Welcome back to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday, weekly Sunday hops where writers share 8–10 sentences from a book or WIP. This week I’m returning to the engagement photography session from my alternative history. Arkadiya has very reluctantly shown up in the short-sleeved yellow gown she was asked to wear, but her arms are behind her back. Even when pressed about why she’s doing that, she’s extremely hesitant to reveal her secret.
A similar, somewhat darker gown worn by Aleksey’s mother, Empress Aleksandra
“Why are your arms behind your back?” Aleksey asked.
Arkadiya pulled them even more tightly behind her back. “This isn’t exactly the style of gown I’m used to wearing. I haven’t worn short sleeves or shown my bare arms in public for many, many years.”
“Are you that modest and old-fashioned? I thought the lady-in-waiting explained to you how I wanted a modern engagement photograph. You don’t strike me at all as someone clinging to fashions from the last generation, and I don’t think you’re trying to hide flabby arms. Please, I want you to show your arms in this picture.”
“Are you absolutely sure of that? Some things can’t be forgotten once you’ve seen them.”
Welcome to My Magick Theatre 
Loads of character building here, Carrie-Anne. :-)And what a gorgeous yellow gown!
One thing jumped out at me. “I haven’t worn long sleeves or shown my bare arms in public for many, many years.” Unless I’m reading it wrong–should it read that she hasn’t worn “short” sleeves?
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You’re right! Good catch.
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So, it isn’t even a well-turned ankle she’s concerned about showing, but her arms. Times have changed just a wee bit, eh?
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I wonder what she doesn’t want the rest of the world to see. I haven a feeling it isn’t just modesty. That dress is beautiful!
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So she’s got a secret, or she thinks of it that way. I’m betting Aleksey won’t think it’s as terrible as she does, but I’ve gotta come back next week to find out! Well-written as usual, Carrie-Anne.
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Okay, I’m dying to know her secret now and can’t wait for next week! 🙂
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Thanks for posting that gorgeous photo. Wow! And the snippet is great- so much suspense and tension leading up the unveiling of her secret.
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Hi Carrie-Anne! It’s been a while since our Six Sentence Sunday times. 🙂 You’ve got me curious as to what she’s hiding with her arms. I want to read the next few sentences now, to know. Great snippet! 🙂
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Love that dress in the photo. I’m worried about her and what she’s hiding but really, he’s been so darn stubborn he deserves whatever surprise he’s about to get. Enjoyed the excerpt, can’t wait for more.
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Ooh, very mysterious. Love that picture–and that ‘short’ sleeves seem to cover at least half the upper arm!
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I absolutely love that gown. 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Love the gown photo, and the new look to your blog too.
Enjoyed the snippet and how times have surely changed. lol Showing your arms then was almost scandalous, what would they think of the fashion now?
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Been adding our posts to Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/karenmnutt/snippet-sunday-posts/
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Love how descriptive this snippet was.
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I am so curious about her arms. And to find out what his reaction will be.
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Lovely gown!
Very curious on what’s hiding about her arms. Scars? Burns? Some other deformity? I hope his reaction if she reveals isn’t a negative one. Nicely done.
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I’m sure he is going to be ok with everything about her.
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