Wolf's Heart

Twenty Five

"Time to get used to it... to understand that this is my life now," I said softly. "And to be okay with this." But I knew I never would be. If tonight worked out right, we would figure out a way to get us both out of here, to escape in one piece, and to be safe for the rest of our lives.

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Isabella came back at three o'clock, with a long black garment bag and the same basket as yesterday.

She braided my hair elaborately into a bun, and slid in pins with diamonds on the ends to hold back my bangs. She did my makeup, helped me into the long gray dress, and then handed me the silver stilettos.

It took until five to get me completely ready, and even then, she still wished she had more time to do my makeup.

"I think I look different enough," I said, watching myself in the full-body length mirror. "Presentable, maybe."

"You're a beautiful girl, Miss Akina. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself," Isabella told me, sticking an extra pin into my hair. She sprayed it with hairspray, and then sprayed me with a strong, floral perfume. "Nathan thinks highly of you, truthfully. He does. He just wishes you would be a submissive girl. I honestly don't think there is such a thing, but he doesn't understand that."

I chuckled, and looked down at my feet. "I think he understands, but he's trying to create a submissive girl anyway."

"Well..." Isabella began. "I beg you not to tell him this, but I hope he doesn't succeed. Your character is enjoyable."

I smiled at Isabella in the mirror, and she set her hand on my shoulder. "I'll leave you something more comfortable in the cell with Calix, so you can change out of this dress after dinner."

"Thank you, Isabella," I said softly, and turned to the door just as Nathan stepped in.

"Thank you, dear sister," he said. "She looks great. Are you ready, darling?" He held out an arm, and I slowly walked over, sliding my hand through his.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said, and walked out of the room. The halls were filled with people, none of them dressed as formal as us.

Everyone stopped talking, bowing their heads down at the floor as Nathan and I walked by. "Look at me like you love me," Nathan whispered under his breath.

"I don't-"

"Do it, Akina," he said.

I bit my lip, looking up at Nathan, and trying to look adoring. I didn't know how well I pulled it off though, because Nathan looked less than satisfied.

We made our way back to the dining room, but this time, there were five places set.

An older looking woman sat across from where I had last night, a young man who looked strikingly like Nathan, but 10 years younger, sat next to my seat, and Isabella sat beside him.

"Mother," Nathan said, smiling warmly at the woman. "You look absolutely lovely."

"Ah, sweet Nathan," she said, standing tall and pulling him in for a light hug. He kissed either cheek, and she turned to me. "You must be Akina."

I smiled nervously, and looked over at Nathan. He nodded, and turned back to his mother.

"It's great to meet you, Mrs. Fields," I said, shaking her hand. My voice shook, and threatened to crack.

"The pleasure is mine," she said, holding onto my hand for another second before turning to the child. "This is my youngest son, Radley."

Radley bowed his head toward me, and I smiled at him, returning the gesture.