BLOOD.FANGS.N'.FIRE

The two reached backstage, where most performers were getting ready with scripts containing their lines in hand.

When the performers noticed their presence, it was the director who came to greet them first.

"Good morning, Sir." James politely bowed to greet the pureblood butler.

The duo had not only gained the director's attention but also gained the attention of all the performers in the room.

Florah could feel the numerous eyes that were scrutinizing her, which made her more nervous.

"I believe you prepared her lines." Matthew said without wasting any time.

"Yes, here they are." James presented a pile of papers to the butler.

Matthew reached out for the papers and handed them to Florah, "Remember the King's instructions." Matthew instructed Florah strictly

Florah could only nod as the head butler bypassed her.

He was still within her hearing range when he warned,"If you try what you did yesterday again, l don't think you will be able to handle the repercussions. "

With those final words, Matthew walked away from there.

Florah looked at his departing bark solemnly, "Miss...." her head jerked in the direction of the director who was calling her.

"Florah, my name is Florah, Sir," She said with diligence.

"Miss Florah, the king himself made you the lead in his play. He expects the best from you, and so do I. Read through your lines, rehearsals are to start in a couple of minutes." James, the director, strictly instructed

Poor Florah stood there with her script in hand, slowly coming to the fact that she was actually going to star in a play in the next few hours.

"Miss, come with me and fit in your costume." Said a lady with round spectacles sitting on the bridge of her nose.

Florah woke up from her stupor and nodded towards the woman.

She could feel more eyes looking her way but acted nonchalant, or that was the facade her nervous self hid under.

They reached a small compartment with a short wooden door, "Get in, wear this," the lady instructed, shoving her in the direction of the short wooden door.

Florah heeded to the woman and entered the small room, removed her dress, and wore the one given to her.

The dress was of a pink nylon fabric. It hugged her waist and expanded from her hips.

It was sleeveless and low chested, but her bosom was neatly covered.

"Are you done? Come out!" the impatient costume lady yelled.

Florah came out holding the back of the dress that she felt was open.

Turning her around, the lady pulled the back strings of the inner corner for the dress to fit her well.

"Yes, I think this will do." The lady agreed with herself.

"Now go join the others. This will be your costume for the play. Make sure you do not ruin it." She said pointedly

Florah only nodded to her instructions. The skirt of the dress was heavier, so she lifted it up while walking back.

Going back to the room where other performers were, she subtly observed them and their outfits.

Most of them were dressed posh like, both the men and women. They mingled amongst themselves, some practising with others with scripts in their hands.

"Hello, there." she almost jumped when she heard someone utter from behind her.

She looked to see who it was, and a beautiful man was smiling at her.

"Sorry to scare you, Miss...." Allan left the sentence hanging.

"Florah,Sir. Florah Crest, " she bowed at the mesmerizing man.

"Hahaha, no need for the 'Sir' am Allan Wetters."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Florah Crest," Allan extended his hand for her to shake.

Florah extended her hand too and shook his hand as well, saying, "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Vetters."

Allan's eyes lingered on the girl. She was quite a sight for sore eyes.

"Am glad we are going to be sharing the stage." Allan's voice broke the silence.

"Hmmm," Florah only hummed in agreement to his words. 'Is he the main lead?' She asked herself

" Yes, I am the main lead. 'Patrick Sullivan' " He answered her thoughts.

She looked at him astonished, and he chuckled.

"Hahaha, your face is really expressive," he added.

'Was that why he knew what I was thinking?' she thought internally, smiling at the man.

"Good luck out there," he said and bowed, leaving Florah alone with her thoughts.

She watched the man leave in silence and later realised that some eyes had focused on her yet again.

She busied herself with reading the papers in her hand in an attempt to ignore the gazes.

'A FICKLE HEART', the play was titled.