I sat patiently on the couch, the untouched fabric pressing against me and heightening my unease. The maid who had been asked to fill my tea cup had long gone after asking for my presence on behalf of my mother. It was seldom that I was called, meaning that there were only two extremes to my predictions. A small 'creak' brought my gaze up, the clicking of heels demanding anyone's attention.
"Elira," my mother started as she patted the couch encouraging the strange but elegant women to join. "Recently, your father found it in him to hire you a teacher."
A strange tone entered my ears, my eyes wandered to her soft and elderly face as my mother spoke.
"Education will allow our family to prosper. I hope you understand — this opportunity is one of a kind, not something you share…"
Her strong gaze fell on my face pulling my wandering eyes. I sat, shocked for a moment. I wasn't sure how this had come to be, but I was grateful nonetheless.
"I understand, Mother."
My shocked state paused my wide smile. I stood and swiftly moved to reach my arms out to my mother's particularly placed hands, wrapping the parts I could reach into a hug.
There was a moment of silence before my mother gently patted my back and introduced the strange woman.
"An old friend of mine from Durnoss will improve your grace…" She lifted her hands pushing me to stand tall. "She knows many things you would never find in Solmyrel… you could be a worldwide scholar."
I stared into her hazel eyes as she wistfully glanced at our guest. I investigated her up close, fearing this was an illusion. If I dared blink, I fear she would vanish.
Her bold hand moved slowly to pat my head softly, marking this moment real. A soft smile reminiscent of mothers amid at me.
"It is very nice to meet you, young Countess Elira."