“Luna was summoned to council,” Mrs. Trivy’s shrieks out, excitement overflowing from her. “The divinities have seen our struggle and have sent us aid.”
“What do you mean, summoned?” My mouth dries and items around the shop vibrate in my periphery. It takes several blinks for my vision to return to normal.
She retrieves a scroll from her apron pocket. “They sent an order this morning. She left for council an hour ago. They usually like to space out the marriages, but considering they didn’t get one yesterday, they continued down the list. Our precious girl will save us.”
“No.” My head shaking prevents me from reading anything on the paper. “They can’t.”
“Don’t be irrational.” She grabs my hand, her tone soothing. “This is a good thing for us all.”
I can’t listen to her, and shove the scroll back her way as I run out of the shop and into the street, where I nearly collide with a wagon going at full speed. Narrowly escaping a tragic end, I keep going and make my way to the village center where the council building is located.
Slowing near a fountain, I hear bells chime. I hear eight rings before the dongs stop. Nearing the building, I spot Morren Beetlerum out front with an older man who looks an awful lot like him. Morren has on a finer suit today, one that looks like he’s ready to marry in this instant if given the chance.That thought alone sends my heart into hysteria and my chest becomes tight, as if a thousand pounds have just fallen on it.
Digging in my pockets, I fish for my spray and take in two puffs. As I get closer to the entrance, I see one of the doors open and out comes Luna. My eyes drift to Morren, who grins wildly.
Luna, is in a rose gold dress that sweeps over the cobblestones, making it hard for anyone to miss her. Her hair is pinned in a tight bun with a few loose curls. The color of ripened red berries sweeps her lips and coal dusts her eyes. Through the decorations on her face, she holds a look that suggests she’s ready to kill.
She walks up to where I wait and then straight past me, purposely ignoring me.
“What happened?” I whisper, struggling to keep up with her pace.
“What do you think happened?” she spits out bitterly.
Tugging on her arm. “Well, you said no, right? They can’t do that.”
“They said my parents’ debt would disappear and I would be given a life people onlydreamof.” No wonder her parents were so cheerful. It doesn’t sound like a bad deal for people in their position, but I know Luna doesn’t want this.
My eyes roll back. “Council should be ashamed of themselves.”
“Them?” She stops and spins before taking a step closer. She’s only a few inches taller than me, but at this moment she stands over me like a towering tree. “All you had to do was say yes. I wouldn’t be in this position so soon if you had just stuck with tradition.”
“That’s unfair.” I too, take a step closer ridding any intimidation, and we are both crossing the line into each other’s spaces. “They would have come after you, eventually. They go after everyone.”
“Maybe so, but they saw us together yesterday and that moved me up on their list. If he couldn’t have you, then I’m sure the best friend will do.” When she’s done, she sucks in a deep breath, as if she’s trying to keep calm. “I have to go. I have to go tell my parents thegoodnews.”
“I really am sorry.” She stops with my whisper. “I didn’t think it would lead to this.”
“Me either.” Her eyes fill with water, but she holds her tears in. “I have to go. I’ll see you around…maybe.”
She leaves me standing there. We could easily walk back together since my home is in the same direction, but I know she doesn’t want to.
“Miss Tyddle,” a familiar voice calls from behind me, spreading a fire inside. I turn to see the man with the snow-beard. My hand clenches into a fist and I’m tempted to let it loose. “Good thing I caught you. Just wanted to inform you that a request was sent off to the Queen this morning. After your defiance yesterday, we realized thatallmarriages should be overseen by that of council. Why have people choose and worry about marriage when we can assist and make it easier? Of course, your dear friend will take your place in the Beetlerum house, but I assure you we will find you another match.”
I want to slap the grin off his face. “Howkindof you. I hope the Queen takes it under a long and thoughtful consideration.”
He tips his hat to me. “Must be off now. I have wedding plans to attend to.”
6
IANN
Ablade comes crashing down onto the butcher block, severing a leg from the unfeathered bird. The carcass is far too large to be that of a chicken or even a pheasant. I’m thinking, turkey. It’s a waste, in my opinion, the driest bird I’ve ever eaten. Not enough sauce in all of Saden can redeem the bland meat.
The chef whips his head in my direction and quickly offers a bow as I enter the kitchen. Others in the vicinity follow suit, offering a bow of their own.
“Excuse me for intruding,” I say, moving through the kitchen as it’s the fastest way to my study. Going through the halls would leave me exposed and at risk of being found by my mother.
Once the party began, she let me enjoy a whole hour of it before pulling me aside and dragging me off for asurprise. That surprise being a room full of gorgeous, and mostimportantly, eligible women. It’s a pure fantasy to most, but I saw the mask of well-intention for the trap that it was.
