Confusion

***

Gwen could do nothing but stare, completely taken aback by Alexander's words. She had never known force. Everything she had and loved had come to her with ease, and for everything she had worked for but could not obtain, she had learned to let go. There had never been a need to force anything, so she couldn't comprehend Alexander's reasoning. A love that was forced? One that must be accepted? That could consume, could it not? What if the other party was not ready to accept it? What if the other party couldn't accept it? What then becomes of such a forceful love?

The thought frightened her, and his eyes on her unsettled her. He believed every word he had said and from the manner he had forced her to stay at the castle, she was certain he was not prepared to change his notion.

And the night before, he had told her he loved her. She could not accept his love, however, it may be. There was too much to consider, and she did not like him. What then becomes of it? Would he force her to a