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Sabriana, Rodilon, and Sarine
“There’s no point in admiring yourself so, Sabi,” she said, smirking at her sister’s reflection. “You’re beautiful no matter what you do and all the other girls in the Hold are envious. Do you think I’ll ever be as pretty as you are? Ah, no, I’ll answer that myself for the answer is surely not. How Lord Ardan will admire you tonight.” “What do you mean?” said Sabriana, the embarrassed smile that had been on her lips falling into a distraught look. “Surely you’ve heard? The drudges are all in an uproar over it.” “Over what, Sari?” asked Sabriana urgently, turning from the glass to regard her sister with wide-eyed bewilderment. “Over the visit of Lord Ardente and his son Ardan. It is said they come to meet you and to see our Hold and meet our people,” said Sarine, frowning at her sister in astonishment. “I would have thought Papa had told you by now.” “I have heard naught-” she began but at that moment she was interrupted by her father striding into the room. Lord Sartan was a tall, handsome man with an imposing air about him. But he was also good natured and well loved by all who knew him. Those under his care grieved that the man had produced no sons to take the hold when he was gone, but it seemed to bother the Lord not a bit. He flashed an uneasy smile to his eldest daughter as he entered the room and gave only a glance to Sarine. Her eyes grew wide and she scooped up her discarded gown and scuttled from the room. Sabriana watched in surprise as her sister left. It was not like the girl to so easily back down. But she had no more time to contemplate it as her father addressed her. “Sabriana, daughter,” he began, seeming almost nervous as he smiled down at her. “Are you well this evening, my dear?” “I am, Papa, thank you,” she smiled, wishing she knew what made him so nervous. “Good, good,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back and walking away from her, pacing back and forth. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve come. Let me get right to the point. I’m sure by now the drudges have whispered to you of Lord Ardente’s visit?” Realizing it was a question more than a statement she nodded her head, blushing lightly. “Indeed, Papa, Sarine told me of it just now. I wondered that I had not been informed sooner.” “Well, it’s a delicate manner, my dear,” he started, turning and walking away again, his hands still clasped behind his back. “I fear this will come as quite a shock to you, but please hear me out.” Sabriana frowned in confusion but nodded her head in compliance. “Well, the fact of the matter is that Lord Ardente and I have long been discussing a union of our holds. Though respectable, both holds are on the small side and would prosper much more we think from pooled interests. Rather than competing for our sales we could join together and ask what we wish for the products no other Hold can produce,” he paused, turning to walk towards her again. “This seems wise indeed, Papa,” said Sabriana in the pause, still not comprehending how this had anything to do with her and she said as much. “There comes of course the legal hassle of it all, for the other Lord Holders will surely protest our union and to be truthful neither Lord Ardente nor myself wish to give up their hold to the other. So we propose this. Ardan is an amiable fellow, and quite handsome from what I hear. You, my dear, are the loveliest young lady here,” her father paused again, still pacing, and she looked at him in fear and confusion, dreading the words she was sure were next to come. They came and she stiffened as her father let them out in a rush of breath. “We wish our holds to be joined by your marriage.” Sabriana could not breathe for a moment. She had always known her refusal to chose a husband would end with her father’s choosing for her, but not so soon! Never had she imagined that her father would wish to marry her off so early. She scolded herself, knowing nineteen was by no means early to be marrying off an oldest daughter for an advantageous match. Just because she and Rodi had only recently revealed their true feelings for each other did not mean this was too soon by Pernese standards. She felt like weeping, but could not, she had been foolish to think that her own affections for another would put off her father’s desire to see her married when he knew naught of them. Indeed had he known this discussion would have been much harsher and much sooner. Sabriana realized with a gasp that tears were indeed falling down her cheeks, despite her efforts to contain them. She had also given her father no answer. She blinked rapidly to dispel the tears and swiped furiously at her cheeks. She looked up to see mixed emotion on her father’s face. She said nothing, only sat there, knowing he could see how upset she was and unable to think of anything to say to remedy the situation. “My dear,” he began with a sigh then shook his head; firming his jaw, he began anew. “I know this must come as quite a shock, but I believe you will be very contented with Lord Ardan. Get dressed, I will send in the servants. I intend to announce your betrothal at dinner tonight.” With that he strode out and one of the drudges scuttled in to do her hair. Sabriana could hardly breathe and she waved the girl away as she laid her head on the dressing table and cried. Whatever would she do without her beloved Rodilon? Continue... |