"Very well Bella, I have no objections. However, I have a condition. If you cannot find a suitable match this time, you will allow me to arrange a marriage for you. I have been far too lenient on this subject because of Fartell's laws. If this port wasn't ideally located, then I would have left it long ago. It allows you to say too much in a matter you should have no say in. It is a father's place to arrange your marriage. The only reason you have such a say is to appease a make-believe goddess.", said her father, giving Bella an icy stare.

Bella didn't know how it happened, but she was cornered. She shouldn't have led with such a falsehood scolding herself in her head as she numbly agreed to her father's condition and quickly excused herself, stating that she would keep him updated on the progress of the project.

##

Bella ran as quickly as she dared once she was far enough away from the door of her father's study, fighting back the panic that filled her lungs. How could she have been so stupid to think that she could avoid that dreadful outcome? What was worse, she had agreed to it, seeing no other way around this obstacle. It wasn't until she reached her mother's garden that she stopped to catch her breath, leaning against the large ash tree in the center of the garden.

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"Bella? What's wrong, my love? Did your father harm you again?" came the worry filled voice of her mother. Turning to face her mother, who came pulling off her dirt covered gloves, Bella felt the tears well up in her eyes again. Rushing to her mother, Bella clutched to her mother like a lifeline. It wasn't until her mother had led her over to the stone bench and held her for several moments that she could speak.

"I did something rather foolish, mother. Do you remember when we went to Naomi's temple? I committed to making that plan of stealing one of father's ships from a silly fantasy to a reality. Only I overplayed my hand to father did the one thing you forbade me to do. I gave in to that blackguard's demand of arranging a marriage if my plan for a cover for my actions doesn't go well."

Bella could feel her mother's hold on her tighten ever so slightly. It was quiet between them for several moments, to the point it became almost unbearable for Bella.

At last, her mother finally spoke. "I knew this day would come. Child, don't blame yourself. This moment was bound to come about. We are captive to that louse's desires. The only difference is you have always had a way out that you dared not take for my sake. For which I can only be grateful, but I knew in my heart there would come a day when my plight could not stay your hand any further. I promise to assist you in any way I can."