"Three months time." I echoed like a lifeless doll. I have three months to find a way out of this. I have to wonder though, If you're going to force someone to marry you, why wait? Not that I don't mind, I'm just curious.

"Good." He chuckled. "You have three months to fall in love with me." He smirked, enhancing his features, even the scar on his face seemed to look handsome. How can such an evil man look so good? I couldn't help but bring my gaze to his perfectly chiseled jawline and his seductive lips. Somehow they formed into a perfect smirk but still managed to look good, to look so kissable. One could get lost into his blue eyes. It's a wonder he has to kidnap a woman to get married.

"You're crazy. I'd never fall in love with you!" I exclaimed, tearing my gaze away from his perfect features. His body looked so strong and firm from all of the sword fighting and training. It'd be kind of fun to learn sword fighting. I wonder if one of the knights would teach me.

"Suit yourself." He said flatly, shrugging his broad shoulders. "Doesn't make any difference to me. You can use the time to focus on your first edict as Queen in three months time then."

"My first edict." I said out loud, meaning to only repeat it in my head. I opened my mouth to ask Aero a question but he had already begun to walk away so I kept quiet. I wasn't sure what he expected me to do all day, but I guess I'll just find something to do. I glanced around nervously trying to come up with an idea of my next move. There were guards planted firmly in front of the doors, their heavy armor glistened in the harsh light of early light bulbs, they had not come out with the energy efficient or LED lights that were much easier on the eyes. There's still so much I need to learn about this world, I almost think I'm better taking my chances back at my own.

"Excuse me, miss?" A very young looking maid grasped at my dress, pulling to get my attention. I don't like to be touched so I don't usually react well to somebody pulling at my clothes to get my attention, but this maid looked so young, no more than thirteen, if that! She couldn't have known it wasn't proper etiquette, so I couldn't be mad at her for it. Poor thing, she's missing out on a good childhood being a maid in this fiend's castle. 

"Yes?" I responded as pleasantly as I could given the circumstances.

"Would you like some tea?" She asked.

I sighed, I guess it couldn't hurt. "Sure."

She perked up, happy she could be of service. "We have the most beautiful tea room. Follow me this way!" She grabbed my hand and almost dragged me forward, I swear she was so happy she was almost skipping forward as she dragged me along. I smiled politely but just wasn't in a singing and dancing mood. How could someone who has to work so young be so happy?

"How long have you been working here?" I tried to ask subtly, but it was pretty obvious.

She opened a french door to a room filled with natural light, it had a beautiful table and chairs to drink tea and had multiple bookshelves filled to the brim with books around the room. It was such a beautifully adorned room, obviously meant for company. "I've been working here three years." She answered while pulling out a chair for me to sit in. "Since I was ten." She didn't seem bothered by the question.

"Ten." I replied, hollow. "Is it normal for ten year olds to get jobs here?" I asked.

"Oh yes!" She answered a bit surprised I didn't know that. "It's quite normal for even younger kids to start working to support our families."

"Why did you need a job?" I continued to press. Letting curiosity get the best of me.

"My father walked out on us." She answered solemnly. "My mother works here too. That's why I was lucky enough to work here."

"I'm so sorry." I shouldn't have kept pressing.

"We're better off without him. He used to beat us."

Another maid knocked at the door, bring in the teapot and a fancy tea cup on a platter, along with a few sweets.

"Here you are Ma'am." She fluently poured me a cup of tea. I could tell she wasn't new at this. "Would you like any sugar?"

"I like my tea drowning in sugar." I replied. She poured a few big spoonfuls in for me. I tasted to be sure and it was delicious. "Thank you!" I exclaimed happily.

"You're quite welcome Ma'am!" She turned her attention to the little girl. "Come along Susie, let's not bother Mr.Lee's fiance." I take it that's her mother, and her name is Susie.

Fiance. I thought to myself, sipping the tea. I've got to get out of here.