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gnbrave · 6 days ago

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Chapter 2: Pray or Prey?

Roselena

Bellfire was a good man. His father owned orchards at the edge of the town and was quite wealthy, but he was too friendly with other women.

Adelia was the one to break the news that he was seen with another woman around town, and while that wasn't an issue in of itself, it was the fact that he held a private audience with her parents that convinced me it wasn't an innocent meeting. It made me uncomfortable, and I didn't want to feel that way in a marriage. I couldn't say that to his face at the moment though... I didn't take pleasure in embarrassing other people.

Adelia knew my thoughts and said the words I would never dare say, "Perhaps you missed it while entertaining another lady in the town? Hmm? I hear that's a habit of yours."

Remember when I said Adelia had a short temper?

His gaze moved to her, and I silently shoved some sweets in my mouth for comfort.

"Some ladies make it too easy, no?" The double meaning in his words was lost to no one. The women in the circle either looked amused or uncomfortable by his comment. I was livid.

Adelia was used to it and rebutted, "A man who is too busy prancing around with other women to reflect on his flaws is no man at all. Is that why you're still unmarried?"

There were chuckles and giggles as one of his friends clapped their hand on his shoulder, "Admit it, Bell. You're quite easy yourself."

Bellfire pushed his friend off and looked to me, "I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression, truly."

I looked up at him with a small smile, "It's in the past."

"Then would you be open to another visit?"

I pursed my lips, "You asked me about the letter with petty intentions and disrespected a young lady. Forgive me, but I'll have to decline. Thank you anyway."

I tugged on Adelia's arm, and she let me pull her away.

"That was mortifying. Why couldn't you practice self control?" I groaned.

"Not as mortifing as it was for him. What you just said is going to make it ten times harder for him to marry." She chortled to herself. "He may even get desperate enough to ask me..."

She faked a gag of revulsion, and I laughed.

"I wouldn't let him near you." I patted her arm. It was a shame. Bellfire did have a pretty face. But a pretty face only went so far...

I did feel bad though. I wanted to avoid embarrassing him.

Adelia held onto my arm as we passed by vendors. I almost forgot the old man's words. My fear had calmed to an uneasy feeling in my stomach, but I didn't know what to make of it. At times the fear came back in waves, and the urge to go back home squeezed me like a vice. At other times, I felt an overwhelming calm.

During a wave of overwhelming calm, I stood with a meat skewer in one hand and fruit in the other. The fruit vendors never failed to impress me with the quality of their fruit. I was a regular shopper with Mr. and Mrs. Floir, so when they saw me, they made conversation.

"I'm surprised you came out tonight, child." His wife was kind to compliment my dress. I thanked her with a smile.

"It's my birthday. I'm here on father's orders." I informed them dutifully.

Mr. Floir smiled, "Well, be careful. We may be in Bermillia, but there have been creatures coming out these nights."

I frowned, "Creatures?"

He nodded grimly, "I would hate to be wandering the forests alone these days."

He leaned closer and whispered, "The queen's evil seems to have increased the past few months."

I shivered as his wife smacked him, "Don't frighten the girl, Marcum."

She smiled at me and offered me an apple, "Take heed of his words, and take this to comfort yourself."

I accepted it and offered a weak smile as I turned to keep going. I had left Adelia talking to her friends at the meat skewer stand, so I continued alone, trying to get through the whole festival before leaving.

I continued down the street of vendors until I arrived at a tent. It was simple and white with no signifiers or indication of what was inside. I looked around and noticed everyone ignoring it. Skeptically, I glanced back to spot Adelia who was still chatting up with another group of girls and boys our age. Then I looked back at the shiny tent again. It was as if they couldn't see it...

I approached it, my curiosity peaking against all common sense. I smiled at the rush of warmth within me and that overwhelming calm fortified. No matter what I did, I couldn't help but feel like I was being drawn to this tent. Like a child, I listened to the force calling to me and pushed through the front flaps. Immediately, my eyes strained, and I had to squint to see. There was a brilliant light with no particular source flooding the space.

I rubbed my eyes as they adjusted and registered the simple table before me. A white tablecloth coated it but nothing laid on it. I frowned as I reached down to touch it. It seemed to vibrate with energy... life. Then the sounds of pages turning in a book filled the room, and a breeze swirled around me.

My heart raced as I snapped my head up, and a clothed figure stood before me. Wrapped in white cloth as pure as light, stood what looked like a tall person. I couldn't see their face, but I knew that I wouldn't be harmed. Still my heart hammered in my chest.

