A doctor was rushed over in the morning, and as you lay in your bed, getting checked by the doctor, you wondered if you could ask your parents to leave you alone with the doctor.

   " She seems to be doing perfectly fine. She has no fever, and her breathing isn't irregular. Have you been stressed lately? " 

The doctor took his hand away from your forehead, and you opened your mouth to respond but quickly shut it as your mother spoke for you.

   " She has been planning a wedding. She is engaged to Lord Isembart and to be married in a month. But, unfortunately, she was also in the rain last night."

   ' Yes, mother, the doctor was talking to you. '

You rolled your eyes before looking back to the doctor. The doctor nodded his head, started packing away his items, and stood before your parents.

   " Then, it might be stress that has caused her fainting spell. She might need some time out of the house and on her own. Spend time with friends, and other loved ones, before her marriage. Being married is a great deal of pressure, so she might need some time to relax. "

   " Yes, thank you doctor. "

The doctor bowed his head to your parents before your father walked with the doctor out of the house to discuss payments. Your mother, however, stayed in your room and looked at you with an unreadable expression.

   " I told you, that you would get sick standing in the rain. "

   " Mom, the doctor just said I fainted due to stress. He said nothing about me being sick. "

   " Well you must be sick, if your acting like this to your mother. "

   " Acting like what? "

   " Like you are right now, with attitude. Sweety your father and I care about you, so much, so please leave the wedding planning to me today, and get some rest. "

You shook your head and pulled the sheets off the bed, revealing your legs and the lower part of your nightgown. Then, you stepped out of bed and walked towards your closet, so you wouldn't have to face your mother.

   " I'm going to go visit Cecilia and Genevive. "

   " Didn't you hear what the doctor said? He said you needed rest--"

   " And to spend time with friends. As well as to be on my own outside of this house. So I intend to do as I'm told. They are doctors orders. "

You heard no reply from your mother but still looked through dresses to wear on your outing today.

   " Fine. Just don't cause any trouble. " Your mother said after a long sigh.

   " I won't. "

After searching for a light dress, you took the clothing and changed in your bathroom. The dress was light, and you could move around easier than your other tight dresses. Andrea yelped as you pushed open your bathroom door and quickly walked through your bedroom. You went downstairs, passed your parents, and went outside to your stables. On days you wanted to go into town, you would ride your horse, so you wouldn't attract attention or worry about a carriage. 

You looked through the stable of horses until you found your favorite mare. Before your mother could stop you, you quickly saddled your horse and took the reigns in your hands. You put one foot through the saddle peddle and hoisted yourself onto the horse. Making sure your dress was secure and wouldn't fly upward, you let the fabric sit underneath you and cinch up. 

   " Alright, let's go! "

You flicked the reigns, and your horse started running out of the stable and toward the dirt road leading to the city. The sun had warmed the earth, and the mud was now dry, creating dust as your mare ran as fast as possible to the kingdom where you desired to be. 

Upon reaching the kingdom, you slowed the horse to a simple trot and turned down the streets to reach the shared house between your two best friends. You could spot the house at a corner before going to the main street, and with the bubbling excitement in your chest, you slipped off your horse and tied her reins to a post before knocking on the door. It didn't take long for someone to answer the door, and it was Cecilia.

   " Y/n! It's good to see you! But this is a surprise. "

Cecilia hugged you tightly and brought you inside. Her gold hair was wrapped on top of her head, and her gold dress highlighted her chocolate skin. Her brown eyes were bright as she closed the door to her shared home and turned toward you.

   " What brings you by? Or just a visit to see your best friends? "

   " Just a visit to see you guys. I had a fainting spell last night. "

   " Really? How come? "

   "My mother caused it. She's been putting more pressure on planning the wedding. "

Cecilia rolled her eyes and walked over to hug you tightly. You knew the eye roll wasn't focused on you but on your mother, who was miles away.

