Erica

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She had always wanted to attend as many balls as her sister Sibyl did, but she never received any invitations due to her exclusion and neglect from the Alvore family. No one knew who she was to even think of sending her one.

Even when Erica was younger, before she had lost her voice and was secluded to the east section of the estate, she never attended any balls or events hosted by any nobles other than her family's and when she did, she was never introduced to anyone or given the opportunity to make connections. The Countess had made sure of that.

She used to watch from the shadows every time Sibyl would receive an invitation. The letters were always decorated beautifully, but Sibyl never seemed bothered as she was quick to roughly rip the open and skim over the words rejecting any that did not catch her eye in the first five seconds.

When Erica was little, she was always envious that Sibyl would receive so many invitations when she would receive nothing. She used to ask the servants if there were any for her whenever Sibyl got one only to have her little heartbroken each and every time.

When she had gotten older, she had gotten used to the fact that invitations were not meant for her, but it sometimes still hurt whenever she would hear Sibyl purposefully boasting to the Countess about how wonderful some of the balls and other social events were.

Seeing the invitation that she had received now, Erica wanted to treasure it even if it was only an extended invitation and not a direct. It was still the first invitation that she had ever received.

It was in the Duke of Waisend's handwriting, but both he and the Duchess had signed it.

The Duchess would have written it herself, but she had incredibly untidy handwriting and insisted that her husband write it for she did not want to embarrass herself for such an important invitation.

Erica may have been delighted for the invitation, but she was also afraid.

She wanted to accept it, she wanted to go, but the risk was too high.

The Trencent ball was taking place in the capital meaning there would be a very high chance that the Alvore's would be there.

A family that she no longer belonged to.

A family that had hurt her and would hurt her again.

"I think you should go. It is a wonderful opportunity to get out there and enjoy the great wonders life has to offer or else you might just rot away in this little town." Ron gave a chuckled and placed his warm hand on her shoulder.

"I cannot..." Erica looked down ashamed.

"Why?" His tone was not pressuring her for answers but gentle.

"I..." Erica looked up, "I'm afraid."

"My dear child, there is nothing to be afraid of. The Waisend's have personally invited you, you will be under their guide and protection. No one can hurt you."

"But..." Erica looked down again, "they will be there..." her words were almost inaudible.

"Who? Who will be there?" Ron was concerned.

He hardly knew anything about Erica or where she had come from. This was the first clue he had ever directly received from her. Whatever lead to her arriving on his doorstep all battered and injured?

"My family."

Something about her tone felt very wrong.

"Were they the ones who did this to you?" Ron was almost afraid to ask.

There was silence.

That silence was the answer.

"Who are they?" Ron was trying his hardest to keep his anger reigned in so as not to burst and frighten the poor girl.

Again silence. Ron knew he would not get anything from the girl. He was lucky to have gotten this much from her.

He was frustrated that she would not tell him more, but he knew not to push her.

"It's okay. You are safe here. They will not hurt you."

Erica looked up at him grateful for everything he had done for her. Ron truly was a caring and kind old man. She owed him a lot. She did not want to make him worry or be burdensome to him.

"If you do not want to go to this ball, you do not need to. No one is forcing you. The Waisends will understand. However, if you do wish to go, I know they will protect you. The Waisends are good people. "

"Thank you." Erica expressed.

"Why don't you sleep on it before you decide?"