"I've heard your prayers, little one."

All the breath rushed out of my lungs at the disembodied voice.

I felt lightheaded, "What?"

My voice sounded choked as if I couldn't breathe.

"You listened to my messenger with wisdom. I will use that wisdom now." The voice was firm but warm. "You must help the oracle when the time comes. You will cross into enemy territory, and you will see many things. Do not be afraid. You will not die."

I barley registered the words as the amazing energy in the room kept increasing. It was like a rush of wind knocking the breath out of me with its force. It became so overwhelming until I could only give in to my syncope.

When I came to, I could slowly hear the sounds of drums getting louder and louder. It took me a second to realize that those were the same drums used to alert the kingdom of invaders.

The panic of the people hit me full force as vendors and citizens began scattering, recognizing the drums that warned us of a threat. No matter how much I wanted to get up and run like them, I was still too dizzy to get up safely.

A hand gripped my forearm and yanked me up anyway.

"Roselena, we have to run! Get up!" I recognized the voice as Bellfire. I staggered as I gained my footing and almost tripped again as he tugged me forward.

His pulling me along sobered me up as I began to pick up the pace even with my residual nausea, "What about Adelia?"

He was out of breath, "I saw h-her by the fruit stand looking for you... She said she would follow as soon as she found you."

I hesitated and pulled against him, "Wait, I have to go back for her–"

"There's no time! Adelia is a smart girl, she'll figure it out."

He pulled me along.

Of all the people I expected to be fleeing with, Bellfire was the last one on my mind. Especially since I rejected him not even an hour ago.

We made it to the forest lines, and I hesitated, "Shouldn't we be running away from danger?"

He sighed, "They'll come from the east. Our best bet is running to the west."

What we didn't know was that we were surrounded in all directions.

He pulled me into the dark forest as I heard screams behind us.

"Resist and die!" They yelled.

My heart dropped as I tried to look back, but Bellfire tugged on my arm, "Don't look."

I nodded and followed him obediently.

We couldn't see a thing, but as soon as our eyes adjusted, and the sound of carnage and torture receded, we slowed to a fast walk.

"What are we going to do, Bellfire? We can't go back. What if our families die?" I struggled to breathe as I spoke, pressing a hand to my side.

Bellfire kept marching forward relentlessly, "Don't think about it and focus on putting distance between us and them."

I nodded and we were fine for a few moments until the sound of hooves approaching filled our ears. We looked at each other and he hissed, "Split up. Hide and if you have to, run as fast as you can."

I nodded, and we both went out separate ways. I ran as quietly as I could before I came across a large tree trunk. I licked my lips, tracing my hands around it and using the silence to say a prayer.

I whispered quietly, "God of anything, please help me get out of this alive. If you let me live, I'll even marry a toad if you ask me to..."

Fear hammered in my chest as I hugged close to the tree trunk and repeated my prayer like a mad man. That psychotic, old man was right. Every word he uttered was right, and I was kicking myself for not having listened sooner.

My hands became tingly from the adrenaline and fear pumping through my body as the sound of armor and horses galloping grew even louder.

Their voices were loud in the distance as they shouted, "Catch him!"

I slapped my hand over my mouth to stop the cry from leaving my mouth. Bellfire!

Then the sounds drew near to me. They weren't the ones chasing Bellfire, I realized. They were coming closer toward me. I cried out involuntarily as I felt the urge to run and take off from behind the tree.

"Commander, look!" A soldier shouted. They saw me. Perhaps, I should've stayed hidden. Maybe then I wouldn't have been seen.

I tried to run faster, but to no avail, the sounds of a horse galloping only grew closer. It seemed I would become easy prey tonight. Even so, I didn't dare glance behind me. I made a sharp right turn and began to try and confuse my pursuer, weaving in and out of the trees and shrubs around me.

Then my face met the ground, and I could almost taste the soil. I was about to die and the only thing I had ever kissed was the dirt on the ground. How fitting.

My dress was surely soiled, and all I could do was crawl behind a tree and push myself onto my feet. My right ankle pulsed angrily, which meant I couldn't even run well if I tried. I was done for.

The horse stopped its leisurely gallop and whoever rode him swung off of the horse. His armor clanked and clinked, scraping against itself as he approached me where I was. Then silence. Tears rolled down my face. Twenty-two years, and all I ever did was print newspapers.

