"Lady Ayleth?" a young maid stood in the door frame.

"Yes?" she responded. Like the movement of a waterwheel, constantly rotating, she brushed her long, blood-red, locks while staring absentmindedly into the mirror. The sun shone brightly upon her pale, almost white, skin, enhancing the red of her lips and the glow of her morning blue eyes.

"Um... would you like some assistance?" through the corner of her eye, she could see the maid start to fidget, unsure of what to do.

"It's all right. Please, why have you come for me?" Ayleth continued to brush her hair, only slowing down to refocus her attention. All the servants, the maids, knew she preferred to work on alone on grooming herself, well, not all the maids knew. This one, the young girl standing by the door frame, was certainly a recent recruit.

Recalling her original objective, the maid hurried into a bow, "O-Of course. Your mother and father are waiting downstairs for you. They're currently greeting members from the Isumba family." after saying her piece, the girl stayed bowing. Her long dark hair hung inches above the ground.

"Understood. Please inform them that I shall be down there in a moment." Ayleth placed the hairbrush down and waved the new maid away. As soon as the door closed, she let out a long breath and slouched on top of her cushioned seat, "Haaaah." If anyone saw her like this, her parents, siblings, or even that new maid, their image of her would instantly die. Her parents would tell her to straighten up, her siblings would wear confused faces, and the servants would emanate worry.

Being the eldest daughter and part of a prominent family, the Yurfray, heavy expectations were laid upon her. 'Keep your hair nice and straight. Never speak unless spoken to in court. Keep your chin up and always look forward. When conversing with a son or daughter of another family, take care to not offend them. Do not play with the maids or servants. Dresses must be kept prim and proper. Never slurp your soup, and hold eye contact whenever spoken to. Smile, frowns will only lower another's opinion.'

Having spoken to the servants around the mansion as a child, much of the things she learned were not common for them. Things such as respect were taught to them but only at a minimal level if any. Ayleth's brothers and sisters went to the same teachers and learned the same subjects, however, much of their parent's focus was on her. The only one among those closest to her who could understand the extent to which she had been conditioned was her brother, the oldest out of six, Marco.

Though, Ayleth often argued with herself on how true this was. She had seen how they treated him, how they pampered him, how they showered love on him. Feeling antsy due to those lingering thoughts, she stood up and practiced her smile. Wearing her best for those downstairs, the guests, was a must, like it was for so many others before them.

Like the gears of a machine starting to turn, the edges of her mouth rose revealing a perfectly made smile, one refined through years of careful manipulation of the muscles in the face. Despite clearly seeing that beautiful grin that would make any man falter, something was missing from it, a sense of... emotion.

Yes, to Ayleth, the wonderfully rehearsed tender expression lacked that sense of genuine happiness. It was most obvious to her because she was the one who had to fake that happiness each and every time she met someone from another family. The entire process was becoming tedious and a burden on her soul.

Even her eyes, the two things said to be the most beautiful next to her scarlet hair gave off the same lifeless feeling. Any moment, whenever she showed the world her smile, she waited for the moment it would be exposed as fake. However, time and time again, the lie proved enchanting enough to deflect attention, to be deemed as real.

Tossing a sideways glance to the large, soft, bed to her left, a sensation, an urge, passed over her. Who cared if she actually went downstairs to greet the guests? Why not simply rest on the bed and claim to be sick? No one would disturb her then, whether fearing the sickness itself or fear of invoking the Yurfray's ire through an accusation upon their firstborn daughter. Despite the Isumba family's current influence, they too would be caught in quite a predicament if they falsely accused her.

Ayleth let out another sigh as a knock came from her door.

"I'm coming," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Ah!" a girl, younger than the maid before, jumped back as the door suddenly pulled open.

"Huh? Milly?" Ayleth recoiled from seeing her youngest sister. What is she doing here?

"H-Hey sis," she said, stepping closer now. "Mother and father told me to come get you. I wasn't expecting you to open the door so quickly. Are you feeling fine? I know that you're not the biggest fan of meeting with all these families. I'm sure if you talked to mother and father they would understand."

