our kingdom.”
“Wonderful idea, Mother, you have a great mind.”
Rolling my eyes a little, I stood as I was ready to head back to my quarters and spend the evening corresponding to some of
the orphanages I sponsored within the city walls. I had become a part of the committee that helped decorate the city for the
festival of light.
Although, Mother was trying to worm her way into having it changed to the wedding of the ‘year’, we were still sticking to
our theme of starlight and sunshine. A mixture of deep purples, yellows, silvers, and golds. The drawings we'd made for this
year’s celebration flag were delightful, and I couldn’t wait for the people to see them.
“Ornella, before you go, I must discuss something with you. There will be a few suitors arriving tomorrow and the next
day. They are seeking your hand in marriage. Now, I know you wish to marry for love, and I understand why, but as a princess
of this family, you must be given to the best possible match, not only for protection, but for breeding an heir.”
Sighing at her words, I sat back down, waiting to see what other awful thing she was going to demand of me. I was more
than just a woman who could bring children into this world. I was intelligent, witty, and any man would have been lucky to
have me as a companion. Or at least, that’s what Kathlyn would like to tell me most days.
“Just be on your best behaviour and dress appropriately. I want only the best for you, my sweet.”
She cupped a hand against my cheek to show some form of affection. I leaned into it, playing the part before she clicked her
fingers. A glass of wine was brought to her instantly as she looked me up and down.
Although my Mother could come across as cold and distant, this was mostly her way when she was around people, friends,
and her maids.
To my siblings and I, and of course, Father, she had a softer touch to her, buried deep within. I knew sometimes her harsh
edges were just for show and deep down, I hoped she understood I wanted a love match and not just a match of convenience.
She was lucky enough to have married Father. Being a lady from another court, she fell lucky with her match.
“Yes, Mother. Of course, I will make sure Kathlyn pulls out my best dresses that aren’t too flashy and show I am very
humbled.”
We had been through this before, with previous lords who would arrive at court hoping to seek my hand. It was only Lord
Aston that I actually attempted to get along with. Purely so Mother could stop badgering me. It did help however, that he was
just a few years older than me, enjoyed reading and horse riding. He seemed to be the youngest out of the bunch of suitors I was
given.
Thinking about him pulled my heartstrings a little. We had not seen each other for nearly two years, so it was difficult for
me to recall what he looked like. We’d written a few times back and forth, but over the last five months, his letters were few