"Come out, little rabbit." The voice was deep and menacing, and I would've soiled myself right there if it weren't for the calm voice in my head.

Do not be afraid.

Even so, I tried to run again, limping quickly, but the swift footsteps behind me were too fast. The man was quick to snatch me up and cage me within their arms against a tree trunk.

I couldn't see very well, but I could see what little moonlight that filtered through the trees and foliage reflect off of pale skin. The outline of the right side of his face was faint but visible. I kind of wished I couldn't see him now that I registered the crazed look in his eye.

"Found you."

#bookish #reading #romance #enemies to friends to lovers #fantasy #historical romance

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gnbrave · 21 days ago

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Chapter One

Roselena

Fall of my 22nd year,

I started my 22rd year today. As always, it's bittersweet, and I hope Adelia doesn't make a big deal out of it. I was lucky enough that Jonas and Dad had to go to the trading post yesterday. If you were here though, I know it would be the best birthday yet.

I miss you mom, and I pray that you rest in peace every day. Jonas says my prayers won't be heard by the God of the Templemen, but I don't see any harm in trying anyway. At least their god doesn't look scary like the other gods. In fact, I'd never really seen what this god looked like. Besides, something about their piety draws me to it as if it were calling my name. Sometimes I think it's you calling me, mama.

Today is also the Sun Harvest Festival, which means that everyone and their mother will be making eyes at their lovers. I wonder how many couples will be birthed from today. So many singles from all over the country and not once has my own romance started. I was never really interested, but -

My pen hovered over the next words as loneliness settled in my chest. I sighed and put down the pen before my spirits were brought down by the state of my romantic life, or lack thereof.

I had suitors. As did Adelia but hers were far more numerous than mine since her beauty was incomparable. Standing next to the most beautiful girl in the town was a bit discouraging, because while I was not without my own charm, I couldn't help but feel like my suitors just didn't have the confidence to pursue Adelia. Thus, I never responded to the suitors. If I did, I noticed they asked about Adelia a bit too much and didn't contact them again.

That or they are busy going around with other ladies in the town.

At the end of the day, I knew it was an insecurity I would have to deal with on my own. Sigh... It was a battle for another day.

Pushing my journal to the side, I shifted my feet as I stretched and rolled my neck. A distinct pop sounded as I resumed my work. I refilled the ink in the cartridge and lifted the hand-written article submitted to me. I loaded the cartridge into the typewriter with the other hand and secured it with a firm click. I pressed the button on the side of the machine and began to read the article aloud. Immediately, the typewriter began to take my words and print them in standard font.

The whirring of the machine was white noise beneath my voice as the bell rang at the door. I glanced up and saw the same face I'd been waking up to for the last ten years of my life.

Adelia had always been a beauty. Blonde curls, fair complexion, and a button nose. I remember thinking she was a fairy when we first met, and when I told my mother this, she only smiled and said, "Well, I hope she doesn't have the personality of one. Some nasty little creatures they are."

Actually, Adelia was a sweet girl with a nasty temper if you bugged her. I learned this after years of living with her after my mother practically adopted her. It wasn't until after my mother passed away that my father officially adopted her as my mother's last wish.

I flashed a smile as I kept orating the article about available foods at the market until I finally finished and pressed stop.

Adelia was very well aware of my irritation at being interrupted. It confused the automatic typewriter. And it wasn't like we could easily buy another one. It was magic that made it automatic, which was a family secret. If anyone found out my father purchased a charmed item and kept it after the new regulations were established... We would be dead fish in the river.

When magic first became popular, it was seen as a lifesaver for everyone involved. This was just after the Kingdom of Dhernon defeated the Kingdom of Camela, which everyone thought impossible. The queen pushed magic into the curriculum of its citizens, and it spread like wild fire. It was all good and dandy until the objects became animated and turned against its people. Not to mention the increased crime rates and depravity as defined by the Templemen's religious laws.

In the Kingdom of Bermillia, it was understood that banning magic was for the greater good of society. Other kingdoms generally agreed, and so Dhernon became the only kingdom to sell items imbued with magic.

I placed the article down and glanced at the newspapers she had brought in, left over from handing them out. She held her hand behind her arm. I raised an eyebrow, "What are you hiding there, friend?"

She adjusted the bandana holding her golden curls out of her face and smiled, "Happy birthday to you!"

