Grey clouds soared above the castle signaling a coming storm that already swept through the towns. For now, tiny droplets of rain thudded against the wooden shudders. Their faint brush soothed Emyra’s ears like a lute’s tune, as her bare body levitated in a tub of water. It suddenly began to chill. She listened as the wind howled by, making its way into the cracks. It cooled the warmth in the entire room, causing it to be quite unbearable to rush to her towel. For now, she stayed afloat. Besides, there would be no other moment like this. A moment for her to be alone in a quiet space. Most of the castle slept during these early hours.
As her temples leveled with the surface, her eyes remained clamped. She began to descend with her nose going under first until she fully submerged. Yesterday’s memories unraveled instantly as if the water triggered them. What will come of all of this? Just like her mental suffering, she stayed sunken until she choked to drive the pain deeper. Instantly, her head shot up as she heaved for air, but she accidentally inhaled water too. Her throat swelled with each cough that convulsed from her mouth. Eventually, her motions subsided but the sadness never left. In fact, there were many emotions, including jealousy since Charles stayed with Lilith last night. It was obvious she would never be front and center, not with a child in the picture. Their relationship appeared to be at a standstill. One thing stood for certain, Charles needed to get his affairs in order if he wanted things to remain between them. For now, the tied string he held around her neck seemed to lose its pull. Just as she decided to put her worrisome thoughts to rest, in walked Audrey.
“Why are you in here mother?” she said shielding her body.
“We found you a suitor.” Audrey turned her face, but still remained wide-eyed with the corners of her mouth stretching at each side.
“Already?”
“He’s waiting downstairs to meet you.”
“Can this wait? I’m not feeling good.” Ironically, her stomach began to sour while her heart fluttered, not a good response to the man who awaited her.
“This cannot. We will not miss out on this opportunity. Now dress, my dear.”
“Ok, but can you leave so I can?”
In her room, she spotted a studded, red dress laying on her bed. The sewn masterpiece glittered along the snug, sheer sleeves. Along its v line, clusters of stones pinched towards the center of the waist. Its length spilled over to the floor making her wonder if it would be too long. Without a doubt, the dazzling gown would fuse to her slim physique, defining every curve. She ran to it yanking it from its place. Oh, if only Charles could see me in this, she thought to herself. She pressed it against her chest, twirling her foot along the floor as the dress sifted around. The imagery of their bodies intertwined in dance cast across the marble. However, the doom never left as it began to crawl up her spine, plucking away her bright grin. When she realized who the dress was for, she tossed the piece back on the bed deciding she wouldn’t wear it. Something else added to her dismay when she noticed an envelope sitting above her pillow. She curiously placed it in her palms reading the front, Royal Birthday Celebration. Inside, there was an invitation to a birthday gathering for Queen Liona, Charles’s mother. Emyra knew her birthday was coming. She just didn’t know it was today. Too many surprises, she sadly thought. She decided she was not going since Lilith would be there and she did not want to accompany the suitor to the ball. Clearly, Audrey wanted the to go together.
On the other end, the man who awaited her hand in marriage, sat with his legs crossed along the wooden table in the meeting room. His hands were tucked under his neck where his head rested. His dreamy, brown eyes veered over to his men, two loyal soldiers, who appeared bored since one twiddled his thumbs. The other sneered in a corner while his eyes rolled every few minutes. These two. He smirked while taking into account that they didn’t want to be there.
“Well, let’s not all be so excited for me.” He held onto his humorous grin altering the stale atmosphere.
“Excited isn’t a word I’d use,” said Sal with his antsy footing, moving about like he didn’t know what to do with himself. Eventually, he ripped a chair from the table causing it to screech along. He nearly cuffed his ears but slumped instead. “Shocked? Why yes.”
“How about you, Cleo?”
“I’m elated.” When he smiled, his caramel face quickly jerked towards the door. Instead of the bride to be bursting through, someone wheeled something by.
“Are you really ready for this?” asked Sal now fully engaged.
“You keep asking me that. YES! I’m getting old and it’s time to settle down.”
