✦Chapter 4✦

Make The Best Of It

I replay the afternoon in my head. After father offered Ellyn’s hand in marriage. The Duke had refused.

 “Not good enough. Give me both girls and you’ll have yourselves a peace treaty. My youngest sons are seeking to wed so we’ll let them decide who marries who after courting each one for two weeks.”

Father had no choice but to agree. This was a matter of war. If it takes two fifteen year olds to stop it, so be it. I am in no position to question a Duke’s authority. After settling upon an agreement, they left to prepare for their departure. Unfortunately their carriage had room for only one extra person and their luggage so I’m stuck alone, without Ellyn while waiting for my possible fiancée to arrive. The Duke insisted that he wouldn’t put me in danger with a coachman that didn’t know their way around the north. Ellyn, my twin and best friend is leaving me for the first time in my life.

“Ella! Come help me pack!”

I don’t hold it against her of course, she doesn’t have any more choice then I do. I help her select dresses appropriate for various occasions, as well as a light coat.

“Ellie, which one do you want to marry?”

She looks at me, her eyes have the look that tells me she’s been putting a lot of thought into this.

“I’m thinking still. Rowan seems alright but I don’t know him. I’m not sure about Cassius either. We’ve yet to meet him.”

I nod then whisper “I don’t want to get married yet.”

Ellyn’s face shows no surprise.

“I don’t want to either Ella, but what choice do we have? None. If we’re going to do this, at least make the best of it.”

Her words make sense but that doesn’t change my doubts. ‘Make the best of it.’

⚔️⚔️⚔️

Turns out Rowan also sent something from father.

Son, you are to pick up Miss Ellanor at the Starlight Inn in two days time. Depart immediately.

I’d promised Alden earlier but I have absolutely no intention of keeping that promise. I sigh as Glenn reads it. I pack my bags. The Starlight Inn is close to a halfway point. At least the girl won’t be trapped in a carriage with my father.

“Well this is certainly something.”

Glenn watches as I close my bag and move towards the door.

“It’s not as if I have a choice. I’d prefer if the peace arrangement didn’t include marriage into this family. We have too many scars and don’t need someone else involved. At least my brothers were old enough to move out.”

Glenn says nothing, simply handing me a small package and leaving. Inside are a pair of earrings with a note inside. -A gift for the young lady.

I smile and head down to the stables where my carriage is waiting. The stablehand loads my baggage and then I’m on the road. I’ve never seen the coachman before, he must be a new hire. The passage blurs before my eyes as we start on the road, and I slowly drift to sleep.