She pulled out a strawberry tart and held it up in front of me as she kept singing the horrid song. Flashbacks of birthdays with crowds of people singing and staring at me flitted through my mind. I smiled as best I could among the memories of not knowing what to do with so much attention.

"I hope your 22nd year is as blessed as ever." Adelia placed the tart in my hand gingerly.

I accepted the tart and bit into it, "Thank you."

She nodded as she glanced at the stack of articles I had yet to print for next week. I had to copy the whole newspaper numerous times until I had enough to be shared among the town. And that was on top of special orders, which my brother usually handled.

"Any more royal decrees from the Royal Serpent?" She asked bitterly.

I widened my eyes, "Keep your voice down."

We had yet to be born when a royal coup sent the Land of Thelodia into a frenzy. The capital Kingdom was named Dhernon after its invasion, and it left other Kingdoms fearing for their livelihood. My father barely managed to escape to a smaller town after Dhernon attacked another smaller Kingdom at the edge of the Bermillia.

The queen had been ballsy enough to invade yet another, weaker kingdom after this, but Bermillia was known for its might and victory in war, so they had yet to attempt anything here.

Still didn't change the fact that trading with these kingdoms was incredibly regulated, and since father decided to rebuild his printing business, we were one of the main sources of information. We were the ones informing the people of new rules and regulations of entering and leaving the Dhernon Kingdom. I was surprised they even allowed it considering their tyranny.

Each one was ridiculous. No person outside of the Dark Empire was allowed to cross into these invaded kingdoms without expressed permission of both monarchs. Any trading was done at neutral zones a way off of city limits; thus, trading posts were created.

Even so, it was a given that we should not speak her nickname so loudly. We risked having her minions listen in. She operated in magic, which gave her very insidious methods of monitoring the lands without detection. The only people able to notice this were the Templemen, but the Queen has snuffed them out for years. It was a miracle the temple in Bermillia still had Priests dedicated to it.

These days, though, a man stood outside the temple yelling up a storm.

I thought back to the last time I passed by the temple. The man stood with frazzled hair as if he hadn't bathed for weeks, "Prepare, for the light has come! The Most High will prevail! Do not faint. Believe in Him, the everlasting!"

Jonas called him a madman, and some Templemen even ran him off at times, but others... others offered him food and water. These Templemen were the ones Mama always spoke highly of when she taught me to pray like them. Jonas once did it with us, but ever since our mother died, he never prayed again.

"Relax, there hasn't been a Dark Soldier here in months, and everyone around here would agree." She smiled.

It still worried me anyway.

Every day Bermillia lived in fear that the queen would lose it and attack us.

"Still..." I murmured.

Adelia walked to the chair lining the bookshelf full of supplies and notebooks. She settled down and grabbed the mirror, beginning to adjust her appearance, "You'll join me for more than twenty minutes out in the festival today, won't you? It's your birthday after all."

I sighed as I released the paper from the printing press and set it to the side to dry. The table was in front of the window where the sun hit perfectly at this time. I flipped the window blind open to let the sunshine in. Resplendent as always, the sun sat close to the land, warming our fields and our heads.

It was said that the sun didn't come out for generations since the dark queen's reign. Only a few decades ago did it come out of hiding. My mom said that her mother was a young lass when the sun came out of hiding behind the thick clouds, and everyone in the town rejoiced. It was a time of redemption for them. At the time, many still believed in the god of the Templemen, and many offerings and gifts were brought to the mouth of the temple. After a while, people forgot about their god and went on with their normal lives.

Now, it was common practice to pray to different gods. God of the sun, god of the harvest, god of the moon, god of love, god of wrath... I imagine if I found myself unable to pass gas, there would also be a god of flatulence awaiting my prayers.

"Hello?" Adelia peered down at me.

"Hmm?" I asked as I looked at her confused.

"You zoned out again." she sighed. "Come here, your father left specific instructions."

I frowned as I sat down to take a break. I grabbed a glass bottle of water and chugged.

She grabbed my arm and hauled me up, making me spill water on the ground. I made a disapproving sound as she dragged me out the back of the shop into my family's home.

"But the newspaper-"

"Can be finished later. Your dad gave me specific instructions to force you to enjoy your birthday."

"When did you see him?" I asked. He was off to the trading posts a since yesterday and wouldn't be back for another few days.

"He planned this before he left." She stopped by his room and slipped in. She brought out a dress on a hanger. My eyes widened as I peered at the expensive fabric, but before I could register what it looked like, she pulled me toward our room.

