*Lilian*

I hadn’t held my fathers had in years, so when he walked me down I’m not sure how i felt. A part of me wanted to pull away while another hoped he wouldn’t let go. But it was all over so soon I’m not quite sure what i would have preferred. 

“Well Duchess Asmus.” I heard Marcus say as he handed me a small wrapped up box, “It’s official, and now only the queen is the woman above you.”

Taking the gift was bitter, “Lucky me.”

“Well come on now, it’s your wedding after all.” he held a cup on his other hand, “You should have some fun, go dance, go chat up some nobles.”

He seemed surprisingly cheery, “You seem to be having fun.”

“Yes indeed, but I’ll tell you about it later. Now go have some fun I’m pretty sure Pamella should be back with your cake soon. do some gossip, laugh a little.” the grin on his face made him glow. 

“Speaking of.” I could see Pamella hurry over holding cake on both hands.

Her hair was a mess, some of the clips had fallen while others were hanging for dear life, “So, I got you Cheri, I also got some strawberry.” she said setting them both down. 

Grabbing the Cheri one I glanced at Marcus who stared straight at Pamella, the grin on his face getting even wider, “Pamella, do you happen to know why Marcus seems so excited today?”

“Oh yes its-”

“Don’t tell her!” Marcus voice was loud enough to get some stares, “I mean, come on Pam, its Lilian’s day, we can tell her later.”

Pam pursed her lips before sighing, “Alright, well-”

“Tell me.” I stared straight at Pamella, words sharp, “I don’t like surprises Pamella, and you are quite aware of that.”

I saw Pamella hesitate, “Well- no, it’s good news, it can wait.”

She was avoiding looking at me, so reaching over i grabbed her hand, my brows furrowed when she looked at me, “This isn’t a good day anyways Pamella.” Seeing Asmus talking with my father since earlier was also making me uneasy. 

“Well… I’ll tell you just a smidgen.” Pamella was saying as Marcus shook his head. 

“No.” Marcus said again, “We tell her later.”

Seeing him so insistent on something was unusual, turning to stare at him, “Does it involve Pamella?”

His eyes widened for a split second before he spoke, “Stop trying to guess, we’re not telling you.” I saw him digging his hand into his pocket taking out a small bog, “Here, it’s a wedding present meant more for you than the duke.”

Seeing the box my face felt warm for a moment, taking it as i set it down and pulled at the ribbon. A pretty purple color undoing the bow and lifting the lid. 

A painting sat inside, all three of us, I recall the day. Yes the day I wore a blue and yellow dress, I’d just gifted Pamella a pink one. We’d gone to the theater like many times before and stumbled on Marcus. He’d been wearing a blue just like mine that day. 

I recall insisting on a painting, but the time running short Marcus had mentioned he’d take care of it and I wound up forgetting about it till now. 

“I love it.” Feeling my face get even hotter, “Thank you Marcus.”

His lips curved up reaching to scratch the back of his head, “I’m glad you like it, I was nerves back there.”

“It’s absolutely perfect, you’ve outdone yourself.” Saying that I felt another pair of eyes on me. Not staring like the other guests. Looking up and meeting eyes with my father. gesturing for me to go over, “It seems I’m being called.”

Both Pamella and Marcus followed my gaze, letting out a sigh almost in unison. 

“I can go with you.”Pamella offered, but i could see her hands shaking, 

“I’ll go alone, stay here Pamella.” eyes turned to the side, “Keep my husband company Marcus.” the scoff that met my gaze said enough, “Not like he bites.”

“Sure.” Marcus rolled his eyes, “Just be back soon.”

That was the plan, seeing as my father left to a balcony, the doors shutting behind him as I followed. Feeling the guests eyes on me, hearing their muttering as I guessed what father might be calling for. 

When I went in and his eyes turned to me, I felt like I was a child again. The gaze in his eyes as I looked up at him reminding me of a time so long ago. 

“You wanted to speak with me.”

“Now Lili don’t be so rigid. I was hoping you’d be having a better time today.”

“Well forgive me father, I was hoping today never came.”

He sighed deeply, “This is for the best Lili, you can’t expect to be with-”

“Is he really what this is about? You trying to make me see he and I can’t ever be?” I asked, staring him dead in the eyes. 

“Not entirely.” And for once I saw his head fall, “There is no better suitor for you than a duke-”

I cut him off. “Tell me the truth.” 

“The Duke is a competent man, he knows his way around politics, he’s a part of the council even. He’s a smart man who knows enough about the economy to make sure you live as extravagant as you want, but most importantly he’s got eyes for you.” Father stared at me, “Even if you don’t love him at least this way I can make sure you’re not the one getting hurt.”

The sincerity in his eyes was evident, “But you hurt me with this marriage instead.”

He sighed again, “Well hate me then, I’m willing to go to much farther lengths to ensure you have a good life Lili, even if you don’t want me in it.”