Thirteen Forks

Bloom traveled with her family to her new home over the course of two days, her eyes soaking up the strange scenery with unrestrained joy. With their futures assured by betrothals to twin brothers and their marriages scheduled for within the month, Aurelia and Diana, twins, were on the verge of turning eighteen. With a hint of tenderness in her voice, Aurelia said to Bloom, "You can meet them then, as they'll be here for Annelise's party." They are really attractive twin brothers. Very appropriate, isn't it? Aaron, nearby, proudly puffed out his chest like a child. He declared, "I'll be twelve in a few months," his eagerness already carved with his destiny as a knight.

As the hours passed, Bloom felt herself being attached to her family, even though trust was still a far-off idea during the short journey. It was impossible not to fall in love with Annelise in particular. The child's fast smiles and laughter echoed the carefree energy Bloom once knew in herself, and her endless chatter about unimportant things revealed her tenderness and innocence. Henrik stood out among the adults as a ray of calm. He and his spouse made a special effort to greet her, and Henrik's stories of Bloom's long-forgotten early years created a reassuring bridge between the past and the present.

The problem with her mother, however, was different. She was affectionate and unquestionably lovable, but she also carried expectations that Bloom had to deal with, such as how to behave or which fork to use among a confusing group of thirteen. Having never had such instruction, how could Bloom understand the complex dance of noble etiquette? She sensed her mother's subdued dismay, a desire for a daughter who was less typical, as if Bloom had somehow managed to maintain her noble demeanor in spite of her upbringing. However, Bloom had never lived in a world where such graces were reserved for those who were born and bred inside them.

Bloom's breath hitched as they arrived to Hurlstone Manor, her senses on the verge of being overwhelmed by shock. Although the manor was a marvel in and of itself, her attention was drawn to the gardens. Nestled in the wooded hills below Cockledings hamlet, the wild gardens extended over a mile, a colorful mosaic of fruit trees, flowers, and bushes, all full of life. In contrast to her own small plot, where plants acted more like dimwitted, cute pets, Bloom had never seen the trees wave a happy greeting as she rode by. Her family readily embraced the idea that the plants here appeared to be nearly human. Even a scarlet bartana, glowing with beauty, blew a kiss in her direction. Bloom waved politely at this strangeness, etiquette triumphing over awe.

Henrik followed "to help her settle in" as staff led her inside to a room in one of the manor's four towers. A wave of astonishment washed over her again as she opened the door and froze. The spacious apartment included a bathtub, an extravagance she had never experienced, a balcony promising seclusion, and soft green walls framing a bay window with views of the gardens. The large circular bed at its center was a new addition that was as big as her entire cottage bedroom and was covered in pillows, blankets, and cushions. The area was transformed into a living jungle as potted plants grew in every available spot.

On the wall next to the balcony doors was a large photo of a man who looked just like Henrik, her mother holding a purple-eyed baby (probably Bloom), and a small child grinning down at the baby. There was joy in the air. From behind her, Henrik whispered, "This was your room." "Your bed was used in place of the cradle by Mother." Bloom blinked back the tears that pierced her eyes. "You didn't take my room?" His voice was gentle as he walked next to her. For years, I would come up here every day to wait for my baby sister to return. I couldn't figure out why she had left. His lips curled into a crooked smile. "It turns out that she was no longer such a baby when she returned."

"What took me away?" With the question looming large, Bloom whispered. Helpless, Henrik shrugged. "My guess is as accurate as yours. Although he never told me, I believe Father may have understood or surmised the reason. or Mom. Her fingers touched the frame of the portrait. "How did he come across?" "Very similar to you," Henrik said. quiet and reticent. Until you got to know him better, he seemed shy. "How long ago did he die?" she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "A little less than nine years ago," he remarked. "Shortly after Annelise's birth." "You must have found that difficult." "It was," he acknowledged. "Not as difficult as you must have had to live." She went silent, her throat constricted with anguish. "Perhaps," she said, "but that doesn't make your suffering any less intense." He gave a nod. "I understand." They stood silently together until Henrik excused himself to get ready for supper.

A maid came in as soon as he was gone. "I apologize, but it's time to get dressed for dinner, Madily." Bloom let out a sigh. Don't call me that, please. Okay, it's just Bloom. or Lillian, if you'd like. The maid apologized and curtsied. Please excuse me, but I have to. It would be impolite. Bloom gave in and said, "If it makes you feel better, call me milady in public." "However, when we are in private, I command you to never use that word around me." After hesitating, the maid gave in. "All right, milady—Lillian." That was as good as Bloom could get. The maid introduced herself as Marina and brought out a formal gown, so exquisite that Bloom was horrified, as he had neither possessed nor desired anything so exquisite.

