Standard Disclaimer Applies.
Bride Capture
Prologue
All around Stone Haven, they were being conquered by barbarians. Stone Haven, a massive fortress, encompassing a vast territory of land, was the last stand - the last line of defense.
At first, they sent a messenger of peace. Surrender peacefully and they won't be harmed.
The Lady of Stone Haven sent back a note tied by a pretty ribbon. "NO," Written in bold, capital scripts.
The next man they sent was a business minded man. The Lady listened patiently while the man explained how beautiful Stone Haven was to be damaged by battle. His Master was thinking of living here, he explained. This time the Master was offering the Lady of Stone Haven to be his mistress. In return, she will remain Lady of Stone Haven with all the rights and privileges like she's enjoying now, when the Lord was away of course.
The Lady gritted her teeth and sent back another note as her reply, this time without a ribbon but with the same answer.
The third man they sent was even more charming in his pursuit. His name was Andrew Barton. He was telling how he knew the Master personally, how the Master saved his life once when they were boys and how he remained faithfully at his side until then.
"He isn't a bad man…he's easy enough to get along…most of the time." He encouraged.
This was the last proposal. The Master wanted the Lady of Stone Haven to be his wife. The Lady stood up a moment and asked for time to think about it. She went up to the tower.
Chapter 1
"NO! NO! NO! A thousand times no!"
Lady Alice winced at her niece's mighty roar. As the only daughter of their eldest brother, Serena Charmant had become the Lady of Stone Haven and her 9 unmarried aunts were happy enough to let her.
After yelling her frustration to the wind, hoping it'll reach the most vexing man she has yet the displeasure to meet, she went back to where the messenger was and calmly gave her answer even with a smile. "No."
"I'm sure this is quite an honor," she humored, "But has your master even seen me? Know what I'm like?" She challenged.
"Well, no." Andrew admitted. "but he has heard that you're not awful to look at and it really doesn't matter to him what you look like since your courage to refuse him has trickled his curiosity somewhat."
Serena sighed. "Then I'm sorry. I can't give up Stone Haven without a fight, even under the guise of marriage. We are not without resource,s if it ever some to that. We will defend what's ours."
"I'm happy to hear that you are not without resources my lady, since I'm afraid the Master will not take no for an answer. It's not in our way of life you see." Andrew said regretfully.
"What do you mean?"
"In our custom, we kidnap our future brides. If they are willing then all goes well. If they are not, then she and her family will have to make sure that the kidnapping isn't successful."
"So you mean to tell me that I have to prepare myself to be kidnapped?" Serena demanded. Her hands were clenched into fists,
Andrew nodded.
"Well, I can't let him succeed, can I?"
A/n: I got this idea while reading my Socio-Anthro book, how some culture used to do this. Can't resist making it into a fanfiction, lol. Review please.