Just like that, my days keep rolling past in a steady, unbroken loop. I keep pushing through, balancing my tight office schedule in reality while maintaining my presence as Eleanor in the fantasy realm.
Then, right around the one-month mark in Eleanor's world, something unexpected shatters the routine.
I am out in the garden, crouching down in the dirt with soil clinging to my hands as I mess around with the plants, when a shadow suddenly falls over me.
"Eleanor, what on earth are you doing?"
I feel surprise suddenly hearing my name. Then I clam myself and find out that it's Orlando 0who is standing right in front of me. I freeze, expecting the inevitable lecture or stern scolding for ruining noble protocol.
"Just... playing, Brother. It's nothing, really," I say quickly, scrambling to my feet.
Instead of yelling, Orlando pulls out a crisp, white handkerchief from his pocket. He steps forward, gently reaching out to wipe the smudges of soil off my hands and dust away the stray dirt clinging to my dress.
"You should really take better care of yourself," he says softly, a small chuckle escaping his lips as he looks down at me. "You're playing around like a little girl."
A quiet gasp ripples through the nearby maids and gardeners. They stare in absolute shock and honestly, I am just as flabbergasted. Did Orlando... just laugh? Since when is he this relaxed with me?
Narrowing my eyes in curiosity, I take in his tense posture. "Why are you out here, anyway? You look like you're in a huge hurry."
"Oh, right. I was, actually," Orlando admits, rubbing the back of his neck. "Are you free right now?"
I fold my arms, giving him a pitiful look . "Obviously I am. You and Father have been so busy that you haven't even noticed me. I feel like a ghost in my own house!"
A flash of genuine guilt crosses Orlando's face. "I'm sorry, Eleanor. I really have been buried in work these past few weeks... which is exactly why I'm going to spend the entire day with you today."
My eyes widen. "What? Your whole day? Don't you have important work to do? I was only joking, you know! You don't have to waste your precious time on me."
"What are you talking about?" Orlando frowns slightly, his voice softening with deep earnestness. "You're my sister. I don't want to ignore you. I was just busy, that's all."
"Right, right, as always. I know," I reply with a gentle laugh.
"Anyway, come on," Orlando says, motioning toward the mansion. "Go change into something nice. We're going out."
"Going out?" I stare at him, bewildered. "Is there a special occasion? Why the sudden trip outside?"
"We're just going to spend some quality time together," he explains with a warm smile. "We'll go shopping, grab lunch outside... don't worry about a thing, I've already arranged everything."
"Well, if you say so..." I hesitate, looking down at my elaborate attire. "But shopping? I already have way too many heavy dresses back in my wardrobe. I really don't need any more!"
Orlando blinks in genuine surprise, a small smirk playing on his lips. "What are you talking about? You need more clothes, don't you? Weren't you the one who used to throw massive tantrums because you felt like you never had enough dresses? What's with this sudden change? I get that you're becoming more mature, Eleanor, but don't grow up too fast. You know Father and I can easily take care of all your desires."
A sudden wave of warmth flushes my cheeks, mixed with a tiny drop of playful frustration. "N-No, Brother! What are you talking about? I would never throw a tantrum like that!" I quickly wave my hands in protest, trying to hide my embarrassed blush. "Just erase those ridiculous old memories of me from your mind, okay? I've changed, and you know that!"
Orlando chuckles softly, his expression softening as he looks down at me. "Yeah, yeah, I know you have. But consider this a gift. Don't hesitate, just enjoy your day. You can ask for whatever you want today, and I'll grant every single wish. Think of it as my formal apology for being so busy and neglecting you lately." He gently taps my shoulder. "You can pick out whatever kind of dresses you want, and I'll buy them all."
My eyes light up as a brilliant idea strikes me. "Okay then... is it fine if I choose some lightweight, comfortable clothes instead of those heavy, suffocating ballgowns?"
Orlando hesitates for a second, scratching his neck with a slight grimace. "Well... I suppose you can get comfortable clothes for around the estate, but please don't wear them to any formal parties, alright? It'll embarrass the whole family."
"Yes, yes, obviously! I know better than that," I laugh, rolling my eyes playfully. "Alright, let's go!"
I call out for Lily and head straight back to my bedchamber to change out of my soil-stained dress. As Lily helps me get presentable, I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror, my mind racing.
What on earth is going on? I wonder, my brow furrowing in deep curiosity. Why the sudden trip? Why is Orlando taking me out for shopping and lunch out of nowhere? I knew he was softening up toward me over these past few weeks, but this is way too sudden... It feels like I'm dealing with an entirely different version of him.