The next morning, I woke up with a terrible headache, so I decided to stay in bed a little longer, cuddling with my pillows. When I finally got up, I called a maid and asked her to prepare my bath. Once the water was hot enough, I started to bathe, soaking until my nerves relaxed. Afterward, I changed into a baby blue dress with long sleeves and floral patterns on the skirt and began a new painting. I couldn't continue my previous work; I didn't want anything to remind me of my situation.

In my new painting, I expressed all my feelings about my parents, the situation, and him. I didn't know much about my future husband, only that he was to inherit the throne of the Fae court and was the most feared Fae in all Calthia. I worked quickly, unaware of the time passing until a knock on the door announced my brother's arrival. He was tall, always the tallest among our peers as a child. Unlike me, he and my sister resembled our father, with their grey-blue eyes and golden-blonde hair, whereas I had light brown hair and green eyes like our mother.

"How do you feel today?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes despite his attempt to appear tough.

"I will be fine, Hawk," I replied.

"You don't have to lie to me. You know you can't hide anything from me."

"It doesn't matter what I feel; I am getting married to this monster whether I like it or not," I said, a bit angrily.

"You don't have to worry, Rya. I won't let him hurt you. I don't care who or what he is; no one hurts my little sister," he said. He had always been overprotective of me and Meriol, defending us even from our father.

"Thank you, Hawk, but once I am married, you can't do anything. You know the rules," I reminded him, acknowledging that a husband had every right over his wife's mind and body.

"I wish I could do something, Rya, but Father didn't even ask for my opinion before making this arrangement. I learned about it twenty minutes before dinner," he informed me. "I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't change his mind."

"I knew you wouldn't agree to this, but I also know how Father is," I said. "At least I will get out of here one way or another, as I always wanted," I continued, trying to convince myself there were advantages to my situation.

"But this is the worst way," came a voice from the door. I turned to see my sister standing there, crying.

"Hey, Meriol, I'm not leaving now. We still have a week together, and I can come visit," I tried to comfort her.

"If this brute lets you," my brother muttered from the end of the room.

I guided my sister to my bed, where we stayed until her breathing evened out and she started to relax. Our brother brought her a glass of water, which she drank before saying, "I want to come with you. Please let me come with you. I don't want to leave you alone."

"I know, Meriol, but you can't come. It is not safe for you there. The Fae court is not a safe place for a mortal girl," I explained, trying to convince her.

"Then it is not safe for you either," she complained.

"I won't be alone, Meriol. I will have my husband. Even if he is a monster, he won't let someone hurt his wife," I said.

She didn't look convinced but nodded and hugged me tightly. I knew they both loved me, but no one could do anything at this point. This marriage was happening, and I had to accept it as fast as I could.

After a few minutes, a maid came in and told us that our father wanted all of us in his office. She claimed he had important things to tell us and that we had to hurry.

In the office, my father was reading some letters, probably from the lords around our court. He didn't notice us until Hawk cleared his throat, indicating our presence. When he saw us, he motioned for us to sit in the chairs opposite his large desk.

"As you know," he began, "the marriage between Derya and the Fae prince is in one week, so we need to prepare. You and your mother," he said, addressing me now, "will handle all the wedding arrangements: flowers, dress, and all other necessities. Meriol, you may go with them if you wish," he added, causing my sister's face to light up with excitement. She always loved shopping and decorating. "Hawk and I," he continued, turning to my brother, "will handle the negotiations with the Fae king to secure the best deal from this marriage."

My father had always thought like a king, never as a father. We were mere pawns in his grand game, used to his advantage. He raised us each to serve his future plans. The only positive aspect was that he had never needed me before, allowing me some freedom. But when this proposal came forward, I was certain he didn't hesitate to sell me off to the faeries.

"How exactly are we going to negotiate with them?" my brother asked.

"They are coming here tomorrow for the wedding preparations and will stay for the entire week," he informed us.

Hearing this, my eyes widened, and I felt a chill.

"They can't come here," I said abruptly.

"And why is that, young lady?" my father asked, focusing all his attention on me now.

"This is dangerous. It could be a trap," I said, trying to convince him to change his mind.

"They know the rules, and King Peter assured me there won't be any problems," he said.

Every court in Calthia knew that magic was forbidden here. This strict rule, enforced by a magical barrier, kept us protected from the other courts.

"I expect you all to be on your best behavior while they are here, especially you, Derya," he said.

"Of course, Father, as always," I replied, and he nodded before dismissing us.

As we walked down the hall, my brother tried to comfort me, but I found a silly excuse and returned to my room. I spent a long time staring at the wall, contemplating my escape, until an idea formed. I would make him hate me. That way, they would break the engagement, and my father, in his anger, would send me away from the palace. Then, I could live according to my own rules, as I had always planned.