"Be perfect Victoria, no mistakes. You are an heir, better than the rest. That's what you should be thinking of in that head of yours."
"Yes, mother."
She flicked a cigarette out and lit it quickly, taking in a deep puff before letting out the smoke. "When you're my age, you'll understand why I do the things that I do. I gave you everything that I didn't have and soon, you'll have to be better than me. Then the decisions I made, if you think I'm cruel just know there's worse out in the world."
I was quiet, awaiting for her to release me but she didn't. Instead, she let me stand there, watching as the smoke took over her lungs and made her eyes slightly puffy.
She eyed me, giving me a once over, before clicking her tongue, "Any, feud between your seamstress and Sir.Bertram? Or should I say Sliver?"
My mouth went dry as she propped a smile onto her face, licking her teeth before raising a brow. "Oh, surprised? I told you, I listen, I watch. I know the things that happen in this house and why you think you're so clever don't forget who made you. Your tricks are mine, I was once your age too, only not as naive. You're fortunate not to share your inheritance with any siblings, not having to worry about taking care of your family. It's a privilege and you should be grateful, you have money and don't have the worries of a simple commoner."
She bit the end of the cigarette with a sigh, "Even though it doesn't mean you are off the hook by any means. I mean for one, I see how the Bellum's son looks at you."
She laughed and hit her thigh while shaking her head, "I mean to think my anti-social daughter could actually attract the son of a high competitor? I mean not saying you have to marry him one day, but it sure would make things easier for you."
She glanced over at the wall, letting her nail run through the skin of the cigarette, "I mean after all, to have a suitor that actually wants to know about you. No chase, no pleads from your own, he just likes you for you. It's a rarity, Magnolia, savor it. Because it won't be so easy if you reject him, still if he suddenly becomes two-faced, I wouldn't advise staying. Not even if his parents beg, it's just not worth it.."
She flicked some ash onto the carpet and ran a hand through her slick, blonde hair. A finger on her lip as she then pointed it to me. "Watch out for that sister, one might be sweet, but the other is obviously a stinger and she will do anything to get under your skin. Just like her parents, a copy and paste, non-original material doll. Asking so many questions to try to find some hidden secret or lore."
She scoffed, "Such a pain in the ass that one, I suppose that's why she's the heir."
She snapped her fingers and whispered low, "It wouldn't have hurt to have a spare, incase the first failed."
Her words were nothing new to me so it just felt like a ball bouncing off a wall. Numbing and dull with no real goal to it.
Her eyes meet mine and she frowns again, letting her head hit the back of the wall. "Well, at least your posture is slightly improving."
She knocked on the door, three times before it opened, gesturing me to leave.
"Well, that's all for now, I am glad you didn't have much to protest about this time. Finally, something is hammering into that damn brain of yours. Now go and I'll speak to you later."
I bow my head and preceded to exit, four security officers meeting me at the end, and I follow them to the stairs.
I let out an exhausting breath, fixing my hair, before heading up to the dance studio, I know my teacher won't be there since it's company present. But most likely they will want me to dance, which I am not a huge fan of by any means.
I believe at one point it would have been nice to be an international ballerina. But when I think about the pain in my feet and the limited view people would have on my appearance, it just makes me uneasy. For there is freedom in dance but also limitations, like in any other passion, there are things you simply just cannot do.
We reach the top of the level, and the dance studio is in view, both of the twins patiently waiting and Bertram tapping his foot like an eager rabbit.
I crush my lips together, turning toward the end of the stairs, my eyes going from the railing, to the ceiling to see if I could spot a camera.
But none were in plain view, not for me to see at least, I glance at one of the security jackets but one of them leads me to the door of the dance studio. "No time to waste", they say, "Company is waiting for you."
I gulp and see their peering eyes, watching me, quiet like I was with mother, ready for me to speak..
I bow my head, "Apologies for the wait, hope it wasn't too long."
"We've dealt with worse but I suppose your apology is acceptable." Lady.Bellum nudged her brother and he gave a thumbs up, "Yes, yes, I didn't mind the wait at all actually, the only thing that I would say I lacked was your presence and a good book."
Lady.Bellum rolled her eyes, "That's two things, but okay", she glared at me, "Well, are we going to go into your dance studio already or not?"
"Oh, yes of course." Security opened the doors for us and we walked into the vast area, rather empty besides a few railings, stands, and an invasive mirror."
I glanced over to the twins to try to avoid, looking at it, letting my arm trace the room, "So, this is it, the dance studio."