I clocked Dorian instantly as he raised his glass to me and smiled a sickening smile. I quickly avoided his eye contact and
looked straight at my father who was beaming.
“Ornella, I have some wonderful and exciting news.”
Norok kept my arm linked into his and patted my hand gently. He knew what his news was, everyone seemed to.
“We have found you the perfect husband,” Father announced.
I looked over quickly towards Lord Cole who kept his eyes to the ground as he drank from his cup. Mother seemed to be
bursting from the seams with excitement, while Grandmother didn’t appear at all bothered. I swallowed the lump already
forming in my throat as my feet tried to give out from under me.
“And who might that be?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“All in due time. First we must get through the festival, then your brother’s wedding. After that, we shall announce it.”
I swallowed hard, shaken, and feeling a little nauseated. I needed fresh air. I needed to escape.
“Father, if it’s alright with you, I think Ornella might not be over her ordeal today at the market. May I take her outside to
get some fresh air?”
Father nodded to my sister. Talia, my rescuer, was quick at my side as Norok let go of me. Together we headed outside. She
sat me down on one of the stone benches and I could feel my stomach turn. Empty but desperate to bring up anything.
“Are you alright?” Talia asked as she knelt down in front of me.
“I will be fine, thank you.”
Taking a few deep breaths and sitting outside for a minute or two, we eventually headed back in. Unless I was addressed, I
sat in silence for most of the dinner. Cole barely looked up at me as he made conversations with Norok and Father about
whatever men discussed. The ringing in my ears returned, distracting me from everything else going on around me.
“Talia, please tell me if you know of whom I am meant to be marrying?” I asked.
Talia only shook her head, her eyes filled with sadness as she admits that she doesn't know.
“If I did, I would tell you, Ella.”
I had the strangest feeling deep within my very being. I just knew that I wasn’t going to like the news that was yet to come.
Soon enough, dinner was finished, allowing me to head back outside to the courtyard, leaving everyone behind. I was craving
my own peace, hating my life and the responsibilities I had—now more than ever.
“Some exciting news then.”
“Oh, now you’re speaking to me.”
My voice came out a lot angrier than I intended it to be as Lord Cole fell into step beside me on my stroll through the
gardens. I’d wondered when he was going to eventually speak with me, considering how close we’d become in the carriage.