Early the next morning, the Baroness had entered Ora's bedroom with deep excitement.

"Rise and shine, my dear!"

Ora emerged from under the many covers and pillows.

"Mother the sun is barely up yet

"Mother the sun is barely up yet. Why are you in here?" She yawned.

The Baroness pulled out numerous dresses in various styles. Next she took out a collection of fine necklaces and rings. Lastly she placed different pairs of shoes beside the wardrobe.

"We have to get ready for your cellabration," her mother exclaimed.

Ora sighed, "Oh, yes. That."

She laid back against the pillows.

"Mother, is it really necessary to throw an extravagant party for such a small and insignificant occasion?" she asked,

Marianne stared at her daughter in shock.

"Small occasion? There is nothing small or insignificant about my daughter turning eighteen. All the relatives are on their way as we speak; and, your father has chosen to invite some of the officers from when he went into town."

Ora arched a brow.

"Why invite the officers if I'm already engaged to someone else?"

"Almost engaged, my dear. Almost."

"Oh, that's right. I haven't actually met the man my family is giving me away to yet," she remarked harshly.

Her mother pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Believe me, Ora. I am not too fond of this plan either. However, this arrangement has been in place ever since you were a child."

"So there is nothing that can be done about it?"

Marianne looked over her daughter. Sadness filled her eyes.

"I am afraid not

"I am afraid not."

Ora did not say anything back to her mother. Instead, she turned away from her to hide her falling tears.

. . .

The moment the sun sank below the horizon, Ora climbed out of bed and rushed down the back corridor. What were the chances of her seeing Athos again?

"My Lady!" Cordelia called from up within the trees.

Ora watched her friend fly down from the branches down to where she was standing.

"Is everything alright?"

"Cordelia, it's awful," she sobbed. "My parents are really going to make me marry some stranger. How is it any different from selling an animal at the market? Is this what they've been preparing me for all this time?"

Ora fell to the ground in anguish. She had never felt such sadness and anger. She felt like her freedom was being taken from her and there was nothing she could do about it.

The bird rested lightly on her knee and twitched its wings.

"Would it help for you to sing?"

"I can try," she sniffled.

Ora pulled herself up to sit on the bench. She took in a deep breath and began to sing. A little strained at first, but soon turned to the most beautiful sound to ever have swirled through the air. Whether or not Athos would appear, Ora felt at peace.

(If you like the story so far please feel free to comment or ask questions!)