sponge to scrub her skin, her anxiety got the best of her, and her scrubs got harder.
"I heard this important guest is a Jarla," Serena revealed.
Isadora's eager scrubbing ceased and with wide eyes, she faced Serena hoping she was joking, however, her eyes didn't lie. "What's a Jarla doing in these parts?"
"Only the ones who seek you, Isadora, you're famous for your abilities" she explained. "Even the great Jarlas can come from their manors to seek the impossible. You're rare."
"It doesn't change the fact they seek a mannfae, isn't that lowering their standards?" Isadora wondered. No matter how hard she tried to think of it she couldn't understand. Why would they travel far for an impure blood like her?
The Jarlas are highborn Faes and their houses held significant influence and power within Fae society. Making such a journey to a place like this was uncommon.
Isadora could see why Dashwell was extra stretchy today. He wanted everything perfect, which meant more gold for him.
Serena sighed, grabbing the sponge to wash her back. She leaned down and whispered in her ear. "A mannfae who's a skin weaver" she reminded her friend who didn't think much about her value.
This doesn't lessen Isadora's nerves. She was okay tending to travelers but someone of status? This could mean worse for her if she made a mistake.
She can't afford to mess this up if such important guests are here. Dashwell's wrath was something she wished to avoid at all costs.
"You'll be fine," Serena assured her. "What could go wrong?"