My Elegant Ruler

The capital city, Ethel, was frantic with the news of her father’s death. Her stepmother’s unbelievable transformation, the funeral that had long ended before, and now, unexpectedly entangled in a firearms accident, Arlene was engulfed in a whirlwind of confusion. “If the gentleman’s coat is not to your liking, would you mind returning it?” Amidst such chaos, warmth was extended to her. Arlene couldn’t help but grasp the kindness held in elegant hands. Whether that was truly salvation, she couldn’t tell. *** “Arlene.” Though slow, the voice was calm, as if beckoning her at every moment. She turned her head at the whispering voice flowing between lips. At the end of her gaze, along th...