Iridescent

Chapter 12

Stasia

"Stasia, you will want to get up this morning, trust me," Meredith pulled on my arms and I yawned, sitting upwards to find her brushing my hair out of my face—which was a little more frazzled than usual. I had tossed and turned all night, not finding the right position to fall into a respectable slumber. "Come on," she had a soft laugh and I rubbed my eyes with my free hand as she dragged me out of bed, "Let's get you dressed for breakfast."

Meredith asked Irina to rush and get something with sugar in it as she started on my hair, and I yawned, "What am I running from today?"

"It's the last morning ride your father has organized before the frost starts to stick to the ground," she smiled a little, and the tiredness that once tugged my eye lids retreated from the energy that sprung in my chest.

I quickly dug into the drawers in front of me, pulling out some of the powders and make up, saying, "Well, let's make me beautiful a little faster." She laughed, and quickly weaved have of my hair back in some simple braids before making her way in front of me, filling her hands with the brushes and dancing them across my face in fine fashion.

Irina came in with the tray of tea and carefully placed it on the table in the lounge area as Meredith finished my corset. I tried to sneak towards the tray, but Meredith caught hold of one of the laces, dragging me back to slip a dress over my head.

After she was finished, I rushed over, starting to pour it into each cup, "Just milk, Mer?" She nodded and I looked up at Irina, as she stared at me in confusion, asking, "What would you like?"

"N-nothing," She reached, uttering, "I can get it myself, Princess."

I shook my head, refusing her hand and turned the teapot away from her, "Irina, I can handle it. Sugar or milk? Both?" She was quiet, reserving a hesitant look towards Meredith.

"It's not a crime, Irina," Meredith reassured.

Irina looked back at me, and whispered, "Sugar, please."

"My kind of girl," I gave her a smile and her lips pulled upwards a bit. I turned back to the tray, making mine just as I made hers and swiftly handed both of them the overly expensive cups before sinking into the cushions of the lounge area with my own.

Meredith sat on the longer couch after she tidied the vanity of makeup and other utensils, and Irina remained standing, sipping her tea, looking out the closest window. "Irina, what do you like to do?" I asked her, before wavering my nose over the crisp scent of the mint leaves swimming in the warmth of my cup.

Irina had been here for only three weeks now, still getting used to finding her way around this place, let alone babysitting me. She was so timid when she walked through the door, as her bones rattled her hands countless times (she still had a little shake around glassware, especially)—it had taken her two weeks to look me in the eye.

So, out of a little pity and sincerity, I tried not to overwhelm her all at once.

She looked at me, almost forgetting to answer the question as her eyes dropped to the hot tea in her hands, and her voice was mousy, "Ah, nothing too interesting, I suppose." I leaned forward, bringing my feet underneath my legs, so I could be closer to her words. "I—um, I think I like washing clothes the most."

I frowned at her a little, saying, "Oh, I meant outside of work."

"Oh—well," Her eyes lowered again, and she shrugged, "I never really thought of liking omething' else."