The following day, a maid burst into my room– without knocking– and informed me I would need to go to Yama's Boutique for a dress fitting. As I followed the main outside to the carriage– my anxiety began to rise.

Calm down, Kyla. I thought as I slid into the carriage, claiming a seat across from the maid– who had gotten in before me. I didn't pay her mind, I was too busy worrying about the shop. There was an incident that happened there to the female lead– but I should be fine.

It wasn't until later in the story anyway. Then why do I feel nervous? I pressed a hand against my stomach and took a few deep breaths to calm down the nerves. Is this the original Kyla's reaction?

"You won't be loud or obnoxious or draw attention to yourself while we're there." The maid bit out, pulling me from my thoughts.

"And who are you to tell me how to behave?" I asked, voice dripping with coldness. These maids are really starting to piss me off.

"How dare you-"

"No." I leaned forward, knitting my hands together. "How dare you. Are you the daughter of house Thornevale? No?" I felt a smile spread across my face as she foundered. "Are you perhaps royalty and I'm unaware?"

"I-I'm not sure why yo-"

"So then mind your tongue before I mind it for you." I cut her off, sitting back. That should do it.

The maid's face turned white and she turned her head to look out the window. Mad aren't you? I thought bitterly. So am I.

The rest of the ride was in silence, but I had a feeling the maid was plotting some form of revenge. I didn't care though– she's nothing.

When we pulled up to the boutique, the maid jumped out quickly ignoring me. I sighed, telling myself to pick my battles and jumped out. Of course no one would help me down.

We headed toward the shop and as soon as the bell jungled– a woman with bright cotton candy blue hair appeared, a smile on her face.

"Welcome to…oh." The smile disappeared and she sighed. "I have a dress already made for you. Please try it on." She waved absently toward one of the changing rooms and disappeared.

So rude. I thought, walking toward the location. I get Kyla has a bad reputation, but this blatant disregard is strange.

I stepped into the room and stiffened at the sight of the dress. It was frilly, overly bright hot-pink, and something that looked like a toddler would wear. You have to be joking.

I turned on my heel and walked out– searching for the owner. Unfortunately, I ran into a smug looking woman, decked out to the nines. Two other women that also had to be nobles flanked her.

"Oh, look who we have here." She smirked, waving her fan before her face. "If it isn't the bastard of house Thornevale."

"I thought this boutique was reserved for those with privilege." The noble woman on the left smirked. "I smell a faint odor of rotten fish. Maybe we shouldn't come here anymore."

"I do as well." The one on the right covered her nose. "How disgusting."

"Do I know you?" I asked, tilting my head. "I didn't realize harpies were real."

"Excuse me?" The decked out woman snapped. "I see your manners haven't gotten any better."

"My manners aren't the problem." I brushed past them, walking toward where the owner had disappeared to. "Perhaps you should check the mirror on occasion before speaking."

"How dare a bastard speak to Lady Viola in that manner!" One of the women screamed.

Yeah, whatever you say. Dealing with a posse wasn't on my list of things to deal with. I opened the curtain and stopped when a slim wrist snacked out– grabbing my shoulder.

"Don't you walk away from me." The decked out woman snarled, spinning me around. "You will pay for your insolence."

I brushed her hand off, glaring at her. The realization of just who this woman was sunk in quickly. I should have realized it sooner.

Lady Viola Vescan, the eldest daughter of Viscount Vescan. Other than Kyla, she was one of the antagonists that would always get in the female lead's way. Why does it have to be her of all people? Viola had a violent temper, but she lacked common sense.

"Do you not have better things to do with your time?" I asked, crossing my arms. "Harassing someone whose station is above yours is bad etiquette."

"You are nothing but a bastard child." Viola snapped. "You may have the Duke's last name, but you were a product of a lowly slave mistake. You don't even have status amongst high society."

"My birth means little." I took a step forward, eyes flashing. "I am still a member of the Duke's household and your better. I suggest you keep that in mind, Viola."

"Is something wrong?" The shop owner asked, appearing from the back. She looked between us, frowning. "I don't allow fighting within my shop."

"No one is fighting." I turned and walked toward the door. "Sadly, your business is too loud and drab for my taste. I'll be taking my business elsewhere."

I paused at the door, glancing over my shoulder. "Oh, and that dress you tried to thrust on me, you can burn it. The Thornevale household will not be paying for something so childish. Good day."

I didn't wait for a response and instead left the building. All the women inside looked ready to explode from anger.

Good. I thought, mentally patting myself on the shoulder. That actually felt good.

I made my way back to the carriage and bumped shoulders with someone so hard that I stumbled. I let out a gasp– expecting to fall into a heap, but strong arms wound around me– keeping me up right.

"I apologize." A deep masculine voice sounded. "Are you hurt at all?"

"No," I let out a breath and shifted out of his embrace. "I apologize as well. I wasn't paying mind to my surroundings." I looked over my shoulder toward him but I couldn't see his face.

The man was completely covered in a cloak. What I did notice was how tall he was. Kyla wasn't exactly on the short side– she was five foot six– but this man had to be six foot three or four. He was also built– even I could tell without being able to see him completely.

I have a strange feeling about him. I thought, turning around. "Have a pleasant day, sir."

I didn't hear him if he answered– but I didn't care. Something about him screamed dangerously and I already had enough problems to deal with let alone a strange man.

I didn't know it then, but that man would become a large part of my life in the near future.