She reacted as though it were a hungry beast and protested, "I can't wear that." "No how, no way." Marina scowled in confusion. “It's just a dinner gown, Lady Lillian. You must have worn such items previously, right? Bloom retorted, "Where I'm from, a simple dinner gown wouldn't have a corset." Your clothing was more elegant than the greatest item I've ever owned. Isn't that the kind I can have? Marina's eyes widened in shock. "But that would be impolite!" Bloom became impatient. "All right. What about something less ostentatious? She sent Marina off to buy a simpler clothing, and when she returned, she had a midnight blue velvet dress with gold stitching that was simpler but still better than anything Bloom had ever worn. Despite Marina's disappointment, she started taking off her clothes. The maid exclaimed, "Milady—Lady Lillian, what are you doing?" "You can't take off your clothes! It is— "Unseemly?" With a stinging cynicism, Bloom interrupted. "All right. I am an unsightly individual. She took off her leggings and top.

Marina gasped once more as she grabbed for the petticoats. Turning, Bloom stifled a frustrated "now what?" "Your back, Lady Lillian!" the maid cried. Marina was horrified when Bloom looked in the mirror and saw the same scar that ran from her right shoulder to her left hip. Calmly, "It's just a scar," she said. "But it's so awful!" Marina cried out. "And this dress will make it visible!" "Slow down," Bloom reassured. I've had it since I fell from a tree when I was seven years old. I got scratched by one of the branches. If it helps you feel better, I'll cover my hair and leave it down. However, that would be impolite! Marina continued. "Yes, I am aware of that!" Bloom lost her rage and snapped. However, I'm not a noble! Stop talking about being unseemly and seemly; I was reared in a common way, and that's how I behave. I'm not interested! Despite Marina's dejected sounds, she hurried out after putting the dress on and letting her hair hang loose.

Bloom stumbled halfway down the hallway, realizing she had no idea where she was going. She prepared her own food at home and ate either outside or in the kitchen. She was uneasy about the idea of being waited on hand and foot here. Marina quickly caught up. "This is how the dining hall is, Lady Lillian. I'll take you there if you don't mind. She walked quickly away, with Bloom following in silence, wishing he could eat by himself in the garden. Most likely not, she reflected. They all eat together in a stuffy dining room with a ton of cutlery and attendants everywhere.

As she stepped through the double doors, her anxieties came to life. Although the formality was lessened by the plants lining the walls, the feeling of crowding persisted. She was to the left of center, between Charlene and her mother. Charlene smiled warmly and went back to talking to Diana. After Bloom calmed down, her mother inquired, "Where is Annelise?" "Normally, she isn't this late." The doors sprang open, and Annelise, dressed in a forest green gown that mirrored Bloom's understated style, slid inside. "I apologize, Mama," she responded with an unflinching smile. "I wanted to wear Lillian's dress, which Marina told me about." She scowled. "However, their colors are different." With patience, Annabeth answered, "You wouldn't want to wear the exact same thing, sweetheart." "Even though that isn't a dinner dress, you look stunning." Bloom concealed a grin; she was also the target of the mild reprimand. How unsightly, she could only understand Marina's dismay.

Her mother said, "Well, let's eat now that we're all here." Bloom randomly picked up a fork when dishes arrived in front of her. “Work your way in, using the one on the far right,” Charlene whispered as she leaned over. Bloom frowned. "A fork is a fork." If I use the incorrect one, it won't end the world. "Your mom won't approve," Charlene warned. Bloom sighed and moved to the appropriate utensil. The food was straightforward—dishes that, with enough time and ingredients, Bloom could prepare herself. Although it tasted amazing, by the middle of it, fatigue set in. Eating can be so exhausting—who knew? Talk was just as exhausting. She felt like she could fall asleep for a week when the lunch was over.

As they got up, Charlene remarked, "Normally, after dinner, we go to the Rose Room, but everyone is exhausted from the trip." Annelise has fallen asleep already. Rest in peace, Lillian-Bloom. "Good night," Bloom said in a weary tone. The route was simple enough, and she found her way back to her room by herself. Bloom disregarded Marina's lovely nightgown, stripping to her shift in spite of the maid's objections. She fell asleep in her big, plush bed before the rhythmic swaying stopped.