Soul Of Calypso

"Wake up, Lady Scarlett."

Scarlett winced as the sun's rays crept through the half-drawn curtains, bathing her soft face in a golden hue. Her eyes fluttered open, but she groaned, pulling the comforter over her head in defiance. Drowsiness still weighed heavy on her body, making it impossible to rise even as her loyal servant, Ms. Emma, worked tirelessly to rouse her.

The persistent maid yanked the curtains wide open, allowing the full force of morning light to flood the room. "Lady Scarlett," Ms. Emma said firmly, her tone brooking no argument, "it is time to rise. You will be late for your first day at the Academy."

Scarlett groaned in protest, turning her back toward the light and burying her face deeper into her pillow. "Just five more minutes," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep and muffled by the soft cushion.

"There will be no further waiting, My Lady. The West Estate's firstborn cannot afford tardiness," Ms. Emma retorted, grabbing hold of the comforter and pulling it away.

Scarlett's whining voice echoed through the room as she begrudgingly sat up. Exhaustion clouded her features; dark circles adorned her otherwise flawless face, a testament to her restless night. She had stayed up late talking to her beloved twin sister, Charlotte-a conversation that left her feeling both comforted and, once again, overshadowed.

"Your bath has been prepared, Lady Scarlett," Ms. Emma said, her no-nonsense demeanor ensuring no further delay.

The maid led Scarlett to the bathing room, where the warm aroma of rose petals greeted her. Scarlett's tired expression softened as she saw the steaming bath filled with fragrant bubbles. Ms. Emma began to undress her, and Scarlett, too weary to protest, allowed it.

Once submerged in the warm water, Scarlett sighed in relief, the heat easing the tension in her muscles. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the scent of roses soothe her throbbing head.

"Where is my sister, Ms. Emma?" Scarlett asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Lady Charlotte rose early this morning," Ms. Emma replied as she gently scrubbed Scarlett's back. "She prepared breakfast for you, Lady Scarlett, and Lord and Lady West."

"Oh," Scarlett murmured, her voice laced with both admiration and jealousy. Charlotte always did things perfectly, effortlessly earning their parents' pride and affection.

Scarlett, in contrast, often felt like an afterthought. Despite being the firstborn and the rightful heir to the West Estate, she was constantly overshadowed by Charlotte's grace and accomplishments. Scarlett loved her sister dearly, but the sting of envy was a familiar ache in her heart.

"You have the most beautiful features in all four lands, Lady Scarlett," Ms. Emma said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Do not flatter me with such lies, Emma," Scarlett replied with a bitter laugh. "Everyone knows Charlotte is the true gem of the West. She is flawless, the pride of our family, and soon, the reason for the unification of the four estates."

Ms. Emma hesitated before speaking again. "Lady Scarlett, you must not belittle yourself. You are the firstborn, and your potential is limitless. One day, you will see it as I do."

Scarlett offered no response. Instead, she stared at her reflection in the water, distorted by ripples and bubbles. Ms. Emma's words, while kind, did little to ease the burden of self-doubt that weighed on her.

"Are you nervous about your first day at the Academy, My Lady?" Ms. Emma asked, breaking the silence.

Scarlett rolled her eyes and flicked some water in irritation. "Why should I be? They are just people, like me. There is nothing to fear."

"Not even their judgment? Highborns can be cruel, Lady Scarlett."

Scarlett smirked, her confidence returning in an instant. "If they dare intimidate me, they'll regret it. I can handle myself, Emma. You needn't worry."

The servant chuckled softly, but her expression grew serious. "What about pirates, My Lady? Are you unafraid of them as well?"

Scarlett froze, her hand hovering above the water. The question caught her off guard. Pirates had always been a source of fascination for her-a mix of fear and intrigue. She had never encountered one, but their tales of plunder and terror were enough to send shivers down her spine.

"I don't know, Ms. Emma," Scarlett admitted quietly, her gaze dropping to the water.

The ocean was Scarlett's sanctuary, a source of peace and wonder. Unlike Charlotte, who avoided it entirely, Scarlett longed to explore its depths and uncover its secrets. Yet, as a noble, she was forbidden from such pursuits. Her parents had made it clear that the sea was no place for a lady of her station.

"Come now, Lady Scarlett," Ms. Emma said, helping her out of the tub. She wrapped Scarlett in a soft towel, drying her with care. "You must hurry. Lord and Lady West are waiting for you in the dining hall."

Scarlett nodded, though her heart sank at the thought of facing her mother. She dressed quickly, her heavy gown making each step toward the dining hall feel like a chore.

As she entered, she immediately noticed her father's absence. Her mother's cold gaze fell upon her, and Scarlett braced herself for the inevitable reprimand.

"Scarlett," her mother said sharply, dismissing the servants with a wave of her hand. "You are a noble, not a commoner. Waking up this late is unacceptable."

"I apologize, Mother," Scarlett replied, her tone carefully neutral.

"Well, you always are," her mother said dismissively, returning to her reading.

Scarlett's chest tightened, but she held her tongue. She took her seat beside Charlotte, who greeted her with a warm smile. The sight of her sister's cheerful face eased some of her tension.

"I baked these for you," Charlotte said, sliding a plate of croissants toward Scarlett. "Do you like them?"

Scarlett took a bite, her mood lifting slightly. "They're delicious. You've outdone yourself again, Charlotte."

The twins' lighthearted exchange was short-lived.

"Charlotte, you'll be late for school if you don't leave now," their mother interrupted, her tone curt. "Go pack your things."

"But Mother, Scarlett-"

"Scarlett can manage on her own," their mother said firmly. "You are the future heir. You must not be tardy on your first day."

Charlotte hesitated, her gaze darting between her mother and Scarlett. Finally, she stood and left, her reluctance evident in every step.

Once Charlotte was gone, Scarlett sat in silence, her appetite gone. She felt the familiar sting of her mother's favoritism, a wound that never seemed to heal.

Scarlett finished her breakfast quickly and excused herself. She wandered through the grand halls of the West Estate, her mind racing with thoughts of the day ahead. The Academy awaited her-a place filled with strangers, expectations, and the unknown.

For a moment, she paused by a window overlooking the ocean. The sight of the endless blue waves calmed her racing heart. One day, she promised herself, she would break free from the confines of nobility and explore the world beyond the estate.

But for now, she had to face the Academy and the challenges it would bring.

With a deep breath, Scarlett straightened her posture and headed toward the waiting carriage. The day had only just begun, and she was determined to make the most of it.