Page 2 of Bearly Free (The Emerald Realm 2)

Ah, so that’s what this was about.Father wanted me to make a good impression on his business partner’s family. I wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all but refrained before I received any further stern looks. Why was that so difficult to tell me?

“Very well then,” I agreed in a more relaxed tone. “If I must spend one evening associating with the young lord, then I suppose I can handle it. But do not be surprised if he sends the first letter of proposal after the festivities. Men can often be so assuming that a lady’s attention is a direct sign of attraction.” I laughed lightly with a cheeky grin, anticipating an annoyed glance from mother, but her face held a different expression I couldn’t quite read.

“Silas, dear, we might as well tell her now,” Mother said hesitantly. I raised an eyebrow at them as Father gave Mother a far more serious glare.

“Tell me what?” I questioned anxiously. I scrunched up the fabric of my skirt beneath the table—I never did well with nerves. What more hadn’t they shared with me?

Father took a deep breath before turning his attention back at me. “Lord Charles Dugal and I have already proposed a business plan to secure both of our company’s financial success.” Father’s words were bland and to the point. He had always been detached from me emotionally, but he was even more so today. His blue eyes gave nothing away, but I could tell there was more to this than just work relations. “The plan will be sealed by a predetermined accord between our families, and that is what shall be announced this evening.”

I sucked in a sharp breath as a pang of panic shot through me.They couldn’t possibly mean…

“Is Theodore going to propose!?” I half shouted as I stood from my chair. I didn’t even bother to acknowledge my mother’s anger at my outburst. This was hardly a proper warning for this sort of thing, so I felt my actions would be justified, even for a lady.

“Formally, yes,” Mother replied in a far more hushed tone. “However, the engagement has already been made official. Since you are now sixteen, we may proceed with wedding preparations after the public announcement this evening.” She gave a smile that would have suggested she was proud, but I only felt sick looking at it.

“You must be joking!” I looked between them pleadingly, abandoning all propriety. “I am hardly sixteen; plus, I have never even met the man. You cannot possibly marry me off to a stranger! Is the family business truly worth more to you than my happiness?!” I was fully shouting, and a few members of the kitchen staff were spying through the door again. Their expressions showed shock and pity as I begged my parents to see reason or show any shred of compassion toward their only daughter.

“Aurelia, sit down,” Mother commanded sharply. I held my ground and continued staring at her with the slightest hope that it all wasn’t true. “You are acting like a child. The arrangements have already been made, so there is no use in trying to change it.” She eyed me with veiled anger in her icy blue eyes and I felt tears mist over my own.

“You cannot do this!” I countered, my voice raspy through my wail as hot tears burned past my eyelids. “I won’t agree to a marriage of convenience like this, and you cannot make me!” My heart beat rapidly as fury pulsed through my veins. They spent my entire life telling me what to do, but this was where I drew the line.

“We don’t have to make you,” Father boomed, causing me to cower back a step. He rose to his feet, meeting my gaze with angered eyes. “Isallan law dictates that when a lady turns sixteen, she may be eligible for marriage. The details only dictate that the groom must be at least eighteen years of age and propose upon his own will. Since you are not eighteen yet, we, as your guardians, assume the role of accepting or denying the proposal.” His eyes pierced through my previous bravery as I recognized the truth behind his statements.

Mother stood with a twisted, sweet smile on her face. “And we have already accepted, dear.” Her polite words felt like daggers driving into my heart. “Honestly, you should be excited. Now please sit down and finish your breakfast. When you’re done, return to your room until it’s time to prepare for the party. I believe some solitude will allow you to come to your senses before meeting Lord Theodore.” Her sweet smile faded and I wondered if she took pleasure in sending me away—it wouldn’t be that surprising if she did.

I stared at them both dumbfounded for a moment as they resumed their seats and continued eating as if nothing had happened. With a new rush of frustration, I sprinted from the room and didn’t stop until I crashed upon my bed.

