Out of Violet's morning, today was the worst.
She woke fresh, humming a song as she skipped to dining room for breakfast. A white, pristine toast sat before her. Sweet and fresh. She took a bite, the sweet jam melted around her tongue.
After all, today was special
Her schedule was empty, at last
As a daughter from a noble family, there were a lot a lot of things she had to do: tutoring, reading some books in the library, and attending tea parties—lot of them. The list was unending
But today, for a reason she didn't understand—she was free, enjoying how sweet the last bite of her toast, eyes sparkling. While at it, she glanced at her parents. Both calm, both hadn't touched their meals
She started to worry
And it was for a reason, today was too good to be true—akin to dream
Alas, she was right
A piece of news came upon her ears, shaking her core directly. Each word was slow, as though the world itself wanted to freeze the moment
"You are to be betrothed to Altaris…" her mother pause, letting the news sink in "…of house Claremont"
She paused, slipping the knife from her hand. A clattering sound of utensil, echoing loud, breaking her heart with each note
A betrothal.
Delivered straight by her mother
She couldn't even react, locking her muscle. Claremont… a name with strange syllable.
The moment happened so fast, she didn't even realize that right now…
She was already seated inside the carriage, dressed in white satin gown. Her body sank against the velvet couch, soft and unreal
The sweet jam still latched around her tongue, even when her mouth was empty
What… what just happened?
The question strolled inside her mind
"You'll love him, Violet"
Her mother said, grounding the moment. Awake, she glanced outside with wide eyes, trying to assess the moment. The dark leaves dropping like tongues held by curly black branches—familiar. She knew this place, if memory serves her right, the trees from forest of Thoren look just like that. And from what she recalled, only one noble family—now two—lived near the area
A one eared boy, who she couldn't name
And Altaris. Altaris Claremont.
There was one problem though
She didn't know the name of the one eared boy
"He has two ears, right?"
Realizing, she asked her parents—yet no clear answer was given
Her world started to get dimmer, just like the branches
Even the interior of her carriage was grey now
"Violet…"
Her father's slight, almost feminine tone cut through her daze
"Yes…father"
"Violet, my dear, you know we love you, right?"
"Mm.. mm"
She tilted her head. Meek and low.
"And? do you think we will match you with a bad man?"
"But…but it is not fair, father. I do not know this noble; I have never met him before. And when I ask… you did not answer. Was it because I refuse Duke Burgundy proposal?" Her throat trembled. Speaking to her father like this drained her even more.
Yet, she needed to convey. To be listened. So maybe… just maybe…
"Oh Violet, my silly little princess. We just…"
"Then why?"
The question hung, echoing through the wooden wall. Outside, the gallop of horses thundered against the stone path, the carriage shook under. Her parents stopped, choosing silence over meaningless argument. Cruel. They always did that at the peak of her stubbornness.
It was not fair. She only wanted reason.
For what reason must the control of her life slip from her own grasp?
"Fine"
She declared. Done. She blew out the air trapped inside her lungs, leaning back to the sofa. It was not like she was powerless—she was ten, for now. The rule of the realm stated that it was forbidden to consummate the marriage until she was at least sixteen years of age—strong enough to carry a baby
She thought back about the books she had read: about how noble woman sometimes tried to poison their fiancé—bit by bit. She had time, she didn't know the poison, but she would learn.
Just like she always was
"We have arrived, you ready, Violet?"
Her father words fell on deaf ears, throwing her attention outside. Past the windows, a silhouette of a manor stood tall in the horizon with a huge steel gate guarding the front. Between them, a flower field snuck inside her vision, trying to catch her attention. They wish, she would not fall on the devil temptation
She learned already: the lovelier the face, the deeper trench hidden beneath
"Need any help, dear?"
Taking her hand, her mother stepped into the stone yard, she followed right behind. The gate opened with a creak, welcoming them with a dreadful sound. A few maids tending the flower, bowing deep to them. Controlled.
They know who was coming—and Violet didn't like it one bit. But she was forced to move her feet, every step heavy.
Her fate, her future—all gathered inside the manor.
She glanced to her father, tracing his wide smile.
Regret—she was, in truest sense, alone in this
And before she realized, her future never stopped staring at her—a child with red demon like eyes.
Before the manor door stood two shadows: one tall, one short. The tall one was a woman with hazelnut hair, pink lips curled into a smile, contrast with her long, pitch-black gown. A temptress, with attire rare for noble.
She had attended many gatherings, one fill with crowds of gowns.
But this one…
The first time she had seen a black this deep
Yet, it wasn't the woman who made Violet's shoulder shuddered
It was the boy, who stood beside her. A red-eyed boy. A wide grin plastering his face, eyes locked into her. She couldn't see his hand. Hidden—or had none in the first place. Furthermore, she couldn't understand how both his parents missed it—the black tendrils, spreading through the ground slithering its way into her. Her palm tightened as the tendrils grew closer, until she realized…
She was foot away from the boy.