She was quick to undress me as if I was her personal doll.

I was quick to cover my breasts as I warned her, "Adelia, please!"

"We used to bathe together, Roselena. No need to be shy." I gave her a look. She sighed and gave in, leaving me to undress from my trousers and slip into the dress on my own. I always protected my modesty, and I tried to protect the modesty of others, including Adelia. It didn't matter that I'd known her since I was ten years old.

I peered at the mirror, having adjusted the sleeves and the neckline.

It was a beautiful dress on the hanger and even more beautiful on. I looked at the white silk hugging my skin softly, outlining the faint form of my body. It wasn't too showy, and it wasn't too immodest. It made me look youthful and innocent, and it contrasted well with my tan complexion.

I called her back in and she grinned, "I knew I chose the right one."

"You chose this?" I asked, flattening the skirt.

"Please... your dad and brother wouldn't know a pretty dress if the gods themselves gave them a revelation." She grinned as she grabbed a comb and began to brush my hair behind me.

She gingerly braided my hair and pulled out a bowl of freshly picked flowers out of thin air.

"You took forever to change." She commented as she tucked the flowers into my braid.

She then took a drop of oil and rubbed it into the skin of my face. Then she took a small compact with a red tinted balm. It was a blush made from berries that we both had been coveting for a couple of weeks now.

"I got this from that stingy old lady down the street. She finally agreed to a discount." She made a face in remembrance of the greedy woman. She sold cosmetics to women at ridiculously high prices. I guess you do have to pay for quality.

I smiled as she dabbed some on my cheeks and around my eyelids. She smiled and stepped back, "I think this is my best work."

I brought my hand up to my braided hair and pressed a hand to my moisturized face. I wasn't the most beautiful girl in the village. Adelia was easily at the top of the list, but tonight, I felt beautiful.

I even looked like the memories of my mother if I looked from a certain angle. I remembered standing before this same mirror when I was fifteen. My mother could barely stand, but she insisted on getting me ready for my first town ball with my brother.

Your father and I met when we were fifteen. I hope you never forget tonight, my love.

My eyes watered as I looked away and sighed, trying to willfully stop the tears.

Adelia turned me toward her, and she gripped my shoulder firmly, "No tears. It'll ruin the blush."

"I was just thinking of my mom."

Her eyes warmed, and she squeezed my shoulders, "I'm sure your mom thinks you look stunning. But she would agree with me about not crying. This is your day."

She turned me toward the mirror again, her height beating mine by a good inch or two.

Adelia smiled behind me, "Now that you're of prime marrying age, it's about time you actually gave some suitors a chance."

"I'm too busy for that. Who will take care of Jonas and Papa?" I sighed as I turned toward her.

She pinched me rather hard, making me recoil. I clutched my arm and gave her a reproaching look.

"You never leave this blasted printing shop except to go to the market, and then you come back to cook and take care of your brother and father like they're babies. Jonas will marry someday, and your father won't live forever. Do you plan on dying alone?" She scolded.

Her words stung a bit, but she was right to an extent. I didn't want to die alone.

Adelia sighed and apologized, "I was harsh. I just want you to think about your future. You're practically a golden egg in this town. You come from a good family who can afford a good dowry, so only suitors of good wealth can even approach you. Your virtue is intact, and you're quite beautiful."

She's ranting now, "Yet you've turned away multiple eligible bachelors, and I just don't understand."

I pursed my lips, "Not everyone sees me that way."

She sighed, "Yes they do! Do you know how many men have asked me about you?"

"Do you know how many of those same suitors ask about you?" I quipped.

She sighed, "My reputation is not news to either of us."

The implication was obvious. Adelia fell in love when she was fifteen, with a wealthy man no less. She was foolish and gave her virtue to this man only for him to marry another woman of higher stature in our town. She was embarrassed, but soon after, my father adopted her, and no one dared speak of her again. At least not in front of our family.

"You can't possibly believe these men pursue you because of that."

She smiled bitterly, "They treat me like a pit stop, Roselena. I'm the woman they want to bed for a night, but you're the woman they want to marry."

I opened my mouth to counter her, but she stopped me.

"Now come on, the festivities are about to start."

I watched her scurry away in defeat. She always did this... She deflected and changed the subject as quick as it had come up.

It was already dusk when we left, and the fire lamps were being lit all across the main road. One on every corner of a shop.

