The sun had barely cracked the horizon over the rolling hills of the de Vere estate, casting a warm glow through the ornate windows of Lady Emilia de Vere's chambers. The air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming lavender, a fragrance Emilia had grown accustomed to amidst the lush gardens of her family's ancestral home.
Emilia stood before the polished mirror, her maid, Alice, carefully lacing the back of her gown. The dress, a concoction of deep emerald silk with intricate lace trim, hugged her slender figure, accentuating the fiery spark in her hazel eyes. At twenty-one, Emilia was considered a prime catch among the nobility, and her father, the Earl of Lancaster, was determined to use her marriage to secure a powerful alliance.
"Almost finished, my lady," Alice said, tugging gently at a stubborn lace thread.
Emilia sighed, her gaze drifting to the window. Outside, servants scurred about, preparing for the evening's feast. The manor bustled with activity, all in anticipation of the gathering that would decide her fate.
"Alice, do you think it's necessary for Father to arrange a marriage without consulting me?" Emilia asked, voicing the thought that had plagued her all day.
Alice hesitated, her eyes darting toward the door as if fearing eavesdroppers. "It's the way of things, my lady. Your marriage will secure alliances and strengthen the de Vere name. 'Tis a noble's duty."
Emilia turned, her expression defiant. "Duty. I've heard that word my entire life. But what of my desires? Does my opinion not count?"
Alice's face softened. "You know the expectations, my lady. Sir Lucas Fitzwilliam is a respected knight, loyal to the crown. Many would consider it an honor to marry him."
Emilia scoffed, crossing the room to stare out the window. The Fitzwilliam name was synonymous with loyalty to King Edward III, a ruler whose tyranny had pushed the noble families to the brink of rebellion. The thought of aligning herself with such a family made her stomach twist into knots.
"My lady, you mustn't speak so openly," Alice cautioned, glancing nervously around the room.
A soft knock interrupted them. Emilia's brother, Edward, poked his head into the room, a mischievous grin on his face. "Ah, Emilia, you look ravishing. Father's looking for you. The guests will arrive soon."
Emilia raised an eyebrow. "And I'm sure he's eager to introduce me to my future husband."
Edward chuckled, entering the room fully. "Come now, sis. It could be worse. Sir Lucas is said to be quite the catch—handsome, brave, and with a considerable fortune."
Emilia rolled her eyes. "You sound like Father."
Edward leaned against the doorframe, his expression turning serious. "Speaking of which, we need to talk. I've received word... things are escalating. The rebellion's gaining momentum, and Father's position is precarious. We need to be careful."
Emilia's heart quickened. She knew her family walked a thin line, balancing allegiance to the crown with their own ambitions. "What does that mean for me?"
Edward's gaze flicked to Alice, and he nodded subtly. "Just be cautious tonight, Emilia. Trust no one outside the family."
With that, he offered her a reassuring smile and slipped out, leaving Emilia to ponder the weight of his words.
Alice cleared her throat. "Shall I fetch your cloak, my lady? It's nearly time to descend."
Emilia nodded, her mind racing. Tonight was the night she would meet Sir Lucas Fitzwilliam, the man who could dictate the course of her future. She had every intention of making her feelings known.
As Alice draped a velvet cloak over her shoulders, Emilia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the game ahead. Little did she know, the shadows lurking within the manor walls held secrets that could change everything.