   " She's always put so much pressure on you. From hearing everything she's done, it seems like she's just trying to get the life she wanted. She made you grow up quickly, leaving your childhood behind and controlled you all of your life. You were the perfect person around town before you moved, and you always think you're doing something wrong. "

   " But--"

   " But you're not. I wish she weren't forcing you into the life she wants. You know you can always come here if you ever need to get away. Our home is your home. "

   " I know; that's why I came here. Where is Genevive? "

   " She's out with Jin. "

   " Jin's in town? "

   " Yeah, he came to visit Genevive while away from his guard responsibilities. "

   " Have they decided if they're moving to Vumaedal or Madrathia yet? "

   " Not yet. But I think Jin is going to move down here. I heard a lot of things happened in Madrathia, and he wants to get away form all of that. "

   " Is that why he's missing one eye? "

   " Yeah, so he's thinking of moving over here. He would need to talk to his king. "

   " He is the head guard. "

Cecilia walked with you to the kitchen, where you sat down on a bar stool and watched her pull out a loaf of bread with chocolate chips baked in the bread. Cecilia turned the pan over and let the chocolate chip bread slip out of the metal pan and onto the counter. The loaf rolled out and fell against the counter, with steam pulling off the top of the light brown loaf.

   " Do you want a slice? " Cecilia asked, holding a very sharp knife.

   " Sure. Your baked goods are always the best. "

Cecilia nodded and started to cut through the bread, with little crumbs scattering on the table. As Cecilia put a piece of bread on a napkin, the front door opened, and Genevive walked through with Jin behind her. Genevive's brown hair swayed as she walked into the home, and her blue eyes were bright, walking into the house. Behind her, Jin walked into the home with his black hair wrapped in a bun and his dark blue eyes lit with childlike behavior.

   " Hey, Genevive, hi Jin. "

   " Y/n! "

Genevive ran toward you with her arms open, and she wrapped you in her arms, hugging you tightly. You hugged Genevive back, returning the tight grip.

   " I didn't know you were coming to visit! "

   " Suprise! How are you doing Jin? "

   " I'm doing good. " Jin replied, scratching his neck.

   " How is Madrathia? "

   " We're doing good! King Quintin just had his first child. "

   " Was it a boy or a girl? "

   " It was a girl! And he treats her like the most precious thing in the world. "

   " Aw, that's so cute! What about everyone else? "

   " Everyone's doing fine. We're almost done reconstructing the town. The war took a tole on everyone. "

   " Is that chocolate bread? " Genevive questioned, pointing toward the loaf on the table.

   " Yes, and you should have some. "

Cecilia cut another piece of bread and set it on a napkin handing the dessert to Genevive. Genevieve took the bread and started to eat the dessert with joy, with Jin nabbing a few pieces here and there.

   " So, what's the visit for? " Genevie asked with her mouth full.

   " I fainted last night due to stress. "

   " Oh, I'm so sorry, honey. You're always welcome here. "

   " it's starting to sound like a chant for me to stay here. "

   " You could. No one would mind except mother dearest, of course. "

   " It's too late now; the preparations are already being made for my wedding. "

   " You shouldn't marry him; you barely know the Lord. " Cecilia said, leaning on the counter and taking a bite of her bread. 

   " I know, but you know how mother is; it's her way or death, and I'm not ready to die yet. Plus, with how I've been raised, it's hard to disobey my parents because they try to guilt trip me and then act like they're sorry. I just want to make my own decisions. I don't even get to choose my wedding flowers, for god's sake. "

Cecilia and Genevive glanced at each other, sharing worried looks, before looking back at your figure. No one knew what to say, you were in a tough spot, but Jin knew what to say and stepped up, placing a hand on your shoulder. After that, you noticed how Jin's funny attitude turned solemn.

   " You know, I did have a friend that was like you. He was a prince and lived in the royal palace. He grew up doing everything his mother and father told him, and even his sister followed. His sister found her vice by sleeping with random people, while he had no vice. He was a wonderful man who would do anything for his kingdom and sacrificed himself to keep his father at bay while the rebellion overthrew the king. He fought for what he wanted and for what was right. "

   " What was? "

   " Yes, what was. He died while in the castle by his father, the king beating him to death. But what he did still lives on, and we decorated his grave on his birthday. I miss him, but I can't always think about it. I remember the good times with him, but the point is, you should fight for what you want, because if you don't, you'll be stuck in a miserable place and go insane like he could have. "

You remained silent as Jin finished his story. Everyone was quiet, and Genevive hugged Jin's arm, remembering their past in Madrathia. After another hour, you left the home, promising invitations to your wedding. You rode your horse home, breading inside the house, but upon walking inside, you were greeted by a guest in the tea room.