Ayleth shook her head, "It's nothing to be worried about." she smiled at her youngest sister's concern. "I'm feeling fine. If anything happens, or if I'm not feeling up to par, I'll tell you first, okay?" Ayleth held out her pinky finger, "Promise."

Millicent nodded. Taking her elder sister's pinky in hers she shouted, "Promise!"

Ayleth and Millicent both walked through the large, almost empty, hallways side by side. Only a few things kept their bored minds distracted as they made their way to the guest room, one of those few things being the company of the other. Everything in the hallways were quiet except for the small exchange of words happening between an older sister and her younger sister.

The paintings on the walls which, at times, seemed to follow a person with their eyes held back as if conscious of their rudeness by eavesdropping on a pair of sister chatting about their daily lives. The white walls' lifeless aura and suffocating elegance was drowned out by a small banter of words.

The servants who passed by, whether busy or not, carrying a tray of food, a duster, or simply walking empty handed, bore a slight grin on each of their faces. Ayleth, as usual, flashed a smile to all the servants whom she knew and didn't know. Her smiles, which were always returned by the staff, seemed to breath life into some of their beings.

The conversation between Milly and Ayleth continued until they reached the steps leading down to the first floor. With a slight incline of her head, Milly scurried away, sending dozens of quick glances behind herself. Ayleth only watched as her younger sister left her to face another dreaded meeting. Closing her eyes, she steeled her mind.

"Lady Ayleth?" a warm and familiar voice pierced her thoughts. "Not quite ready for formalities I presume?"

She frowned and puffed air out of her nose, "No, I'm always ready."

"I'm sure you are miss. Tis probably the reason why you feel the need to whisper confidence to yourself atop the stairs. It's obviously because you are... prepared. Be mindful of assassins now. Falling down the steps may just be a very common way for a young lady such as yourself to perish."

"Joseph?"

"Yes?" the older man responded, tilting his head quizzically.

"I'm glad you're back."

"I too share that sentiment. The trip with your older brother was hardly boring but it didn't have quite the charm of home." he lifted the tray on his hand higher. "Would you prefer to descend first or shall I?"

"Can't stay and talk?" Ayleth asked, a little disheartened.

"Miss, you know I would, however, you have a meeting to attend. If I were to fall into some trouble with your parents, I would not mind one bit if it was due to my interactions with you and your other siblings, unless of course I caused any of you harm. But, if you were to fall under the wrath of your father because of me, I would be greatly troubled." he responded, giving her a gentle look.

"Walk me down then?" she asked hopefully.

Almost breaking a laugh, he said, "Of course." balancing the tray on his other hand now, he led her down the steps with his right hand. "Better?"

"Much better. Thank you Joseph." she would've hugged her old caretaker but she feared knocking the tray out of his hand and causing a mess on the ground. The incident would also delay her entrance yet that didn't seem to be her biggest fear.

"No need to thank me for doing my job. Now I believe it is time to part ways for now. Good luck and have confidence young miss." he walked away, one hand held behind his back and the other easily keeping steady the silver dish.

Invigorated by those around her Ayleth entered the room, brimming with a sense of calm and peace.

"Ah! Here she is. Hello everyone, I'd like you to meet our first daughter, Ayleth." her father, Frederick immediately made his way over to her and led her to the guests. "I would like to apologize for the delayed appearance."

"I too feel the same way." Ayleth fell into a curtsy. "There were issues with my hair. It took a great deal longer to get it into this shape than I first assumed." still in her curtsy, she shot a glance at the guests. They, three of them, laid back comfortably in the couch. The sun shone through the window behind them, blocking some of her view.

"Don't fret the little details. Better to greet guests in proper attire than to greet them in a nightgown, although, that certainly differs on the person." the man broke into a laugh. "Hello lady Ayleth. I am Larol Isumba. Eldest son of the Isumba family. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He grasped her hand and placed a kiss on it. The man wasn't appalling, rather, he looked quite handsome yet, a wave of disgust shot up her arm and resounded throughout her body. Despite graceful appearances, unease and revulsion did not only stem from looks. The way one spoke, thought, and treated others also played a role.

He had short blonde hair, styled slightly into standing up, long dark eyelashes, a long and pointed nose with a strong arch, and an overall squarish face.

