Tea Rose 24: Sister Dearest

[leia_solo]

Name: Destiny
Story: The Mondian Chronicles (Archive/Index/Timelines)
Title: Sister Dearest
Timeline: 1124 AW
Colors: Tea Rose 24: Nobody minds having what is too good for them.
Supplies and Styles: None
Word Count: 290
Summary: A tale of two very different sisters or so it would seem at first glance.
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Notes: Barbe is Charlotte's sister (Born in the same year) by Lady Alice de Grieut. As Charlotte mentions they don't get along very well, it may have something to do with their different temperaments. The queen mentioned is Anna, who is of course Charlotte's sister in law as Charlotte has been married to Jean Luc for four years by the time this takes place. Barbe was previously married. Last tea rose.



“I’m so glad you came to see me, sweet sister,” Barbe purred.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t let me refuse, Barbe.”

Barbe laughed. “Well I wanted to see you. It’s been such a long time since we’ve talked face to face.”

Charlotte tightened her lips and kept quiet.

“I’m sure you know of my condition,” Barbe started.

“The whole court knows of your condition,” Charlotte interrupted.

Barbe grinned. “Well I suppose His Majesty wanted everyone to know.”

“Or perhaps you did.”

“I sense some coldness on your part, Lottie,” Barbe said using Charlotte’s most hated nickname.

Charlotte ignored it. “I would think so.”

“Look Lottie, I know you and the queen are close. But how could I refuse Henri? He offered for me and I accepted, it’s as simple as that.”

“You could have said no.”

“Yes, I could have,” Barbe said. “But then I wouldn’t have all I have. My children and I will be well taken care of. Not all of us have a rich husband to baby us.”

“Excuse you!” Charlotte said standing. “You have an allowance from father and the pension from your husband’s estates.”

“A mere pittance,” Barbe said waving her hand idly.

Charlotte looked at her sister. They looked nothing alike, probably because of their different mothers. Charlotte had to admit to herself that after a disastrous meeting when they were five, she had never tried to get along with Barbe.

“I’m leaving,” Charlotte said.

Barbe came slowly to her feet.

“If you need anything, Lottie, don’t hesitate to ask,” Barbe said softly.

Charlotte turned her back on her sister. She knew she would not take her sister up on her offer and at the moment, it didn’t hurt her in the least.

Comments

[bookblather]

You know, I sort of feel like Barbe is honestly trying to do well by her sister? At least Charlotte's going to have a good life with or without that connection.

[leia_solo]

She is, but Charlotte is holding on to the difficulties they had growing up and things along those lines.

[kay_brooke]

I can't really fault Barbe for taking what was offered and running with it, though it may be a little short-sighted considering Henri's history. I mean, she might think she's set up for life, but is she really? Charlotte, though, is under no obligation to feel happy for her sister, especially with how smug Barbe is being.

[leia_solo]

I am INCREDIBLY late replying but yes to everything you said.