“You’re twenty three!” said Cleo with brows reaching the corners of his temples. All three of them were the same age, but their statuses gave the illusion that they were older. In a way, it aged them.
As the minutes nearly turned into an hour, the suitor pondered on his successful life, presuming Emyra would be impressed. In short, he was a wealthy man who owned land, lead an army, and sold weapons and equipment to different kingdoms. He lived a fast life that involved traveling, fighting, drinking, and scoring different women. Though he had immature ways about him, he always maintained a successful business. There seemed to be one thing missing from his unbalanced life, a wife. Maybe having a lady at his side would slow him down a bit. As for the two men who accompanied him, Cleo was not only his soldier, but his trusted friend who often advised him. Sal was one of his best fighters making them become close naturally because of that.
Though he was 23 years old, the alcoholism and lifestyle he led added a few more years to his face. Two faint lines rode across his forehead only becoming more prevalent with every exaggerative expression. His sunburnt exterior slightly peeled at the corners of his nose and in the crevices of his fingers. The sun often baked him as his boat glided along the whipping ocean, while he stood at the quarterdeck yelling, THIS WAY or THAT WAY. On the contrary, every element that painted his face, from his intense eyes that narrowed when he’d meet gazes with someone attractive, to his thin nose that always snickered upward as he strode confidently by a group of women, and finally, his lusicous lips and the smooth voice that carried out of them, always cast a bedazzling spell. There was no doubt about his handsomeness, but women swooned more at his edgy persona which fashion played a part in. He always had fur mounted on his neck during these cold times with black leather shielding his broad arms and legs. The short trim on his skull elevated his facial features. With the finishing touch of his thin, brown mustache, he could be mistaken for an eye-catching brute. She’s gonna fall as soon as I lay eyes on her, he thought hoping she was as pretty as her mother claimed her to be.
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A little over an hour later, the doors burst open, leading up to the anticipating moment, but Audrey rushed in.
“I am sorry. She will be down any minute.”
“I’m excited to meet her,” he said.
“When she sees you, she will definitely accept your proposal,” she said making Gabe feel flattered.
“Well, let’s not jump too far ahead. We must get to know each other. I have to see if we are even compatible.” His fingers were now crossed.
“You both are. I can tell you that.”
Just as the waiting seemed endless, Emyra joined them, fully poised, with her shoulders rested back. Am I doing the walk right? she thought, suddenly remembering to raise her chin. A huge inhale expanded through her lungs while nearing her mother. She exhaled after passing by. The surface of her cheeks turned rosy when she realized all eyes were on her. She heard Audrey clear her throat, certain it had to do with the dress. It certainly wasn’t the one Audrey chose. The simple, black dress would later be a discussion she didn’t seem phased by. For now, it was time for an introduction.
That turned into a delay since the suitor lost his words. His eyes glittered with approval while following Emyra’s movements that dazed the atmosphere. She could freeze the time if she wanted to, but for now, her very presence kept him in a trance and tight-lipped. This was an untypical reaction to his dealings with women. He watched as she sat in a spare chair directly across from him. His beaming orbs never broke their gaze even while she scooted in her chair. She’s even more beautiful up close, he thought.
Emyra did not look one time at her strict mother, but at Gabe whose charm was going to waste. Not a word left his lips until he remembered what this moment called for.
“Uh hello. My name is Gabriel, I mean Gabe.” Emyra greeted him back with a nod.
“Your mother said you would be beautiful.” Audrey let out a sigh of relief since he didn’t seem phased by her “basic” attire.
“Thank you,” Emyra said. “So tell me about yourself.”
Gabe went on to paint a full picture of his trades and wealth. Yet, he left out the detail of the woman and drinking. Then he presented his offer which he initially discussed with Audrey and Harold. He would court her in exchange for their business by becoming Harold’s weapon supplier. With marrying a wealthy man came the load which would be paid to both her parents. He told her about the many homes which he owned and how she could choose which one she wanted to live in. Emyra was impressed and understood why her mother and father took a liking to him. She convinced herself that this was a good opportunity. Besides, this would be her escape from Lilith. Even though this was not the fate she desired, she knew marrying Gabe was the right thing to do.