Even with the knowledge that the comment was merely a joke, Ayleth was certain that he had gotten the chance to see many a women in their nightgowns and maybe even... some more than that. She held back the urge to gag at his greeting, which was the one she disliked most of all. The common bow would've been sufficient to show their respects.

Larol looked into her eyes and let a smile play on his face. Ayleth returned the gesture, despite how much it pained her to fake it, especially to someone like him so she acted like a young maiden and averted her eyes slightly.

"Will we begin the discussion?" Frederick asked, going to sit down.

"No need." Larol responded. "She's perfect. I have already discussed this with my father. I shall take her to be my bride."

"W-What?" recoiling from the sudden announcement, Ayleth failed to contain her shock. Everyone, Larol and even her father, were all surprised by her response as well.

"Do you not wish to be married?" Larol asked, a hidden edge in his voice. From the way he spoke, Ayleth knew he wasn't used to being refused nor denied. A silent fear struck her, what would he do if she chose not to marry him? Would he, the firstborn son of a powerful noble family, use his influence to secretly hinder the Yurfray? Stuck between her loyalty to her family and disgust of him, she spat out a response.

"A-Ah. That's not quite it. While you are quite handsome," she forced herself to choke out those words, much better than calling him charming because that would be a complete lie. "I'm not sure how I feel about this abrupt announcement. Though I am of marrying age, I think I need some time to think."

As if that excuse and compliment had driven away all of Larol's doubt about his own worth, he smiled again and said, "Of course. I do apologize about springing up the subject without your opinion. We should take some time to know each other before you answer. Would you be willing to go to the Spirit Day Festival with me on the 14th? It'll give you some more time to talk it over with your parents and you can give me your answer after the date."

Date. The way it rolled off his tongue, it seemed more like a man trying to ensnare a woman rather than one trying to please a possible wife. The idea of being seen in public with a man as lecherous as him already sent chills down her spine.

"I look forward to it." she lied.

Sending the Isumba family off, Ayleth wondered how she was going to escape his grasp.

"Ayleth," her father stood next to her, "do your best not to offend him during the event."

"It would put us in a bad position if you did." her mother, Juliana, added.

"I understand," Ayleth said in an annoyed voice. She had almost as much practice with her flattering and deflection skills as she did with the smile she bore on her face. "I'll need to think of a way to say no." she muttered.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"What was that? No. You will be marrying him." her father declared.

It felt like she a sword had just been plunged through her back. What was her father saying? Marry him? She'd rather shave her head and live in the forest as a monk. Puffing out her chest, she protested against her father. "Why do I have to marry someone like him?"

"Because he will secure our family's position among the top nobles. What we gain to benefit from this is huge." her father told her.

"Huge enough to give away your own daughter?" she retorted.

He turned to her, shooting her a displeased look while masking another feeling, "What your marriage to him will do for us is greater than any pain you would suffer from being with him. You'll eventually find your own happiness with him. I'm not doing this for myself, this is for the greater good of the family."

Ayleth was at a loss for words. What could she say that would get him to change his mind? Couldn't she marry another suitor? Why was she the one who had to get married off? Would Milly and Marni get married off as well? No, they probably wouldn't. Only Ayleth, the oldest daughter would have to. The only one out of all six to have a loveless marriage.

"I..." she started.

Frederick stared at her, listening intently, waiting for her response.

"I want to find love." she blurted out.

He looked at her as if she were a fool, "Marrying for love is ridiculous. It's foolish, selfish, and directionless. What will you do if that love of yours is poor, weak, and lacking in influence? Who will protect you then? What do you think your family, those who simply wanted what was best for you, will think of you?"

"You think that marrying me off is what's best for me?" Ayleth began to lose control of her voice. "How come Marco gets to have a choice? Why do men get privileges that women don't? It's because you love him more than me, right?" her raw emotions were beginning to show.

"Enough!  Those books you've been reading have gotten to your mind. I didn't marry for love and neither will he! His options have been limited to only those of noble blood. The role of women in a family have always been to improve their standings, men as well. We do things, I do things for the good of this family!" he shouted.