The soft blankets were a soothing comfort as I sobbed into the fabrics. The sweet cleaning aroma reminded me of the local laundry mill where I had befriended the staff. I wondered if they had to deal with anything as grievous as arranged marriages. Probably not, considering they didn’t have families with empty souls and blackened hearts. I clutched the blankets, squeezing them, trying to vent out my frustrations.

How dare they do something like this without even asking me? Theodore could be a perfectly lovely gentleman, but now I was far too angry to even consider wanting to speak with him. Why now? Why must we marry so early in life? Surely a long betrothal wouldn’t offend the Dugal family. Why can we not at least meet more than once before I’m forced to be his betrothed? Did my family want to get rid of me that badly? I shoved my face deep into my pillows and let out a muffled scream.

Perhaps I was acting like a child, but maybe I still needed time to be one. I lifted my head from the cushions and rolled over onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Tears spilled down the sides of my face as I tilted my head toward my closet. My eyes caught sight of the frilly pink gown I was meant to wear this evening.

The dress was everything my mother wanted me to be seen as—her perfect little doll. The type of girl who obeyed every word out of her parents’ mouths and was completely content with sitting still. I groaned, imagining the life of a young married lady. Nothing about letting an unknown husband dictate my life appealed to me.

Hours passed as my emotions settled down. I stared out the window, watching the billowy clouds form and letting the beautiful sky relax my mind. Spring was beginning to blossom, and the weather looked gloriously inviting. I mentally cursed my mother for locking me up on such a gorgeous day. Suddenly longing for fresh air, I raised my sulking form from the mattress and crossed the room to tug the window open.

The stuffy room instantly felt revitalized as a perfect spring breeze flooded my senses. The warm sun sent tingles across my skin as I rested my arms on the windowsill. The garden was a vibrant green with a few sparse flowers barely starting to bloom. Tall, sturdy ivy was creeping up the exterior walls of the estate, and a fresh leaf had sprouted in front of the open window. I touched the leaf gingerly, inspecting its growth. I followed the vine it stemmed from and noticed that the ivy now stretched far beyond my second story window from its base on the ground.

What if I...

I had never been the type to think my ideas through, so before logic could get the better of me, I wrapped two hands around a chunk of ivy. With my full strength, I tugged the plant as hard as I could, half-expecting to fall hard on my backside. Surprisingly, my body remained upright with only a slight disturbance of the plant’s roots.

Upon further inspection, the ivy appeared to be firmly cemented into the grout that held the stone walls in place. The stalks had slightly torn away after my full effort, but they had not broken free. A sly smile crept across my face as my idea formed into a plan.

Turning my attention to my closet, I grabbed a small leather satchel and threw it onto my bed. Without lingering long enough to talk myself out of the idea, I sloppily tossed essential items into the bag. I passed through my entire room, picking out everything that would fetch a decent price. As quietly as possible, I dumped nearly my entire jewelry chest into the bag. Hopefully nobody heard my scuffling.

After I felt satisfied with my pack, I turned back toward the window and looked down. The height was suddenly much more daunting than it had been earlier. I took a deep breath and slowly stepped away from the opening.

What was I thinking?

I couldn’t possibly go through with this. Where would I go? What would I do? I had only ever been to a handful of places unescorted, and I certainly didn’t know how to fend for myself in the forest.

My rational thinking overtook me as I looked back at my packed bag. I began pacing the room, twisting my skirts nervously in my hands. The warmed bunches of fabric tangled through my fingers as my mind fought itself.

If I left… I would be starting all over. No family, no title, and no connections that I could turn to. Well, no connection that my parents couldn’t trace me to. I considered my friendship with the current Isallan queen for a quick moment before shoving the idea aside. My parents’ plans were backed by law, and though I’m certain Queen Arabella would want to help, I don’t believe she could. Even if she agreed with my sentiments and decided to change the law, it would take months for approval. Any Isallan law had to pass through all five of our court judges before being solidified. I didn’t have the leisure of waiting around. My parents would have me married off before the queen’s ink would even dry.

I took a few slow deep breaths as I allowed my mind to process the rest of my thoughts. If I chose to stay, attend the party, and meet my betrothed, I would remain comfortable. I would be safe and live in a manner that many have only dreamed about. It would be a suitable life.

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