We fortunately lived and operated right along the main road where most commerce in the town took place. We even had a partnership with the book binders across the cobblestone street, and just south of our shop, to the right, were all the harvesters and grocers. To our left, we would walk into other businesses like candy shops and fabric shops.

The festivities always began to our left, past all the fabrics, candy, and clothing, to where the temple stood, so we made our way to where the entrance of the temple stood. It was a simple construct made of tan, sparkly stone that glittered under the sunlight. It looked like a trapezoid with a smaller mouth that lead to an underground space. I always wondered what was under there, but seeing as the temple had a history of killing anyone besides dedicated priests, I never dared to get near.

Music wafted from several directions, and they all seemed to coordinate with each other. I smiled as we neared the temple, remembering past Sun Harvests. Many were with my mother and father, and the rest were with my brother and Adelia.

My father never came out to celebrate again after my mother passed, and I suspect it was because they had always spent these days together. Now, he stayed home and drank the pain away. The next day, he would suffer from the night before, but he would act like he was a new person with nothing to grieve him.

My attention drew to the many robed men standing outside the temple, appraising the festival and handing out what looked like little books. I accepted one as we neared, and I flipped it open. Funnily enough, I recognized these prints as my own.

My father and I chose to do some free work for the templeman months ago, and they were all religious texts. I printed them, and my brother's friend bound them. I learned a lot from printing those booklets.

I remember something about the very strict laws. It was very much "obey our god or perish," which was part of why I suspected so many people chose not to approach this god. My mother was one of the few people I knew who was a devout believer, and in a way, this was one of the last things I could share with her. Though, I wasn't devout, I did pray when I was in need,

Then the shouting began. The same homeless man stood to the side of their little set up and held one of the little booklets in his hand. He looked especially troubled today. What looked like dirt streaked his cheek, and his hair was disordered in a tangled mess. His dirtied robes were ratty and barely hanging on as he lifted the booklet in the air.

"Listen to the Most High, the King is coming. Run for your life before it's too late!"

Adelia clicked her tongue, "What a pitiful man. Wait here, I'll go get us some sweets."

She paused and looked at the man wearily, "Don't stand too close."

I barely heard her as the man continued to cry out as if his life depended on it. I never understood it. Why would a man stand out here, take all the ridicule, rejection, and pity of those around him if he didn't truly believe what he was saying? I stepped closer to hear him more clearly.

"Blood will run on these stones, shut in your homes to save yours! Pray for mercy. It is the only way!"

He repeated this a dozen times as I stepped closer in my curiosity.

I furrowed my brow as he looked at all the people passing by him without a second glance.

"Why won't they listen?" He wailed to himself.

Then his eyes met mine, and he realized I had been listening. He was quick to approach me, making me take a step back in fear.

"Child, you must take heed of these words. In them are life and death." He warned. He didn't touch me or reach for me, only clasped his hands before him in a pleading manner. "If you have ears to hear, please hear."

I only nodded as he continued.

"A King is coming, and he will conquer before the sun rises in the morning. Blood will flow, and lives will be lost. Fear not, those who take heed of this word and are wise to obey will be spared. I am but a humble messenger. Please take Heed of the word of the Most High."

His words moved me, and my heartbeat sped up, "What do I do?"

He smiled, "Alas, my work has not been for naught. Trust and obey the Most High, and he will prepare a way for you."

The Most High? I recognized the term from the little booklet. This was the name of the god of the Templemen.

"You are blessed, child, for you have not forsaken wisdom."

And then he returned to his post and continued to cry out at the crowds as if it were his duty.

Adelia finally returned, "The line was longer than I thought. What did that man say to you?"

I was shaken up when I looked at her, "I think we should go back home."

"You don't believe what he's saying, do you?" She asked incredulously. "Don't be naive. Let's have some fun."

She continued to pull me along the path of celebration. It felt more like I was being dragged toward my own funeral. I looked back to the man in time to see that he stopped shouting, and as a soldier following an order, he packed up his things and fled the scene.

I swallowed and turned to look where Adelia was going. Straight toward a group of women and men. Some I recognized as they had visited our home as suitors, which made me avoid their gazes. All allowed it except one. He was bolder and friendlier than the others, and if I wasn't mistaken, I could see a trace of resentment in his expression when he saw us approach.

"I didn't get your response to my recent letter, Roselena." He said with a sardonic smile. "Did it not arrive?"

What a smug, bastard.

Read on to Chapter 2.

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