“I couldn’t agree more.” I forced the words out of my mouth for my mother.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw my mother visibly relax. I forced myself to smile at
Thomas. If I didn’t marry him, there was no future for my mother and none for that
and me would break her heart. I couldn’t do that to my mother. Not after my dad
passed away. But neither could I stay at the table with him any longer. “I wish to be
excused.” I declared and put my fork down.
“You are excused, my daughter.” My mother smiled at me, obviously thanking
me for reining in my anger. I gave a curt nod and stood.
“I wish to escort my betrothed.” He drew out the word “betrothed” as if to
taste it. I clenched my fists at my sides. I would not give him the satisfaction of
turning around and yelling at him… For Mother. I took a deep breath and repeated
the thought in my head, over and over again.
I did not look at him as we walked up to my room. I opened the door.
“What? No good night kiss?” I ground my teeth together.
“I really don’t feel like it.” I said without turning. “Now get out.” Thomas
shook his head.
“So rude.” I almost laughed.
“I’m rude? What is wrong with you?” I hissed, finally facing him. He grinned.
“Ah. I need to get you angry. Then I get your attention.” I wanted to growl at
“Don’t test me.” I whispered. His grin changed to a smirk.
“What are you going to do? Punish me?” He teased. I felt the rage reach a
boiling point. “I can’t wait until I have you as my wife. In our own house.” He carried
on disgusting me. “We will be alone with just you and me. What great times we have
to follow. You can punish me all you want then.” His voice softened so it almost
sounded like a purr. I shot a dreadful gaze straight into his eyes.
“You bastard.” I hissed. He came closer to me.
“You defy me and I break off the marriage.” He said softly. “Then I’ll have a
great time telling everybody else how unruly you are. You will never find another
husband, and your mother will be heartbroken.” He dropped his voice further. It
was all I could do not to break his neck. He was right.
“Just get out.” I said dropping my gaze. He moved. I backed up and looked
straight into his eyes again. “Get. Out.” I spoke under my breath. “Now.” He stepped
back throwing his hands up in defense and left back down the stairs again.
I dropped down onto my bed and decided I needed to get out of the house
again. I opened my wardrobe and got dressed into my armor clothes and grabbed
my cloak hanging up and tied it around my neck. I opened my window part way and
scanned the ground outside. The tall old oak tree stood right next to the house on
my side and reached clear past my window. At the sight of no one I pulled the
window up all the way and climbed out onto a thick branch. I closed the window
behind me so no one would notice and snuck down the tree; quickly and through the
back meadows toward the forest line. As I snuck through the tall grass I whistled in
the quietest tone possible that no human could hear. Bleun had taught me.
Once in the safety of the trees I crept along the path I had memorized until I
was completely enveloped in darkness. I whistled again. Slowly very slowly I
watched a few tiny lights twinkle up in the trees. I smiled with joy as I watched more
