For a second, Akira forgot where she was. Her usual white ceiling didn't greet her, rather an old-fashioned, white, sweeping canopy did.

With a reluctant sigh, she dressed robotically, refusing help from a maid who seemed to know the exact moment that Akira had opened her eyes. With a natural touch of make-up and a flowing knee-length chiffon dress, she departed the room with her mood sour but her face sweet.

Her kitten heels clicked on the marble as she walked, the only sound in the loud echoey corridors. It seemed as if the servants were trained to be as quiet and invisible as possible but the moment she felt lost, a manservant appeared out of nowhere, ready to guide her. It was quite unsettling really, how there seemed to be an invisible surveillance keeping watching on her all the time.

Since she had woken up rather late, she had missed breakfast - it was now time for lunch - and she would be dining with her grandmother in the conservatory. At least that was what that quiet maid had told her. That maid who gave no name seemed a little off. Everything about her screamed unapproachable from her downcast face and her bowed head. She spoke only when absolutely necessary but oddly, watched Akira like an eagle.

As she stepped into the conservatory, a wave of warmth hit her as the sun shone done brilliantly through the glass panels. Her grandmother was already seated around a small circular table and tucked in with a disapproving frown on her face. Again, she wore an expensive dress - this time a pastel pink - and her hair was pulled up in an elegant bun with some small crystal diamonds reflecting little glimmers of light.

"You're late", her grandmother stated as she sipped from a glass of wine.

"I wasn't aware of our lunch appointment until only fairly recently", Akira said, trying to appease her grandmother.

"Well, do not dawdle around. Take a seat", she ordered.

Akira did as she was told, sitting down and allowing herself to be tucked in. She unfolded her napkin and placed it neatly on her lap, waiting.

As the food was served and Akira began to eat, she became all too aware of her grandmother's unfaltering gaze.

"Is there something wrong?" Akira asked innocently, cocking her head to the side whilst furrowing her eyebrows. She placed her fork down neatly on the side, internally groaning. Akira was rather famished and the linguine had the most fragrant of scents, wafting to her nose and making her stomach rumble.

"I am pleasantly surprised", her grandmother said reluctantly. "I had prepared myself for the worst".

"I trust that you will now believe in my parent's capabilities in raising me. I do not understand where you got this wild unruly version of me from". Akira picked up her fork again and delighted, twirled some of the linguine on her fork.

"As I said, I had expected the worst. Now", her grandmother said, steering the conversation away. "We must discuss some rather pressing matters during your stay here. None of what I am about to say is debatable, do you understand?"

Before Akira could even respond, her grandmother continued.

"I expect you to address me as Grandmother or Grandmother Evelyn. No more or no less, especially in the company of others. The social season will befall us soon and I expect you to partake in it. From what I have observed thus far, you seem quite competent but I will make sure you are polished thoroughly. Your debut into society shall be next week so you must perfect yourself before them. Any shame you bring on yourself will also tarnish the Astley reputation, do you understand what I am saying?"

"Pardon me, I am extremely confused", Akira said baffled, after a minute of silence. "I have to come to stay to mourn the passing of my parents, not to participate in the social season".

"There was nothing confusing about what I just said", Grandmother said. "There is no choice. In order to stay in my residence, you must do as an Astley would do. Our family is the peak of high society and whilst living here you will partake".

"There is no need to flaunt my presence, I would prefer a... a quieter stay to properly grieve and mourn", Akira said, feeling her temper grow. Her parents had passed only a week ago, it didn't even make sense for her to be participating in the social season.

"Oh, please. Everyone already knows you are here, at my house. That emotional conference about spending time with your estranged grandparents was international news", Grandmother scoffed. Her face hardened as she continued. "And that is the condition for living here. You must do as I say or you can leave and go back to London and do as you like. Nothing is stopping you".

At that very point, Akira felt like her fears were confirmed. Judging by Grandmother's smug look, she must know about that clause in the will which was weird as no one was supposed to know. She could only know if she had a hand in adding that clause in or if she just had spies planted in her son's home. Either way, she was using it to her advantage to manipulate Akira and until she had something substantial to escape, Akira would have to dance along like a puppet on a string.

"Well?" Grandmother said expectantly. "What is your answer?"

"Fine", Akira said, tightly. "I will participate but within reason".

"It's good to hear that you are being so agreeable", Grandmother responded, smugly.

Another tense silence followed with only the quiet sounds of the cutlery filling the air.

"Is that a skill we must work on? Social eloquence?" Grandmother asked with a bite of sarcasm.

