Original Concept by Breanna Touloff and co written with Breanna Toutloff

Chapter One

She looked down at the ring glistening off of her finger. Sadness engulfed her as she imagined her life to come. For a brief moment she thought about running away, running for her freedom. She knew deep down though that she would never disrespect her family like that. She knew she had to honor them, even through this arranged marriage. She had only met her betrothed once before at a social gathering and they had hardly spoke ten words to each other. She was shy and not much the talking type and he was intimidated by her beauty. She didn’t know but he had thought her the most beautiful lady at the soiree. He had barely had the nerve to make eye contact and he knew he had blown his first impression. He was Sir Michael the fifth and his parents expected confidence and bravery but when he met Lady Allysia his courage escaped with his breath. When Allysia had met Michael she had more on her mind and hadn’t paid much attention. She was upset at her parents for putting on the gathering and knew that a husband would come of it. There were so many bachelor’s that were introduced to her and that took her hand it was hard to keep track between the swirls and swoons. Now Lady Allysia was promised to Sir Michael and she didn’t know what to expect. She couldn’t even remember which one he was, unaware that to Sir Michael, this acceptance of proposal by her parents had made his dreams come true.
Allysia sat next to the river and looked up to a bird singing in the willow next to her. A single tear slid down her cheek as she wished she could fly away like the little blue bird that comforted her. She figured she better be on her way back home before her mother started to worry. She gathered her books and started on her way. When she reached home she stopped outside the door for a moment more to gather herself. She entered the magnificent building blandly while other’s would be in awe at the splendor. She could smell the food wafting from the kitchen and knew supper would be served shortly. She hurried to her chambers and changed before she could be tardy. Her father hated tardiness and scalded her every time she was late. She arrived and took her designated seat at the table. She could hear her mother drone on about her day but Allysia’s mind was elsewhere. She was still thinking about her soon to be husband and was wondering what her life was going to be like. She had heard many stories of unlucky wives betrothed to abusive men, violent and disgusting. Her fear crept up as the thoughts flew around her mind. She didn’t even realize what was going on until her sister nudged her.
“What?” she asked startled.
“I said, how were your lessons this afternoon?” her mother asked.
“They were very interesting today Mother. More history than anything else..” she trailed off.
Her mother didn’t press more, knowing the heavy heart her daughter carried. She herself had had an arranged marriage and knew the worries and pain that came with it. Her marriage had gone smoothly and she was blessed with a loving and kind husband. She had tried her best to choose the same for her daughter. read more