Chapter Text
A gray ribbon was tied around Lotus Rosier's neck, tightening and pulling as she looked back and forth between the two adults sitting on either side of her.
Plates and silverware clink together as everybody dined, conversations happening infrequently.
"Lotus, dear," Great-aunt Cassandra spoke as she stared at Lotus like she was prey.
"Any boys you've noticed?" she asked while grinning, her crooked, brittle teeth looking as if they could break at any moment.
"No, ma'am," Lotus replied softly, staring at her folded hands in her lap.
"Lotus plans to marry a nice, wealthy, pureblooded boy," Serfina Rosier boasted. "You know, I couldn't do much with that Eliza, but Lotus follows commands. She's a good girl."
Eliza nervously smiled at her relatives as everyone turned to her. Lotus and Eliza's eyes met, both of their eyes beholding pity for the other.