C2 2

As she leaves the house with the dress, her sister and mother see her covered by the cape, and immediately question her.

“Cate, where is the dress? Why did you cover it up with that old cape?”

Cateline’s mother, who always called her by her nickname, was curious to see her wearing something new.

“Mom... it got a little tight...”

Said the young woman shyly, lifting a little of the cloak that covered almost her entire body.

Lucinda laughed, which made Cate’s eyes widen.

“It’s not tight, you silly girl, it’s his model. You need to show your qualities to get a quick suitor. Look at how much breast to hide! With this war men will end and you will not have any if you keep hiding like this, you silly.”

Said Lucinda trying to remove the cape from Cateline, who turned red with shame listening to her sister talking. Lucinda was always bold, it always made the house happy, it was her way.

“Did you do it on purpose?!”

Cateline asked, already stressing herself with the situation. She didn’t like the idea of having to show herself to get attention. That was out of the question.

“Girls... stop it!”

Milenna spoke, approaching the two with the basket of vegetables.

“Cateline, you look beautiful, your father would be proud...”

She spoke with her eyes filled with tears. She still hadn’t gotten over the loss of her husband.

"Who would have thought that time would pass so quickly... I pray every day that you will be happy, and that God will bless us with his grace..."

Milenna said, looking up, clasping her hand against her chest.

Everyone seems to be discouraged for a while, thinking about the situation the world is in, but soon that silence is broken by Lucinda, she pushes her sister towards the wagon in a hurry, the young woman did not want to waste time with regrets.

“Come on, come on....”

She said as she pushed her sister.

The girls’ mother waved as she stayed behind to say goodbye to the girls.

“Be careful! And tell Mrs. Ellen I sent a hug...”

The girls waved back and got on the wagon. Who pulls it is an old horse that was their father’s. He was trained and very efficient. Even old was the best horse they had on the farm.

“I can’t believe we are going to a party!”

Lucinda said, as if she had never been to a party before.

“We always go to parties in the village Luci!”

Cateline spoke seriously, trying to hold the cloak that almost flew with the wind. It was already afternoon, and the weather was cooling.

“But this is different, right?”

Lucinda answered without lowering her spirits.

They rode the cart for about two hours until they reached the village; it was almost dusk when they organized the goods outside the wall, near the great gate of the castle there were several stalls set up improvisedly for the sale of goods, they were farmers, jewelers, seamstresses and workers trying to earn a change by selling their items to visitors who would come from afar to celebrate the return of Lord Sirio’s children.

“Hello girls!”

They hear a voice coming from afar. When they look, they see it was Mrs. Ellen, a lady who owns one inn in the village.

“How are you, Mrs. Ellen? Mom sends her love”

Lucinda replied, running towards her and giving her a big hug.

Cateline follows soon after, giving her another hug.

“I see you’re all dressed up today...”

Ellen says, looking at the girls and admiring them.

“You girls have grown up so fast.”

She says, taking the girls’ hands.

“Why the cape Cate?”

She asked, addressing Cateline.

“And just cold...”

Cateline tries to lie, so she doesn’t have to explain, but her sister interrupts her and speaks in front of her.

Cateline sighed deeply, trying to keep her calm; all she wanted was to get back home soon. As she organized some baskets, the young woman heard a group of men leaving a nearby tavern. She overheard them talking about a hostage, but she didn't pay much attention. The tent she had set up with her sister was full of customers, and she couldn't focus much on her surroundings.

After a few minutes, her sister returned, carrying two full bottles of wine.