The guards were still standing at their post as Elica exited the door, eyes teary from her mother’s emotional display. The dignified man stood several paces away, looking back at her and beckoning her to follow.

“Who are you and where are you leading me,” she asked as she followed after him, the guards leaving their post and following closely behind.

“Dietz Meier is the name, I am the steward of Treue Manor, under the employment of Lord Rene,” he announced matter-of-factly, not changing his pace.

“Then is that also where you’re taking me, to the manor?”

“Of course, the lord has business he needs to discuss with you.”

“With me, what reason could he possibly have to need to deal with me of all people?”

“While I was permitted to discuss the matter with your parents, Lord Rene requested to speak with you directly, so enough questions.”

“Fine,” she grumbled, thoroughly annoyed with the situation. What could be so important about me that the lord needs to speak directly to me about it, she wondered as they walked in silence. If it were the fact that she and Aeres were caught, surely the steward would deal with that on his own, so I should be fine on that front…

“Welcome to Treue Manor,” Dietz announced suddenly, their walk all but a daze to Elica as she was lost in thought.

Elica looked up at the large complex that stood at the heart of the town, curious to see what was contained behind of its wooden walls.

“Right this way Miss,” Dietz said in a more welcoming tone, his mannerisms noticeably changing as they arrived.

Elica followed him through the opened gate into the large courtyard that sprawled out before the actual manor. The vibrant gardens to her right caught her attention as they walked in, its fountains and well kept plants extravagantly portraying the families wealth.

Loud talking drew her attention from the gardens to the lawn on the opposite side of the pathway. A small group of men dressed in strange attire stood and talked as they observed the scene in front of them. A young man was before them wielding a halberd with ease, the signature weapon upon the Treue Family’s crest.

Elica watched as she slowly followed after the steward. The young man swung the weapon around elegantly despite his size, his fluid movements more akin to someone dancing with the love of their life than those of the average soldier.

“What’s going on over there,” she finally asked as Dietz reached the door.

He peered over at the gathering before speaking. “I believe a demonstration Miss, but we really must be on our way,” he said, motioning to the guards to open the door.

“If you insist, I guess,” she replied, turning her back to the people on the lawn.

“This way now, Lord Rene will meet you in his chamber.”

“His chamber,” Elica exclaimed. “Why would I need to speak with him there?”

“Lord Rene isn’t in the best health at the moment, it is best not to put any more strain on him,” he instructed, leading her down a hallway that led out of the great hall.

Elica silently followed, recalling her discussion with the old merchant from this morning, noting that she needed to apologize for doubting his words.

“This is the lord’s chamber,” he announced as they reached an elaborate door. “I’ll be waiting for you out here. Remember, try not to upset him, he is getting quite frail and he needs no more strain.”

Elica, noting his words, quietly opened the door and entered, slowly approaching the old man lying on the bed. “You wanted to speak with me, my lord,” she asked as the man’s pale face turned to her.

He sat up into a more dignified position before speaking, his body clearly struggling with the effort. “Are you the one that I sent Dietz to fetch,” he asked in a hoarse voice.

“Yes, I’m Elica Faerber, my lord.”

“Excellent. Come closer now, let me get a better look at you.”

Elica slowly approached, unsure about the odd request as he looked over her.

“You are aware of the importance of you hair, are you not?”

“Of course,” she quickly answered, recalling her mother’s words, “it’s a blessing from the sun.”

“Indeed it is, it is held in very high regards on our island. Were you also aware that the people of this country are the only ones to be born with it?”

“I have heard that before,” she answered, confused about the curious situation she found herself in.

“Yes, you will do quite well,” he said, settling himself back down onto the bed.

“Excuse me? What do you mean by that?”

“I likely don’t have much time left, I’m sure you’ve noticed,” he answered after a cough. “I need to be assured that my household will continue, but my heir, Valafar, has yet to marry to assure its existence beyond him.”

“I’m afraid... I don’t quite follow,” she stuttered out, struggling to keep up with the sickly lord’s words.

“What I’m saying is, you,-” he said pointing at her, “- will become Lady Treue, wife of Lord Valafar Treue.”

“Wait,” she burst out in a louder voice. “I’m not a part of the nobility, how could I possibly marry the heir of a noble household,” she said, desperately trying to find a way out of the predicament.

“My son has refused all other suitors, so this is what I have been forced to. Despite your birth, your hair will give you some legitimacy,” he finished before breaking out in a coughing fit. “I will guarantee the continuation of my line. this is an order, perhaps, even my last. Now go,” he commanded the girl, her face now drained of color, “Dietz will lead you to your chamber until further instruction.”