Ayleth looked to her mother, but she simply shifted her gaze. Tears started to well. Her chest constricted and she felt suffocated. Suffocated.... What a funny word. It perfectly described how she's always felt within the walls she called home.

"Go to your room." he commanded.

She wanted to laugh. She wasn't a child anymore but he ordered her around like one. Like she had always done, she turned around and started towards the door. Opening it just a crack, she thought about how unfair it all was. With all her emotions ready to burst, she turned her head, refusing to leave without another word.

"I guess I'm not a part of the family then." giving him no time to say anything, she shut the door and ran.

-------------------------------------

Three days passed by like nothing and Ayleth found herself out of the house at night with a man she hardly knew. Dressed in appropriate, but less than formal attire, Larol walked next to her, her arm in his. Like how many imagine spirits, free, Larol dressed in robes that would make a master magician stare in jealousy.

Ayleth also dressed in robes, but in one that was much harder to put on and to get off. Her colors were plain, a dark shade of blue, no more elegant or dazzling than a wilted flower among those which had blossomed. Larol, whom she had not told she would marry yet, already made a derogatory comment about her style of dress.

"Too plain," he said. "I'll have to pick something more suitable for you in the future. You're hiding too much of yourself."

She was appalled by his audacity to spew those words as if they were compliments. The only way he would ever pick out clothing for her would be if they did get married, even then she'd fight tooth and nail to resist him.

Content to walk in silence to the festival, which was held in a park near the middle of the city, Ayleth didn't let a single peep come out from her. Pleased so far that there had been no word from Larol either, she thanked him in her mind only curse him moments later.

"Let's learn more about each other shall we?" he suggested. "I'll ask first. Have you ever gone on a date before? Or have you ever gone on a date with anyone as charming as me?"

"Ahahaha." her laugh was much more natural than she had expected it to be. "I have been on dates before but never with anyone quite as... charming as you." Ayleth silently kicked herself for pausing. He didn't seem to notice though. In fact, he started to break off into detail about himself without needing her prompting.

"Haha! Of course. There aren't as many men as charming as those from the Isumba family. At the age of three I had already gotten the nurse to love me like I was her own child. Reading and writing also came easily. I accelerated at everything I did, whether it be horse riding or sword fencing."

On and on he rambled. Ayleth's ears started growing numb. She envied the guards who followed behind as they were further distance away from him than she was and they had helmets to keep out minuscule levels of noise in addition. Still, she wondered what was worse, the fact that he hardly cared for her other than her looks or that he was a selfish man who could only talk about himself.

Relief washed over her as they finally neared the festival. The bright blue and green lights which radiated out from the stand filled area almost made her forget the suffering she would have to endure. The clumping mass of people gathered there awed her. She stared with her mouth agape at the sheer number attending the event.

Spirit Day was only recently introduced by the empire's elven allies.

People of all differing races gathered, beastmen, dog, cat, bird, etc. elves, dwarves, even a few roluks were mixed in. The dominant number still were human, however, it seemed to be a much more diverse celebration than those she had seen before.

"Hmph." Larol snorted. "A very... primal celebration it seems."

"Y-Yes," she pushed herself to agree. "It is. Let's go around and take a look."

"Very well." his abrupt start caused Ayleth to stagger.

He dragged her quickly through the crowd, doing his utmost to avoid contact with those of differing races. Through his actions, Ayleth began to feel their linked arms loosen. Against the ebb and flow of the crowd, even those locked together tightly could hardly stay together.

Then, to her relief, their linked arms broke apart and she lost track of him. What was fortunate for her was unfortunate for her family and his as well. This, possibly, event long separation could spell disaster for the Isumba if her parents were to find out she was neglected.

Even if she wanted to run home and tell her parents Larol had neglected her safety, she knew they would not relent in their decision to have her marry him. Before this event, in those three days she still had as a free woman not forced to settle with a stranger whom she most likely hated, she worked her hardest to make herself believe that something good could come out of this for her.

She wanted to believe.

In no time, she found herself out of the crowd and into a darker part of the park where most of nature had been left untouched and unstained by the hands of man. Realizing that tonight may be her last night without anyone ruling over her life, she walked away from the festival and towards a small lake she knew was nearby.

