You have got to be kidding me…
Chapter3
Penelope
Rule number one of being the spare: never expect people to like you.
Of course they don’t.You’re just the other one: a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ kinda gal.
And that’s aside from the fact I’m a constant irritation to Morrigan, and she’s everyone’s favourite.
Obviously.I mean sheisthe heir apparent.
I draw pink over my lips and huff as I glance in my ensuite mirror.It’s not the right shade.I hunt through my makeup bag and pull another one out.Powder puff, it should match my designer baby pink heels and dress.But when I draw it over my lips it still isn’t right.
I huff in the mirror and clap my balled fists together, drawing my index finger over my knuckles, and then tap my little finger on the pads of my other middle and index fingers.The thinnest most pathetic thread of magic peels from the palace wall.
“Oh, come on, I actually tried,” I whine, knowing damn well the palace isn’t going to answer.The silvery thread drifts through the air and lands on my mouth.My lips shimmer and tingle, and when they settle, my lipstick is finally the correct colour.I stroke the wall in thanks.
I examine myself, pout, and smile, pleased that my lips match the dress.The designer sent it to me, asked if I’d wear it out and be photographed.I was only too happy to oblige, of course, given the way the dress clings to my figure.
It’s a dream.Fits like a glove.Cut short, curving around my ass, and displaying my ugly long legs.That’s another thing Morrigan got.Curves.And the same figure and olive skin to die for as our mother, while I got gangly limbs, our father’s pasty white skin and equally boring blonde hair.Even the blue of my eyes is basic.It’s not like I can do anything about it either.I’m no good at hair-dying magic, unlike my sister.I can manage the odd lip tint and occasionally manage to reheat food when I’ve taken too long to eat.I’ve got maybe a dozen pieces of magic under my belt and not a single fucking Collection tattoo.
Unlike Morrigan, who has gone and studied in all the top mansions, castles and palaces in the realm.In record time she’s learned enough that the mansions have bestowed upon her a Collection tattoo, meaning she has unrestricted access to their magic.
And I’ve got nothing.
Which is precisely why I’ll eat a barrel of Borderlands dirt before I ask her for help changing my hair colour.And that is why my hair stays platinum blonde and hers is as dark as the night sky.
I sigh as I stare into the mirror, dissatisfied as usual.My watch tells me it’s time to go.I exit the bathroom and head to my bedroom desk.My fingers brush the letters strewn over it.
I’d like to tell you they’re some sort of romantic love letters.Invitations to swanky parties or, gods only know what.But they’re so much worse.I shuffle some papers over the top to hide them.
To hide my secret.
My fuck-up.
It should have worked.It could have if the lords had all played ball.If Roman would have just given me something… anything.I swear I’d have delivered a message to his brother too.But no.Well, fuck him.He’s probably dead now anyway.
I’m just gutted because this would have been my first real achievement in palace politics.But no.The only person who ever gets credit for anything is Morrigan.
I shuffle the papers again, realising I probably should have told someone.But what good would it do?It’s not like they’re going to follow up on the threats.It’s just all pomp and ego.Trying to force me to fix their mess.
A knock on the door startles me as I brush the last of the letters away.
Benedict, Mother’s chief of staff, is by the door.“Your Highness, the carriage awaits for the family meal this evening.”
Joy.
“I’m not going.”
Benedict gives a nervous laugh.He brushes a hand over his moustache.“While I’d love to entertain your antics this evening, Ms Penelope, I’m afraid the consequences would be too severe for the pair of us.Her Royal Highness Queen Calandra was adamant that you should attend.”
I grit my teeth.
His eyes drop to his jacket pocket and he pulls out a letter.“I’m afraid I need to inform you that I found this.”
Shit.
