A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Didn't we agree you'd celebrate your birthday with Lisette?" Ulysses burst out, his face a storm of disapproval. "Lisette's birthday is tomorrow. You had this grand party tonight. What do you expect Lisette to think?"

Calliope was on the receiving end of his tirade, unable to get a word in edgewise, while Ulysses continued, "You went all out, hosting it here in the banquet hall. Tomorrow, Lisette's party is downstairs. Are you trying to stir up gossip?"

"Are you happy only if everyone thinks Lisette can't measure up to you?" he accused. "You're her sister. After all these years, haven't you got any affection for her?"

Calliope stood there, calm and composed, letting Ulysses run out of steam. When he finally stopped, she said slowly, "When did I ever promise to celebrate my birthday with Lisette?"

"When?" Ulysses shot back coldly. "Isn't that how it's always been?"

"Always been?" Calliope echoed, raising an eyebrow. "That's what you all assumed. But did anyone ever bother asking me how I felt about it? Did anyone ask if I agreed?"

Ulysses hesitated, glancing at Valerian and Horatio for support. It occurred to him that while everyone just assumed it was acceptable, no one had actually consulted Calliope. They just took it for granted.

"Isn't that what sisters do?" Ulysses pressed on stubbornly. "You're the older one."

"Exactly, Calliope," Valerian interrupted, irritation evident in his voice. "You're the big sister. Shouldn't you be nicer to Lisette? Lisette's had a rough life without parents. She's never felt secure. What's the harm in giving her a little leeway?"

"Aren't the dress you're wearing designed by K? Where did you get K's designed dresses? Get one for Lisette too. She has party tomorrow and shouldn't be dressed worse than you!"

Calliope stared at Valerian in disbelief. "You want me to get her a K-designed dress?"

"Why not? Consider it a birthday gift.

If you can get one, you can get another for Lisette," Valerian insisted. Everyone knows she adores K's designs but can't get her hands on them. If you have the means, why not help her out?"

Calliope's expression was incredulous, almost amused. Just because she could, did that mean she had to?

With a slight smirk, she looked at Valerian. "You do think I should get her a K-designed dress?"

"Of course. It's her favorite!" Valerian replied. "Isn't it reasonable for you to give her a gift?"

"Fine. I'll get her a K dress for her birthday tomorrow," Calliope agreed, her words carrying a hint of irony.

Valerian nødded with satisfaction.

"That's more like it, Callie. We all

need to make Lisette feel cherished.

BUMS

She's had it tough without parents."

Calliope's eyes held a mocking glint as she looked at Valerian, making him slightly uneasy, though he said nothing more since she had agreed.

"Anything else?" Calliope asked, her tone cold.

"Just ensure you're early tomorrow. If you're bringing the dress, Lisette will need time to change into it," Valerian reminded her.

"I'll be there early," Calliope assured

them, her lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes her gaze frosty as it swept over the three of them.