“You have a lot to offer,” she said.
“And all I ask is for a chance to prove myself,” said Gabe.
“Ok.” That word was full of uncertainty.
Audrey leaped by Emyra’s side nearly tripping over her footing. She cradled her from behind, expelling a warmed sigh.
While her mother shared joy, Emyra’s arms tensed up. She slightly waved her shoulders hoping Audrey would let go, but her grip grew tighter. A quick huff made her stomach slam against the table as she fearfully pondered on this new journey. The journey her parents selfishly mapped out for her, which seemed to be happening so fast. She glared at Gabe, who turned his attention to his men, and wondered, Are you someone I can grow to love? There seemed to be an emptiness in the answer to that question since she didn’t know him.
“Oh, I am so happy,” Audrey said releasing her arms since Emyra wouldn’t hug her back. “You both will be marvelous together. I know it.”
“I agree,” said Gabe flashing a flawless smile to Emyra. “Will you accompany me to the royal ball tonight?”
Emyra still had no plans of attending and she wondered how she would break the news. “Actually, I am not feeling too-”
Audrey slammed her palm against the table. This took everyone by surprise. Her eyes beamed at Emyra’s mouth a warning not to finish her statement.
“She will be there. I’m actually going to have to cut this meeting short. Emyra, stay put. I have to talk to you.”
Gabe and his men sent a nod before going out into the corridor.
When she knew they were gone, Audrey stomped her sharp heels along the wooden surface. She slammed her tush inside of Gabe’s seat, folding her hands against her chin. Her threatening stare only meant Emyra was in trouble.
“What is this?” She gawked at Emyra’s gown in scrutiny.
“A dress,” said Emyra.
“Not the one I chose.”
“Sometimes I want to choose.”
“You only wore it to deter him. Upset me!”
“I had to add my own twist to this day you forced on me.”
“I’ll let this slide this once. But if you try to pull anything else off-”
“You’ll whip me. Send the war dog to bite my tail?”
“Referencing your father as a dog? And you’re eighteen. Too old to be punished that way and lucky that anyone has taken an interest.”
“If it were up to you, you would have sent me away at fifteen.”
“This is your duty. Are you so surprised by our tradition?”
“Of course not. Marrying children off to old men is our family’s expertise.”
The room came to a hush leaving them both time to ponder on their heated exchange. Emyra felt the beat of her heart ascend to a rhythm she couldn’t bare. She placed a hand on her chest realizing she couldn’t manage what would come next. She sent a pleading gaze Audrey’s way. Her efforts did not work since Audrey leaped across the table. Her opened palm swiped Emyra’s cheek knocking her from her seat.
“I’m sorry,” said Emyra. Her hands pressed her tears away. Just as she was about to gather herself, Audrey walked around the table, meeting her on the floor. She looked up for a brief moment only noticing Audrey’s pitied features. When her knees knelt to level with her, Emyra turned away in embarrassment.
“I honored my mother by marrying your father. Didn’t question it because it was my duty. I’m going to remind you that no matter how ill your feelings are, you must bottle them up. We don’t decide our fate. There is an outside hand always making sure we stay in line even with this marriage.”
Who was Audrey referring to and was she implying that someone controlled her family. If so, what did it matter to them about Emyra’s betrothal?
“Nonetheless, you will do as you’re told from now on. Do you understand?”
“Yes, mother.”
“Now please, put the dress on. I’ll have Lilith’s minions do your hair and makeup.”
“But-”
“Go to your room and get ready!”
Emyra said nothing more ensuring her obedience. What has gotten into me? It was uncommon for her to speak in a form of rebellion towards Audrey. She remembered the first time she spoke against her which resulted in a horrid spanking. Just the thought of it welted her toosh. Her parents were only cruel to her when she found her voice. It seemed that today Audrey felt the need to knock senses back into Emyra. When her mother finally left her, she began to worry that Lilith would tell her everything.