Viper's Venom

It started off as a normal day for Lorelei.

As always, she had a light breakfast in the morning. She had never eaten much. Simple soup was enough to keep her figure. Strangely, that had never bothered her before. 

For this day, Lorelei had to start preparing for the social event of the summer. A ball for nobles across the nation, everyone who was anyone would be present. As such, Lorelei needed to get some new items for the event. Though it was bit far out it was, as Nico typically put it, better to be safe than sorry.

Dressing herself in a glimmering red dress, Lorelei allowed the maid Beth, a master at hair stylings, to handle her hair. By the end, her look was beautiful, but not overly complicated. Though her strawberry blond hair was mostly down in waves, a portion of it was pulled to the back, tied with a clip. This clip was one of Lorelei's favorites. Not only did it center a butterfly, but it also had the smallest amount of ribbon trailing from the butterfly's bottom. This way, Lorelei could fiddle with it when she was alone.

About thirty minutes after she was ready, Lorelei found herself in the nearby town. This district housed several popular shops for both nobles and commoners. Though many trinkets were too pricey for peasants, some people had taken to designing items specifically with commoners in mind. Though Lorelei could never visit such items lest it start rumors, she had always been curious about such things. If Nico were present, he would have encouraged her to go anyway. 

To begin her shopping, Lorelei entered Yuna's Trinkets and Accessories. This place was where Lorelei ordered her ribbons. This time, however, she searched the displays. In the end, she chose a set of earrings, bracelet, and necklace. All three pieces were decorated like the autumn leaves. The necklace stood out the most, weaving red orange leaves around in a mesmerizing pattern.

Leaving the store with her prizes, held by Sara, Lorelei entered Gale's Boutique. Though Gale had originally received distaste for being a male designer, his clothing was now highly sought-after. There had even been rumors that Gale had begun designing clothing for the Dandor royals. Entering the store, Lorelei stood at the front desk waiting. It seemed as though the staff was busy accommodating another noble. As the staff backed away, Lorelei tensed.

Of all nobles, why was it Lady Sophia Fikhan she had to meet? After the scene they had made yesterday, Lorelei was not keen on seeing this particular, in Nico's phrasings, 'douchebag'.

A high-ranking noble, Lady Sophia chose to use her power for her own evils. In the past, she had ruined the lives of many. In one caser, she got Sir Elliot, one of the royal knights, fired simply because he did not wish to see her romantically. Another time, Lady Jasmine Juvinna had called out Sophia's pettiness. The next day, her marriage negotiations with Duke Harrington fell through. Always, though, Sophia managed to avoid any sort of negative rumors.

She looked just as conniving as she had yesterday. Her dark hair was draped fancily, with little braids tight around her head, surrounding a bun in the back, leaving very little to hang down. Today she wore a deep blue dress, one that shined with little gems at the hem. Her sea green eyes narrowed on Lorelei immediately.

"Lady Lorelei Terrtrove," Lady Sophia said, voice as smooth as silk. "What brings you here?"

"I am here to get clothes," Lorelei replied. "I would have assumed that was clear."

"Hmm, well you never know," Sophia said cooly. "Given your history, perhaps you came to scream at some innocent workers. You seem to be very good at shouting." The sweet smile that followed was as rotten as her soul.

"If I recall," Lorelei said. "You also appear to have that skill, given how yesterday went." If that upstart thought Lorelei would break that easily again, she was sorely mistaken.

"Yesterday happens to be why I am here," Sophia responded. "After your little fit, I happened to find myself in need of a new dress. Preferably one without tea stains."

"Oh, yes, and I do feel terrible for that." Lorelei said this less for Sophia and more for the crowd that had gathered to watch. "I am a little concerned, though. I would not think that one dress would need such action. Are you not provided with enough dresses?"

"Exc---"

Not giving Sophia time to respond, Lorelei gasped, putting a perfectly manicured hand to her mouth. "Oh, dear!" Lorelei said. "I do not mean to offend! I am merely concerned! If you needed me to pay for the dress so badly, you could have just asked!"

"I did not---"

Lorelei looked to the audience. "I deeply apologize, Lady Sophia. I did not mean to expose your secret in front of such an audience! Come, let us talk somewhere else, away from prying eyes." Lorelei walked to a side room meant for customers, leaving Sophia with no choice but to follow.

When they got to the room, Sophia set a glare onto Lorelei. "You arrogant snake!" Sophia said angrily. "How dare you treat me like that?"

"As easily as you spoke to me yesterday," Lorelei said. "You know I am not one to let things go too quickly."

Sophia scoffed. "How are you still upset about that?"

"It has only been a day, Lady Sophia."

"Come, now," Sophia said. "Perhaps we could let the past be the past." Sophia put up her dazzling smile.

"Why?" Lorelei asked. "So you can betray my trust once again?" Lorelei knew her game. Like the last time, Sophia would act angelic for a while, then severely cross the line, once again.

"Retrieving something belonging to me is not a crime," Sophia said, realizing that Lorelei would not fall for her tricks. If she was this quick to give up, why had she tried in the first place?

Turning to leave, Sophia paused, turning her head back to look at Lorelei. "In case you were curious, they grew quite nicely. It is quite a relief. I would have hated if any had. . . died."

That apathetic viper, Lorelei thought. Does she have no shame?

Lorelei took a few minutes to collect herself. With that many witnesses, rumors would spread far. After the venom that Sophia had spewed yesterday, Lorelei was glad to see that the tables had turned. Leaving the room, Lorelei went to where Sara waited at the front. Maids never followed their mistress into the private areas unless instructed, though they usually were.

"Lady Lorelei," one of the female staff said. "When did you arrive? I hope you have not been waiting long."

What was the woman talking about? Everyone had seen Lorelei's altercation with Sophia, hadn't they? "I was just speaking with Lady Sophia," she said.

"Truly?" The woman asked, rubbing her head. "I thought she left as soon as her fitting was done."

"Is there an issue?" Lorelei asked, concerned about the woman's movements.

"No, my lady," the woman said with a smile. "I just have a sudden headache. I can assist you now."

Lorelei was getting a headache from this, as well. Why was it that no one ever paid attention when Sophia lost? Truly, it was maddening! How did Sophia always manage to weave her way out of trouble? Sighing, Lorelei stepped forward. There was no use in being frustrated about it now. She had a dress to purchase.