Emmi: Brutal Reality

Walking in, my mother is standing there, waiting.

“Your dress for tomorrow is upstairs.”

I walk past her and nod. “Oh.”

“Oh? Is that all you can say? Oh? When I bought you the dress because you weren’t home to get one yourself?”

What does she want? A thank you, mum, for getting me a new dress that I will wear while you give me away? I just want to rush to my room and hide away.

“I have also booked for you to have your hair and makeup done.”

I continue walking up the stairs.

“Emmi!”

I turn, hearing her shout. “Would you be throwing yourself down to say thank you if your parents pretty much sold you off and forced you into an arranged marriage?” I stare at her, waiting.

“You were not sold. It was a deal. The Wolversons helped us gain control of the city again. In return, we promised you would marry their son.” She looks at me like I have It all wrong.

“You may not have sold me for money, but you gave me away to cover the debt. You are still giving me away when you don’t even know the fa