Jasmine was tired of it. Tired of having to behave, tired of talking as though she cared about the topic, tired of avoiding the people who forced her to do these very things. But most of all, she was tired of her 'fiancé'. That's right. Fiancé. Sharn had told her that as a 19 year old, and one of the most well-known women in Deltora, she needed to marry at some point. So Sharn and Doom had engaged her to a 'fine, young gentleman' known as Cal Hockley. Being Jasmine, the minute she heard about this, she wanted to run away to her home in the Forests of Silence. But there were two problems with this plan. One, everyone would know exactly where to look for her. And two, running away would mean leaving the one she truly loved behind…
Meanwhile, Lief wasn't sure how to feel. He had also been engaged, to a woman called Bella. Bella was a beautiful, talented and intellectual girl. But when you got to know her, she was a terrible snob. She believed that she must be the most amazing person (let alone girl) on the planet because she was chosen as the king's bride. She was lazy, rude, and treated all her inferiors like dirt; especially one particular girl… the same girl who had captured the king's affections long ago. But she was also engaged, and there was nothing either could do about it. He couldn't stop thinking about her, her black hair, green eyes, slim body… Stop! He thought to himself. She's marrying Cal, I'm marrying Bella, and she'll never love me.
Jasmine couldn't stop thinking about him. His cheeky blue eyes, friendly smile, strong arms. Don't be an idiot, she thought. He'll never love me. Lief will never love me.
Put it out of your head, Lief told himself. She'll never fall for me. Jasmine would never even consider me.