Your mother first greeted you at the front door, and her smile fell when she saw your appearance. Then, she left the house steps to approach you and start fixing your hair.

   " Y/n, you look awful. Your dress is so simple, your hair is wild, and. . .is that chocolate on your lips? "

   " I felt my sugar get a little low, so I had a small chocolate pastry. And my hair is wild from riding. "

   " Well, we can only hope he still wants to marry you after this. "

   " What? "

   " Get inside, get inside. "

Your mother pushed you inside the house and pulled on your arm to follow her. The door to the tea room was in your mother's sight, and after she showed herself, her grimace turned into a smile that could fool the most gifted man.

   " Sorry, she's just arrived home from her trip to town. "

Stepping into the doorway, you peeked into the tea room; you saw your father sitting with Lord Isembart, a man you had never seen before. Credit was due, however, since this was your third meeting with Lord Isembart, and you didn't know him personally. Moreover, you predicted he would go bald and lose all of his brown hair because he kept running his hands through it to see if it stayed upward.

   " I'm glad you could join us! I was just talking to your father about the invitations, and arrangements. "

Lord Isembart stood from the couch and walked up to you, holding your hand in his pale hand and kissing the skin on your knuckles. With a nod and smile, Lord Isembart was convinced you enjoyed being in the tea room. The Lord brought you further and sat you beside him on the lavish blue couch. The man behind Lord Isembart didn't move, but you took in his appearance. 

His skin looked to be a light chocolate color. His hair was brown, darker than his skin, and short. His turquoise eyes were hard, and he looked nowhere else but the floor in front of him. The clothes he wore consisted of the colors black, gold, and grey. His black top stuck to his body while his robes covered it and cinched at the waist before flaring out as a skirt. He looked as if he hated the sun, by the clothing, especially the black hood, that hung behind him, but you didn't judge. You just wondered why you had never seen the man before with Lord Isembart.

Lord Isembart noticed your eyes were behind him and not on him, so he shifted in front of you, still holding your hand. Your eyes connected with his brown eyes, and you were brought out of your trance.

   " Don't mind him. He is just one of my personal servants. With marriage comes jealousy, so I don't want anything to happen until our wedding. "

  " I see. "

The lie was thin, and you could tell he was keeping something from your family about the mysterious man. But, before you could ask any further, Lord Isembart brought up the topic of your life. 

   " I was talking with your father when he informed me of your fainting spell last night. And I have an idea. Your father agreed to the idea, but I would need your mother's approval and yours. "

   " What's the. . .idea? "

   " Since we will be married in a month, why don't you come and live with me in the city? That way, we can get to know each other better and work on the wedding process together, and you wouldn't be so stressed about doing it yourself. "

Excitement laced your mother's body while horror struck yours. You already didn't want to be married, but you were asked to live with the man you don't wish to be married to? It was too much. 

   " I don't think--"

   " Yes! We'll get her stuff packed right away!  Andrea! Start packing Y/n's things! "

   " Yes, my lady! "

   " But, mother--"

   " Oh, this will be so exciting! You'll finally get to be married and live a happy life, especially with a man like Lord Isembart. It'll be a good change of pace for you in the city, and you can start your duties as 'Lady of the House' early! "

   " Mom--"

   " Now, you go wait in the carriage while we get everything. "

Your mother tried pushing you out of the room while your heels dug into the wood as you wanted to stop her. But she was getting closer and closer to the front door, and once you were outside, you knew you wouldn't get back in.

   " Mom, I don't think this is a good ide--" 

   " Of course it is! You're just worried about living with a man, what's more, your fiance. But don't be concerned dear it'll all be okay! "

With one final shove, you were pushed outside and landed on the dirt. The door behind you slammed and locked, signaling you to stay out. Lying in the soil, you contemplated how your life got to its point. Jin's words rang through your head while you thought, but another voice emerged deep within you.

   ' How can I fight back now? '