I've been summoned to the study. It's rare I'm requested there. Sometimes it was regarding what I've learned, or what father has heard, but I don't believe I've done anything that father would request an audience with me. 

"Don't look so fearful."

Father's words alert me that my tense state can physically be seen to the outside eye. It isn't only hidden within me. "My apologies. It's rare you wish to see me within your study."

Father doesn't look hostile. His eyes are calm. It's now I see how age has taken over his features. His face seems worn as he looks up to Laurance. Whatever this is, it affects him. 

"I've been in communication with outside kingdoms," He tells me, folding his hands together on his desk. "It's been decided that you are to be wed to O'Khasis' eldest prince. A little over a year from now will be the ceremony."

I'm only seventeen. 

"He's sent flowers and a letter. Both are being sent to your chambers," Laurance adds. "You two seemed quite compatible at the past ball. It caused father to speak to the king. He came to me for a fresh set of mind." 

I swallow the little amount of spit in my mouth. It's forceful but necessary. 

"Don't you think I'd fail? I'm only seventeen. I'm inexperienced. I never thought I'd rise in station. . ."

"Nonsense. He has years on you, correct, but nothing an education can't fix," Father says. He's in the tone of voice that sounds as though he is going to dismiss me. "The two of you will make a beautiful heir."

Right. An heir. 

Because that idea doesn't add unnecessary stress to this current situation. I already feel unfit to be his wife. The pressure to have children right away and have our first born be a son is too much.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

I went to my room after that. My feet tripped over each other, and I nearly fell on the ground countless times. My mind spun. 

I've known I'll be married someday. I didn't think it'd be in the near future, but it's coming sooner than I thought. 

Cadenza married when she was nineteen. She's nearing twenty-one now. When was it she learned of her marriage date? 

I push the doors open, a sudden floral scent perfuming the air from breezes sweeping in through the windows. I look up at the few new boutiques of flowers. They're all the same. All perfectly white. 

I walk towards my vanity and see the letter that was mentioned in the study. A single carnation rests on top of it. 

I lift the flower to my nose, smiling at the faint smell. My attention directs towards the letter at hand, and the smile fades. 

Dearest Alexandra,

By the time you receive this letter, it's likely you've recently learned the news of our arranged engagement. I wish for you to know I was unaware of the situation, and I play no hand on the planning. I was left unaware just as you had been. Frankly, this is a match I truly didn't see coming. 

I've seen flowers. Carnations to be exact. I needed help understanding flower language, so my sister had given me a book in our library regarding it. You'll learn in the future Kandilyn prefers to test you rather than provide you with answers. 

I read that white carnations symbolize new beginnings. Perhaps change. This certainly is a change for the both of us, and we'll share a new beginning as we progress. Or take this as a token of friendship. It's a starting point. 

I understand your emotions may be mixed, or you may not know how you feel. This is new for me too. If you wish for someone to talk to, I'd willingly rewrite back. 

Until we meet again,

Garroth Ro'meave

If my father telling me I'm going to have a husband didn't seem real, this certainly does. I don't know what to do with this letter. Do I save it? Throw it away? Burn it? 

I don't know how to respond. Hi, you should reconsider for a new wife because I'm completely unqualified for this position. Our fathers are crazy to believe this would work. You seem nice, but we are not compatible. Have a nice day. 

Cadenza would know how to respond. Cadenza was everyone's favorite. She's closer to his age than I am. 

Not responding would be bad. 

My hand is shaky as it reaches forward for paper. The pen in my hand wobbles back and forth as it hovers over the top. How does one start a letter like this? 

I can't deny him. There's certainly no option in doing that. I do what my father wants. This is what he wants.

So I'll smile through the fear.