She supposed it could be worse.

Here she was at age ten and seven , to be married in a moons time. Her soon to be husband, was handsome and he was a son of a lord of many accomplishments. They would live comfortably and have many children and rule their little piece of land happily.

Well, thats at least what she told herself.

In reality, there was no love, or passion, or any remote spark like the tales of old she read late at night when she was supposed to be sleeping. He was cordial enough and treated her kindly. A loveless marriage,she knew for certain it would be, but hopefully one filled with respect.

"Do like like the dress much m'lady?"

She was broken out of her trance and looked up into her reflection. It was her wedding gown and she would be lying if she said it was not gorgeous. It was a cream color with gold fringes in the shape of roses around the edges, her house sigil. The gown had off shoulder sleeves and clinched at her waist, making it look so small she could hardly even speak comfortably.

" The waist is too tight I can hardly breathe" she answered turning to her handmaiden.

"Thats when you know it fits my lady" Her maid responded, tidying up last touches. The girl smiled and at that moment her youth was truly visible. The girl was tall and fair, dark brown hair cascaded down her back. How different their lives were, she thought. Here she was at 17, engaged, while her maid at the same age was catering to her every need.

"Do you think you will?" She asked suddenly.

" What do you mean?"

"Find love, one day"

" My life is pledged to help you my lady" the maid answered quietly then.

"Allison, you know I would let you go if you so wished" she replied grabbing her shoulders, " I am not my parents… I will not keep you prisoner here"

Allison, her maid, smiled sadly and there was a look in her brown eyes of grief and mourning.

" The things we desire are not always what is best. "

" Must you always speak in riddles" she sighed .

" Only because you are clever enough to solve them Lady Lydia."

And with that the conversation was over. Allison scurried off quickly, mumbling something about the wedding veil and Lydia was left to her own thoughts. It was just her and her own reflection but all Lady Lydia could think of was Allison's eyes full of woe. What life she led before falling into Lydia's hand she did not know, but she shuddered at the thought.

Yes, it could be worse.