I was still in bed when Fermina and Rascal entered wearing their elegant evening attires.

  “Aufelia! You look so much better,” Fermina commented upon seeing us. “You stopped clutching your head, your color is healthier, and you are not… grimacing. It is almost like you are entirely someone else.”

  “My condition is improving; I shall not deny that,” I nodded her way, smiling about being able to directly address her.

  “No kidding!” Rascal exclaimed, darting to my side before perching herself at the edge of the bed. She eagerly grasped Princess’s arm, her voice alight with unrestrained excitement. “You think you’re good enough to paint? I’m dying to have you finish your work,” she pleaded with insisting eagerness, her wide, hopeful eyes shining with desperate yearning. How could I possibly deny her?

  “I could be persuaded,” I conceded, gently patting her head. “However, I still feel rather faint, and that is entirely due to hunger. Perhaps you could summon the maid to address the cooks on my behalf? Anything would suffice; I merely need to restore my strength.” I glanced towards the mirror in the corner, half expecting Princess’s voice to chastise me. Surely, even she would not be so petty as to deny me sustenance, especially when I could manage to eat while remaining comfortably in our bedclothes. Her inner voice remained silent; I took that as tacit approval.

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  “You move and seem well enough to manage to dine with the rest of us,” Fermina remarked, approaching the bed with her usual grace. “I was sympathetic to your pain before, Aufelia, but I do not condone outright laziness. Dress yourself, or better yet, take a bath, make yourself presentable, and we will await you in the dining room,” she decreed with the authority bestowed upon her as the elder sister and, technically, the head of her own little family.

  “I… uh…” Words failed me as I stared into the large mirror beside the bed. It was my intention to honor my promise to Princess and allow her autonomy over her body, yet how could I possibly defy Fermina? “I truly do feel a little weak, dear sister,” I attempted one final plea.

  “In that case, Riatna can assist you,” Fermina smiled as she issued her command, and I realized this was her plan all along. There was no shame in being outmaneuvered by such an exceptional woman. I had never stood a chance. Rascal celebrated with a smirk.

  “What the fuck, Dubart!? I thought we had an agreement!” Princess raged within me. “You would stay away from my sisters, and you were supposed to respect my body! What happened to that? What did I do all that crap with Raiya for!?”

  “I shall do my utmost to be respectful,” I whispered as softly as I could, allowing Rascal to guide me out of bed, gathering our bathrobes and towels in preparation.

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