Breaking through forestation and multiple instances of overgrown shrubs, she finally stumbled across the tiny lake, almost as dark as the night sky without stars. Sitting down on the ground, she pulled her knees to her chest and stared at the sky, littered with little sparks of light.

Though some were hidden behind the illuminating glow of the moon, Ayleth still found it enchanting. As she shifted her focus to the moon and then to the lake, she found her own reflection.  Beautiful as everyone called her, she couldn't help but feel that her looks were the reason for her jail like existence.

Would she be free if she were a bit uglier? Would she be free if she wasn't "blessed" by her scarlet hair? Her image in the water was so close to perfect, she could swear that it was a mirror simply floating atop the lake. She combed her hand over her hair, grabbing it then yanking it slightly.

Suddenly, the noise of rustling leaves disturbed her trance-like gaze.

"Who's there?" she yelled. The light emanating off the moon allowed her a glimpse of a person-like figure. Was someone stalking her? Would she be taken into the night never to be heard of again? Maybe it would be better that happened than getting married to a man she considered lower than dirt.

Still, being a young girl, she couldn't hold back her fear. "W-Who's there? C-Come out now!"

With a violent rustle, a small black lizard burst forth from the bushes, landing on its four tiny feet a ways away from Ayleth. She let out a quick squeal but not one loud enough to alert those in the festival to her position. As if confused, the lizard craned its head to the side.

"Huh?" it wasn't hostile?

"Sorry for the scare there miss." a man dressed in white robes came out from the shade of the forest. Wearing multiple talismans and holding a few sheathed daggers at his belt, he bent down and allowed the little lizard to crawl up to his shoulder. "I'm Rowan and this here is my spirit, Drogo."

"A-Ah." she muttered dumbfounded. Here she was, alone, away from any source of protection with a man she had never met before armed to the teeth with cutting and stabbing weapons. Surely she should've turned and ran but, for some reason, she didn't. "I-I'm Ayleth." she instead chose to stupidly hand out her name.

"Nice to meet you Ayleth. Mind if I take a seat next to you?"

"N-No. Please, go ahead." she gestured at the open space next to her. The thought had crossed her mind that she didn't actually have to have said yes, seeing as how much open space there was for him to actually sit on, but she'd rather not be alone.

"Is something bothering you?" he asked as soon as he sat down.

"No," she said, absentmindedly.

"I see. Is it a problem that'll go away easily?" before she could answer, he held up his hand. "I'm sorry, that was a stupid question. Most problems aren't solved so simply. That's why you're here looking at this lake instead of at the festival where you planned to go tonight, right?"

"Why are you asking me this?" she questioned, staring even harder at the lake, however, her focus began to waver.

"Because you're dressed like someone who was planning to go to the festival and instead you chose to come here, a place away from all that festivity." he played with the lizard perched on his shoulder.

Ayleth couldn't respond. He was right, but what could she say? Feeling like she was being poked and prodded, she turned to the man, Rowan, and smiled, "I'm sorry but I have to leave now." rising to her feet, she began to leave, however, she was stopped before entering the forest.

"That's a very pretty smile you have there. How long have you been working on it?"

She froze still, just like a statue. What was this man doing? Why was he butting in on something that had nothing to do with him? Why did he, an outsider, see through her fake smile so easily?

"Practice makes perfect they say. You've been practicing for a very long time, but nothing can ever be perfect. I've been working on these talismans and my magic for a long time, ever since I first got magic I've started to work on these things. Still, I can't make what I'd consider to be worthwhile. What were you doing with your hair?"

She didn't respond.

"It's very pretty."

She still didn't say a word.

"Would you also mind turning around so I may get a better look?" he asked.

She opened her mouth to say yes, but it seemed her body wasn't against it. In an instant, she was face to face with him.

"Your hair is beautiful." he smiled, and her heart, for the first time, skipped a beat.

"...Thank you," she said. "I have to get going now. The person I was with... I'm sure they're worried about me."

"I'm sure they are. Be careful on the way back, Ayleth. I'll also be leaving." throwing his hand up, he walked away, disappearing into the forest.

"See you... Rowan." she could no longer clearly see her image in the lake.