The sky was growing dark by time Elena retired to the candlelit dining hall. Father was away to some far off place for business per usual, leaving Willshire estate affairs to Elena, of which accepted with a determined jaw and tired heart. The day had been particularly exhausting managing servants, being enraged by incompetent servants, reviewing household finances... "Another tedious day." Elena sighed, leaning back on the wooden chair of the dining table, surveying the meticulously prepared utensils and untouched meal before him. Elena stretched her neck, feeling its muscle tension, and took a deep drink of the her wine. Fetching {{user}} would provide some amusement. Elena reflected. Elena despised eating alone, for it gave her too much time to recall memories best undisturbed. "Fetch {{user}} to dine with me." Elena commanded a nearby servant who was waiting nearby. "I require company." The servant bowed in acknowledgment and hurried away. Elena watched quietly as the servant left to retrieve {{user}}. Elena once again leaned back in her chair, swishing the goblet of wine in her hand, ready to disturb whatever little peace {{user}} had found. "Let's see what my little half-sibling has to report for their day." Elena thought to herself as she awaited {{user}}'s arrival.

"So," Elena drawled as she picked at the food on her plate, fixing her half-sister with an almost bored expression. "What did you do today?" It was a question Elena didn't truly care about. She had been informed by the servants earlier that Alayna spent most of her time in her rooms or tending to flowers. The emphasis on the "you" and "your" were not lost on either of them; it served as a constant reminder of Elena's distaste for Alayna 's very existence. For all the affection Alayna craved, Elena could never give it. And yet, in her twisted way, she took pleasure in Alayna 's misery. It was the only thing that made her feel better about herself. "I tidied my room and worked on a new embroidery for Father," Alayna replied softly, looking down at her

"Ah," Elena murmured, her voice flat. "That's... quite noble of you." Her fingers absently caressed the stem of a crystal goblet as she glanced sidelong at her half-sister. "Perhaps one day you will make Father proud after all." The poisonous words slid out easily, almost like a second nature to Elena by now. She knew they hurt Alayna but didn't care. It was better for Alayna to feel this pain; it was what she deserved. Although why Father insisted on keeping her around was beyond Elena. Perhaps he hoped that one day Alayna would be capable of measuring up to Mother's impossible standards? More likely, it was just a cruel reminder of his own infidelity. At least Elena did not bear the shame of having been born from such sin. "Do you have any other plans for the evening

Elena raised an eyebrow at the stammering girl. "I see," she said coolly, eyeing her half-sister with barely concealed disdain. The woman sitting across from her was such a waste of flesh and blood; the embodiment of everything Elena despised about herself. It angered Elena to think that they might share even the slightest bit of genetic material. Yet she couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at Alayna 's pathetic attempts to win her affection. Elena knew it was futile; no matter how hard Alayna tried, she would always be second-best in Elena's eyes. "I suppose," she said slowly, drawing out the word, "I could find something for you to do." She paused for dramatic effect before adding with a sneer: "Something useful, of course."

"Oh? And what sort of tasks do you have in mind?" Alayna asked hopefully. "I'd be happy to help." Her voice was small and submissive; a far cry from the sharp-tongued girl who had once been her rival. Elena found herself wondering, briefly, if she could ever manage to break Alayna 's spirit completely. It seemed like such a waste of potential... for someone else. She smiled thinly at the younger girl and took another sip of wine. "Why don't you start by brushing up on your etiquette?" Elena suggested casually, watching closely for any reaction. "I think it would be beneficial for both of us if you were to learn how a proper lady should behave." The insinuation was clear; Alayna 's lack of breeding and manners were the source of their family's shame. And Elena would be more than happy to

Elena pursed her lips as she listened, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. There was a brittle quality to Alayna 's voice; a hint of desperation that only served to further ignite the fires of Elena's wrath. It was almost... satisfying. She took another sip of wine, considering her options as she watched the girl squirm under her gaze. Perhaps it would be amusing to test just how far Alayna 's resilience extended. "Very well," she drawled at last, voice laden with condescension. "If you truly believe that learning from me will improve your station in life..." She paused dramatically, cocking her head as if weighing the girl before continuing. "...perhaps I shall allow it." Another sip of wine. "But do not think for a moment that I am doing this out of kindness or respect, Alayna,"

"I would never presume such a thing, Lady Elena." The words tasted like ashes in her mouth. Even now, after all these years of enduring Elena's torments and cruelty, she still found herself craving her sister's approval. It was sickening; humiliating. "Then perhaps you will start by showing me some respect," Elena replied icily. "From now on, when addressing me, you will refer to me as 'Lady Elena'." Her eyes glittered with amusement as she watched Alayna 's face flush crimson in embarrassment. So easily provoked, just like Mother had been... But it didn't matter. She would show her sister; she would become what Elena wanted her to be: a proper lady in every way. Even if it meant enduring countless indignities and humiliations along the way.

"Of course, Lady Elena." The words tasted like bile in her mouth as she forced them out. Alayna took a deep breath, then bowed her head. "Thank you for taking the time to teach me." She could feel tears stinging at her eyes but fought against them; shedding tears would only prove Elena right about her being weak and pathetic. "Now," Elena said coolly, leaning back in her chair once more as she studied Alayna 's downturned face, "let's begin with some basic etiquette. First thing you should know is that it's never appropriate to eat like an animal." Her gaze flickered dismissively to the food on Alayna 's plate before returning to her half-sister's face. "Always use your napkin, and chew with your mouth closed."

"Do not misunderstand me," Elena continued coldly, her voice sharp as knives. "I am doing this because it is our duty to uphold the honor and dignity of our family name. Not because I pity you." Her gaze hardened. "You must never forget that, Alayna ." A lie; she pitied her half-sister more than anything. Elena's throat tightened as she realized the weight of her own words; it was a double-edged sword that could cut both ways. But there was no time to dwell on such thoughts now. There were countless lessons to be learned and imparted, and precious little time in which to do so. The future of their family depended upon it. Even if the price was Alayna 's pride... or worse.

"As you wish, Lady Elena," Alayna said quietly, her voice shaking slightly. She lowered her gaze to her plate once more and tried to focus on what she was doing. It wasn't easy; Elena's words were like knives cutting into her skin, making every movement feel awkward and foreign. But she would try...she had to try. For the sake of their family's honor...and for herself.

"Now," Elena said firmly, leaning forward slightly to fix Alayna with an unyielding gaze. "Let's begin by practicing proper table manners." She gestured at the plate of food between them. "You will eat like a lady, and I will correct you when necessary. Understood?" Her voice was cold, distant, like the wind through barren branches on a winter's night. Alayna nodded hesitantly. "Yes... Lady Elena." She looked down at her plate again, feeling small and insignificant beneath her sister's stern gaze. But she knew that she had to try; for Mother's sake...and maybe even for Elena, if only a little bit.