"Oh, do not fret. My social skills are impeccable when I need them to be", Akira said, as she dapped the corner of the lips with the napkin. "Pardon me for my rudeness, I just find it hard to converse with a relative I have never met before who doesn't seem all too concerned about the reason why I am here".

"Oh, don't be ridiculous", Grandmother scoffed. "I'm not going to shower you with a pity parade just because you have been orphaned. Whenever something misfortunate happens, do you wallow in self-pity?"

"Sorry, I think you're mistaken", Akira sarcastically said. "I do not think losing one's parents is equivalent to just 'misfortune'. Might I remind you, your son is no longer with us".

"My son", she seethed. "Was never with me. He hasn't been by my side for over two decades. I am more familiar with the scullery maid than I am with him".

Akira winced. Scullery maids were the lowest ranking maid and for Grandmother who clearly ignored her servants, that was a low blow.

"Regardless, he is your son. Am I also insignificant to you then?"

"No, as you have come back. I will give you the benefit of the doubt. I'd like to think that you seem quite sensible... given your parentage", Grandmother said, peering down at Akira over her wine glass. There was a strong aura of aloofness surrounding her grandmother as if Grandmother was somehow superior to Akira in every way possible.

"My parentage? You mean my mother? Please keep any cruel words to yourself as she is the one the birthed and raised me". Akira was all too aware of the slight raise on her voice but she was too worked up to care. For Grandmother to insult her mother even as she was dead was crossing a line. "And what is wrong with her? She is of social status".

"It is something that you young children will not understand. The Astleys have always married right", Grandmother replied, condescendingly. "It is quite a shame that my son decided to go frolicking off with some random woman".

"Stop talking about my mother like that!" Akira snapped back.

"Nonetheless", Grandmother interrupted. "I am grateful that at least you have the Astley eyes. You must have extremely good luck to have at least inherited those. I suppose there's not much we can do about the rest of your... exotic features".

Akira tucked her chair out and stood in rage. The linguine had gone cold and so had her appetite. There was no reason why she should put up with this slander.

"You're not going to bully me or insult my parents and think nothing will come from it. I won't run back home and you know why but that doesn't mean I will make things easy for you. I care little for high society so it would not take much for me to accidentally make a scene or two in front of the most influential socialites".

"Is that a threat?" Grandmother said, her voice dipping dangerously low.

"Is it? Or is it just a warning?" She retorted. "Don't think I am some naive, gullible girl who you can manipulate as you wish. I will take a stance if you cross the line. I don't expect much but at least attempt to be cordial. Respect my family and I'll respect your wishes".

"I shall never respect that leeching woman!" Grandmother shouted, her voice shaking anger. Her hand trembled as she clutched onto the stem of the wine glass in rage, the red liquid sloshing ever so slightly.

"Well, then I will be taking my leave". Akira smiled and narrowed her eyes. "My inheritance is not worth my parents turning in their grave every time you speak because of the constant insults. I would say it has been a pleasure to meet you but frankly it has been the opposite. I see exactly why your son ran away".

Grandmother stood too, her chair scraping back painfully. "So you care little for your inheritance? You want the house and all assets to go elsewhere?" With every word she spoke, her voice rose higher and higher to an almost threatening note.

"I care more about my parent's reputation than some materialistic gain. I have enough wealth to lead my lifestyle and my 'real' grandparents have always supported me. Farewell". Akira turned her back and strode off feeling a burden lift off her shoulders. She would be gutted to lose everything but she wasn't going to force herself to sit in such spiteful company. She felt like she was being watched constantly and Akira had a very strong inkling that her luggage had been rifled through. She had enough. Maybe it was best to go home.

Just as she was at the door, Grandmother called out a little shakily.

"Fine", she reluctantly said. "I will not mention that woman anymore".

Akira stopped in her tracks and turned around, watching her suspiciously. That was... too easy. People like her grandmother never apologised for anything that quickly and clearly, Grandmother still hated her mother. From the quick way she spoke up again, it almost seemed as if her grandmother didn't want her to go. Like she needed Akira to stay...

"I would appreciate that very much. I am going to retire to my chambers now. Have a nice day". Akira cast one last dubious look at Grandmother who had gently taken a seat as if that outburst of anger never happened and turned to leave.

"Your lessons start tomorrow. Make sure to attend on time", Grandmother called out, triumphant.

Akira shut the conservatory door, resisting the urge to slam it as she walked off.

Any crazy theories?

Question for today:

What is your all-time favourite historical book (fiction or non-fiction)?

Mine is Jane Eyre :)

Xx