Paris

48

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Alya's P.O.V

We have lived in Paris for a little over a year and a half. The awful cycle of each day's lady lessons has finally been woven into my body. The days that were so tiring and brutal I have accustomed myself to.

Now, it is not as bad. I have Carapace to thank for it. He has been the one good thing keeping me going through this nightmare that I finally have conquered. If it were not for him, I may have already ended up in the poor section.

Although, that option still seemed to be much better than staying in the wealthy section.

To be honest, I am surprised I have not been sent there yet. I have been doing deeds that I never thought I would have done. Ever since defending that poor man, I had started seeing the staff in a new light.

If they dropped something, I picked it up for them. If they made a mistake, I did not feel any anger toward them. I still often defended them which was really frustrating mother (which I enjoyed in doing so).

I definitely felt like a different person. I am still deciding if this change is a good or bad one. But I find myself...liking the person I am turning into. It felt good.

I rubbed off of Carapace more than I thought I would.

"Hello, my fair maiden," Carspace greeted me after landing on my balcony. My heart instantly warmed up even though the chilly breeze of fall began to blow.

"Hello," I softly replied, "How was the fight today?"

"It was pretty disgusting. I still feel like I have goop in places goop should never be," Carapace said.

I snorted.

"That is very unfortunate," I chortled, leaning on the stone railing.

"Indeed it is," he agreed, joining me at my side. We were so close that our arms touched, sending a pleasant flutter in my abdomen.

"How has your day been with your lady lessons?" Carapace asked.

"The same as usual. I attempt to practice. I get something wrong. Mother throws a fit and forced me to do it over and over until it is perfected," I grumbled. Just thinking about it made me irritated.

"Your mother does not sound like a very pleasant person," Carapace noted, "Although, I think many of the rich mothers are not."

"This is very true," I confirmed, "Mothers can be very...difficult."

"Well...not all of them. There are some kind and caring mothers," Carapace argued, earning a curious look from me.

"Oh really? You know some kind and caring mothers? Do name one," I joked, not expecting him to be serious. Yet, a saddened look was sketched on Carapace's features and grew quiet.

   My smile fell and worry started to bubble. Did I say something wrong?

   "My mother," he answered. I felt myself tense up and my blown eyes stare at the crest-fallen hero.

   "I was very young the last time I saw her. But I do remember she was a kind-hearted and caring soul. An illness had swept the land. She was unable to recover and had departed from this cruel world."

My mouth opened but words immediately went dry on my tongue. I did not know what to say, considering the circumstances with my own mother.

I had never really thought about what it would be like to lose my mother or father. Sure, they were harsh people corrupted by money and reputation. Yet, a fate such as death seemed too...vile. I would never wish it upon anyone that did not deserve it.