Guess what today is, Alaric! That's right! It's my birthday! Happy birthday to me! Mother made a beautiful dress for me. I lovely shade of blue, my favorite color. Mother says it really brings attention to my eyes. I can see she's right. I look and feel like a princess when I wear it. I'll wear it when I go to meet Thomas and his parents in a week or so. Maybe he will be kind. Maybe we will make a perfect match. Maybe I won't have to keep meeting with boys to be presented like some sort of product. At least with that dress on, I'll look like the perfect bride. I wish you had eyes so you could see it, Alaric.

Father tells me that women should be admired only in silence. Women are to be seen, not heard. Every time he reminds me to be quiet, I feel just as lonely as ever. I hardly speak around him. I thought today, he might be nice to me. Unfortunately, I should have known better. Instead of wishing me well today, he only told me that I was soon to be betrothed and to not let him down. It's my duty to have a son. The son. I don't know how I'm supposed to try, but I can hope.

This was my last youthful birthday. It is so strange to think of it that way. After this year, I will be considered a woman who is to be married. Why does it feel like it is going to happen tomorrow? It all feels so sudden and yet so far away.

To celebrate my birthday further, I'll be going into the town with Mother. She means to take me to meet more of our family. How exciting. Girls my age, Alaric. My sisters. I rarely ever get to see them. Only for ceremonies and special occasions. I can't wait. I am too excited for sleep. Maybe I can try to make a friend. Someone I can write letters to. Don't get jealous now, Alaric. I will still have plenty of time for you. I will be sure to tell you all about tomorrow. I already have a dress laid out. Sweet dreams, Alaric. I will be staring into the night, waiting for sleep to take me. Wish me luck.