One More Step

Kyra shook her head and started laughing as she saw her reflection in the mirror. It seems she was the same age as the little Anna, but her features were kind of like her father's. No wonder he took her in, she had the same eyes as he did.

The only difference was that his eyes and hair were black but her eyes were just like in the past life color of brown with a tinge of gold. People in past called her eyes Bernstein. Even Alec Alence was wondering how she got such a strange color as her parents had just brown eyes.

Her hair was reddish with few lighter strains. It was slightly curly but it looked cute on her. But at this moment she didn't look cute at all. The mountain of clothes made her look like a walking wardrobe. She shook her head. ''This can't do. Now my father is aware of my condition. No one would dare to hurt me again. At least no more today. Take of these clothes. In case someone tries to get us, I can at least run away faster and hide. Better than been caught and beaten into mincemeat.''

Anna stopped for a moment and a bright smile appeared on her face. ''Yes miss. It's indeed better to run fast. No matter how we look at it, those from the main house wouldn't dare to make trouble now as Lord has put you under his care.''

She took out a simple pink dress and sighed. ''Miss... These clothes are so simple. That main mistress is really mean. She let you have worn clothes from her maids. You are after all one of his daughters as well. How can you wear such stuff? This won't do. I will ask Lord to make new clothes for you.''

''No, you won't. These simple clothes might be better protection than even fathers back. If I was brought from outside mistress, she must have deep grudges against me. And to tell you this, I understand her. Not only she has to share her husband with multiple other women, now out of nowhere I appear and stab her heart even more. Don't even mention those females, as it seems my father had more outside. She must feel stifled and vented her anger on me. I understand her. The clothes are clean and have no holes. Look the shoes and socks look fine as well. As long we don't invite trouble and live just quietly maybe her anger will cease. So don't ask father anything. Do you understand?'' Kyra Jong was not a small child and understood some things better than expected.

Anna nodded but went sad looking at the ugly dress. ''Miss really want to live a simple life?''

Kyra wanted to have her own family already a while ago, so she wanted to quit the military life and just enjoy simple days with her husband and children. She learned very quickly it was an easy task for her to learn to prepare all kinds of delicious food. She wanted to be a real housewife and mother. Fighting was never her choice, she just had to. Now she has a new life and she will live it simply.

Looking at her appearance, for now, she looked cute but not beautiful. The most fascinating thing on her face was those bright golden eyes. She smiled at herself and two small dimples appeared on her cheeks.

''Well, I am maybe not pretty, but not ugly at least. I think?'' Who knows what beauty standards this world had. In her eyes this child was really cute, but who is she to know what real beauty is or not.''Let us talk to father. And I need to talk to the main wife as well. Let's hope she will let me live after my words.''

She could feel pain by every step she made but her decision to clear this damnable situation made her bear with it. Anna supported her as she held her under one of her arms and walked slowly with her considering every step.

When they came almost to the door Kyra already felt faint and sweaty. But she didn't want to give up. Her perseverance gave more strength even to Anna that could see small beads of sweat appearing on Kyra's forehead. ''Maybe some other day, miss. You just woke up after being beaten up. Please, you don't have to do this today. Tomorrow is a day as well.''

Kyra shook her head and stiffly smiled. ''Even if it hurt like hell, I must end this today. I still have their attention. They will both feel somewhat stifled with my appearance and will probably more open to listening to my words. Even she will let me speak. As a noblewoman to have lost control and beaten up a child almost to death, she probably has a slight regret. I can use it only today. With this broken body of mine, she will listen. Trust me. If I heal and go look for her I will be just even bigger torn in her eyes, and the second time she might even kill me. Now is good, now is good...''

As they passed the long corridor, the servant that she met looked at her with sympathy in their eyes. 'This is good. After seeing me like this they might let me be for a while.'

She was not interested in all those novels, but she had ears and could hear her companions talking about the happenings in those kinds of households. Maybe, just maybe, she could be left to grow up normally and then she will find a simple man and marry and live a simple life. What is wrong with that?

Her heart and steps were heavy and painful, but she knew she had to use this chance or this new life will be gone soon. Very soon....