Chapter 6— Secret's out

LARISSA AURÉLIE FARSULEIA

“You’re getting married?!” Honoria gasped as she stood up from her seat.

My brows furrowed as I held my finger up to my lips, gesturing to her to be quiet. Understanding what I meant, she eventually composed herself and sat back down, calming her racing thoughts.

“And you only found out from the person you’re getting married to?” She asked again, this time with a low tone. 

I let out a sigh and shrugged my shoulders. “That’s my point. I don’t know why my father would keep this from me.” I leaned back against my pillow, crossing my arms and glanced out of the window with a thoughtful look.

Now that I’ve thought about it, it has been one day after the ball, which means Myra is on the move. What could’ve she possibly done while we were gone? Or has she done something as soon as we got home? 

For a while, my train of thoughts got interrupted by a sudden knock on my door, the sudden sound jolting me back to reality. Honoria swiftly rose from her seat and walked towards the door to open it. Speaking of the devil, there was my father, standing outside. 

I immediately stood up from my seat and rushed towards him, “Father, are you okay? Do you feel anything different?” I asked as I placed both of my hands on his arms. 

“Why wouldn’t I be okay? You’re acting differently today, I should be the one asking if you’re okay.” He threw back the question at me. 

I intently looked him in the eye, trying to find a hint of a lie. Instead, I was met with a confusing look. I lowered my head in defeat and retreated my hands from his arms, taking a step back.  

I turned to my maid, my tone and expression firm but polite, “Honoria, would you excuse us for a moment?” I asked, maintaining eye contact with her.

She bowed at us before slowly backing away, her footsteps soft on the carpeted floor as she exited the room, leaving me alone with my father. The soft click of the door closing echoed through the quiet room, leaving us enveloped in a blanket of silence. The atmosphere became tense, my hands fidgeting as I tried to find the words I wanted to say. I raised my head, mouth open, ready to speak. 

“Father,” I began, my voice steady, “there’s something that I’d like to talk to you about.”

He furrowed his brows. My father, sensing the seriousness in my tone, quickly composed himself and gave me his full attention, “What is it you wish to discuss?”

I tried to maintain my composure, but my voice wavered ever so slightly as I asked, “When are you going to tell me that I’m getting married to someone?”

A few moments of silence filled the room. I intently looked at how my father's eyes reacted when I asked the question. “Aurélie, how did you—”

“How did I find out?” I interrupted him, “I saw him at the ball. The Duke handed me the proposal you sent to him.”

He let out a deep sigh as he brought both of his hands to his hips. “Aurélie, dear, it’s for the best.” 

My shoulders slumped slightly as I took in my father's words, my heart sinking, “Father, don’t I have a say in this? It’s my life that you’re giving away to.”

“Nonsense.” my father replied, his tone firm and dismissive, “It’s not like I’m giving your life away to some low-ranked nobles. We’re talking about a Duke, and not just any Duke—he’s the one that led most of the battles outside the Aurum Empire. Think about the new life you’ll be able to live.” 

I scoffed at him, “I don’t mind all of these credentials a man has in order for me to marry him. I’m eighteen, Father, I should take my time and explore the world you’ve taken me captive from.” 

“You should be thanking me for keeping you away. Do you know how many people you’ve-” He cut himself off. For a while, silence once again filled the room. I saw my father blinking a few times before looking away. 

“I’ve what?” I asked with anticipation as I took a step forward, “I’ve what, father?”

Instead of answering, I got a stern glare before he continued, “You’re getting married to Duke Novellia and that’s final.” he said, changing the topic.

I was ready to speak again but I was cut off by my father before I could even do so, “Don’t even think about arguing with me, young lady.” 

Something in his eyes changed, there was a hint of blue hue gradually taking over his green eyes, similar to the colour of Myra’s eyes. Fear became evident in my face, my mouth slowly dropping, eyes widening. That’s when realisation hit me, Myra had already done her move, she’s controlling my father at this very moment. 

I watched as my father stormed out of the room, I caught a glimpse of Honoria's horrified expression when the sound of the doors slamming shut echoed through the room. She slowly opened the door, peeking her head inside and whispered, “What happened? Why is the Marquess’ temper so…”

I didn’t look at her, I kept my gaze at the ground. I could feel the hot tears filling up my eyes, blurring my vision. Honoria seemed to notice it, cutting herself mid sentence. “Oh, Aurélie.” She cooed. She brought me into her arms, embracing me. I felt the urge to burst, I brought my hands onto her back and clenched the fabric of her clothes. Then there it was, the tears streaming down my face. I felt my throat burning, I wasn’t able to speak at the moment—we stayed in that position for about five minutes as she repeatedly caressed the back of my hair, soothing me down. 

I let out a shuddering sigh as she slowly pulled away, “Would you like to take a walk in the garden?” Honoria asked, her eyes looking at me with such gentleness.

I pressed my lips together before nodding. She knows how I cope whenever I cry; I take a walk in the garden or somewhere else, as long as nature is by my side and nothing can disturb my peace of mind. She wiped away my tears with her thumb and smiled at me, “It’ll be okay.” She reassured me. I tried to give her a proper smile, but I could barely give it to her.

Will I be okay?