The year had come and gone quickly. With the first days of summer approaching, it was time to stay with Aunty and Uncle to learn the family traditions. Despite his best efforts, no one had dropped even a hint as to what the traditions were. Instead Orn only had what he had gathered from the last trip. He cringed, I hope it is not more of me pacing and unpacking that bag...

Lifting his pack to his shoulder, he looked at his family before starting his trek. Everyone had come to see him off, but Orn was surprised to see Oliva seemed to be the most upset. Then she rushed away from the carriage where is parents were standing to wrap him in a hug, nearly knocking him over in the process.

I am going to miss you to, he thought hugging her back.

Squeezing him slightly, she whispered in his ear. “Come back soon. I cannot take all these lessons alone.”

He nodded. From what Mother said during the carriage ride, Liv will have more lessons with me gone. Poor Liv, Mother is trying to turn her into a proper lady, and it is killing her. Liv that’s too tight. I cannot breathe...

Liv’s whisper then took on a menacing tone, “I am giving you until the end of fall to finish and come back home... Or I will find you and drag you back.” Without another word she let go and walked back to his parents waiting at the carriage.

Orn’s parents tried to comfort Olivia while they got back in the carriage, reminding her that he would be back soon.

With a backwards glance at Orn she agreed, “Yes, I am sure he will.”

“That is the spirit.” his father said unable to see her expression. “Now we cannot stand around all day Orn has a long walk ahead of him, and we have a long ride.”

Taking the hint that he was supposed to leave he turned and started for the trees. In their shade he could see Uncle and his cousins were waiting. Once inside the shelter of the forest he feel into step behind them and shivered. A couple years ago the thought of Liv threatening him would have been unthinkable.

But since Mother forced her to act as part of the family... He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, as he imagined Liv appearing silently behind him and dragging him away into the darkness. Forcing the thought down he, turned and walked into the forest where Uncle and his cousins waited.

…

“Kao, it was not that she said she would drag me back, it was how she said it.” Orn whispered while he wandered the darkened forest looking for firewood. “I have never been scared of her before. What happened? When did she turn evil?”

Kao smiled, “She turned evil the same moment every sibling does. When she realized, if your mother is busy doting on you, she can do what she wants.”

“She used to be so nice.” Qrn complained to himself, causing the goddess to laugh.

[Back in the manor. Olivia’s POV]

This is ridiculous! Olivia slipped out of the closet. Why do I have to be a lady? I am perfectly happy as I am!

Seeing the coast was clear, she made her way toward the rear garden. She periodically stopped to listen, but she had not been spotted. She was nearly at the garden door when she heard her ladyship’s voice. In a panic she threw herself behind a curtain and instantly cursed herself. A curtain!? What are you four?

She all but held her breath as the voices came closer. “I do not understand what the problem is. I just want her to have a brighter future.” The countess was coming closer.

The Count’s voice was tired. “Have you considered that she may not want to be a lady.”

YES! Thank you! Your Lordship you are the best! Olivia yelled internally.

Her ladyship harrumphed, “I am not saying she has to marry a noble, and actually be a noblewoman. I just want her to not be limited to men with lower paths. I want her to be safe and happy. There are a lot of Burrachs out there.”

“So you want to protect her. Are you worried she will go through what you experienced?” The lord’s voice was soft and she could detect the worry in her voice.

“No,” Olivia could hear her ladyship stomp her foot in irritation. “I want her to be able to do whatever she wants. She is a part of this family and I want her to be able to travel in any social circle. I just… I just want her to be safe and happy.’

She heard his lordship sigh, “The goddesses were right…”

Olivia’s eyes went wide, and she heard her ladyship gasp.

“Not about that!” He exclaimed in shock, before taking a softer tone. “Orn said that as something the priests said, not his goddess. I meant giving you, the path of mother. Orn is barely out of the house, and you are ready to tear this whole place apart so you can dote on Olivia.”

Unable to see what was happening, Olivia found the silence that followed to be excruciating. Her desire to see her Ladyship’s expression warred with her need to stay hidden.

“Do you really think I am just doing this since Orn is not here?” The silence was broken by her ladyship’s pained voice.

“No, my love. You have always wanted to give her the opportunities you did not have. You are just too used to Orn. He needs to be watched every second of the day, so he does not get into trouble. Olivia is different, and we should treat her differently. She is not behind in her lessons, and she is not constantly at risk of getting hurt.” He paused for a moment, “It is great that you are teaching her, but remember to give her some time to play at being a maid. You know it makes her happy. Remember, your goal was to give her more opportunities, not force her to be something she is not.”

“I….” She heard her ladyship sigh. “You are right, I may have been smothering her a bit. I will think about what you said.”

“You promise?” The count gently prodded her.

“Yes, I promise. I will keep the lessons in moderation, but I still want her ready to be introduced to society soon.” Olivia could almost see the expression on her mistress's face as she compromised about the lessons.

Olivia heard the Count clap his hands, “That seems fair to me. Olivia, come out from there and tell us what you think?”

Olivia’s blood instantly ran cold. I think I am an embarrassment to this accursed path…