I do not own the rights to Fable 3
Ebony's mouth dropped. She couldn't believe the name that was just spoken. Reaver. Ebony had only heard of the man, never met him. She had heard that he has cockiness, flamboyance and a grim sense of humor. She's also heard of his promiscuous nature. Why on Earth would he want a wife? He has even lain with men. Not to mention the age difference! He helped her father on his journey many years ago. She would be marrying an old man! "Reaver!" she spat disgusted, "I am to marry him!" "He has offered a considerable amount of money and promised his factories..."Her mother replied. "You sold me! You're daughter! Your only daughter!" Ebony cried, unable to stop the tears that had been hiding behind her eyes. "We did what was best for this kingdom and what was best for you." Her father tried to reason. "What? Best for me! How is this the best for me! Why? Why have you done this to me!" Ebony cries into her hands. "...You leave tomorrow. I'm sorry my daughter, but you must understand." Her father said before quietly leaving the room. Ebony sobbed. Her mother turned to her trying to place a hand on her, "Ebony we l-" "Do not touch me!" Ebony steps back refusing to look up. Her mother opened her mouth to say more, but could not come up with words for her grieving daughter. She looks aside and leaves the room. Ebony collapses to the floor. She felt her as if her heart and soul had been ripped from her, leaving a shell of only pain and fear. Her mind wandered to a terrifying question. What will happen if he wanted to consummate the marriage? She had not only heard of Reaver's promiscuity, but also his cruel nature and his excellent marksmanship. What if she refused and he harmed her. Would he beat her? Or worse? She doubted that Reaver would ever care if she protested. How could anything like that have compassion or warmth? How could her father let her marry him! For money? Was she really just gold to them? An item given to the highest bidder. Sure she had no lovers to leave behind, but this was too much for her to handle. She had never thought before this day that her family would have her in an arranged marriage. They were common yes, but she had always thought they would let her choose. She sank further into her sadness and pain. Jasper entered the room with eyes of pity. He gently helped her up, "Come now Princess I will gather your belongings." She clang to Jasper tightly feeling that without his support she would fall again.
Ebony remained silent sitting at her dresser as Jasper finished packing her belongings. "I wish I could do more to help you, I really do." "Then why don't you? Why can't you convince my father?" "Princess I-" "I'm sorry Jasper, you've been nothing but kind to me. I thank you for everything you have done for me." "It was an honor my Princess." Without another word Jasper left the room. She heard the click of a lock. He must have locked her door. Not of his freewill, but at the order of her father no doubt. She thought for a moment of trying to escape through the window, but she wouldn't get very far. There was no way out. She could not run away, where would she go? She would surely be caught by her father or maybe even killed by the thieves or animals. She was trapped. Ebony's anxiety and depression grew to much and she let out a scream. It was a horrible, mesmerizing scream. She knocked over everything on her dresser and threw the books on her shelfs at the wall. She sunk to her knees. She could not get away from this only grieve. But she did not cry, not a single tear. She had none left. But she ached inside and out. She was merely a tool for her father and mother to use for their own benefit. They were no longer her parents but her dealers. They sold her, like a piece of meat. She brought her knees close to her body and sunk her head. All she could do was wallow in her sadness and emptiness.
Ebony's eyes blurred before they opened. She hoped she would be in her bed, but she wasn't. She still remained on her floor along with the books and broken perfume bottles from her dresser. The things that happened yesterday were real. She sat up and wrapped her arms around herself. She heard the lock on her door click and a few maids began to walk in the room. "You may leave. I can get myself ready." Ebony said not turning towards them. The maids hesitated before leaving and re-locking the door. Ebony slowly got up. She pushed back her wavy black locks away from her tired face. She took her time getting her blue and white dress on not wanting to quicken her leaving. She looked in her shattered mirror. She saw an empty shell with hollowed green eyes. She grabbed a comb and slowly ran it through her hair. Her hair fell nicely around her face. The hollow in the mirror stared back at her. She reached to touch the hollowed face in the reflection, but stopped and spun the mirror around so it was not facing her. She sat on her bed feeling the smooth fabric on her fingers. She had taken them for granted really. She never noticed how soft and warm they were until now, when she would never feel them upon her pale skin again. She approached the window of her room. She never liked this window due to it always shining the sun in her eyes. She put her finger tips to the cool glass. She looks at the window seeing the lovely courtyard below her. Full of birds, small animals and many different sorts of flowers. She would miss walking down there. Enjoying the fresh air and breeze of the outdoors. She looked at her feet, surprised to find a book resting by them. She slowly picks up the book. Diary it read. Her eyes widen a bit. She must have been so angered that she didn't notice she was throwing one her favorite memories at the wall. She held it close before walking over to where her belongings were placed. She opened one bag only to narrow her eyes at what she saw. A small portrait. One of her and her family. She gently put her diary in before taking out the portrait. She examined it closely running her hand over the paint. Her father and mother stood together while her and Logan stood next to each other. This must have been painted when she was younger no more than 10 years of age. For a moment she smiled and felt happiness, but she quickly banished these feelings and rage took over her. Her family. No they were not family, not anymore. She casts aside the painting by sliding it across the room. She would have non of that. The door unlocks and she, dreadfully, stands up. Her brother, much to her surprise, enters the room. "Brother?" she questions. "Hello Ebony." She glared at him, but said nothing. "Please Ebony, you must understand why I agreed." "I understand, brother. I understand that I am being used as a tool for the kingdom." He places his hands on her shoulders, "You mustn't think of yourself that way." She shoves him off. "Please Ebony. I am deeply sorry I truly am. I only agreed so that our kingdom could prosper. We were falling apart. The people will look to you as a hero." Ebony shook her head at her brother. "No, I'm no hero just pawn dressed up as one." She pushed past her brother picking up her belongings.
Princess Ebony awaits outside for her father to accompany her in the carriage. Her mother leaned in to give her a hug, but Ebony turned away from her. Logan looked at his sister for a goodbye, but she refused. She stepped inside the carriage not wanting to see the faces of any of them. She looked at her hands that were lying on her lap. She sighs wanting to look out the window to see her home, but she knew if she did she would ache even worse. She was broken from her thoughts when she felt the carriage shift. She looked up and saw her father sitting across from her. He looked into her eyes expecting words from her, but instead she narrowed her eyes and then closed them looking down once more. "Go." she heard her father say to the driver. Ebony never knew that one word could make her break down, but one did. Go. It meant that her life here was done. She would be living a different life in a different place. Go. She tried to sob quietly, but to no avail. Her father leaned towards her, "Please daughter, do not cry." She did not answer him. She couldn't. She thought that all her tears had been shed, but she continued to weep. "Ebony, you will learn to understand our decision. Think of Albion and all of her people." he tried to help. Ebony slowly stopped weeping, not because of her father's words, but because she would not embarrass herself by weeping in front of him. She would not give him the impression that she will miss him.
She noticed that scenery began to change. It grew darker and more shades of brown. Ebony peeks out the window to see small shops lined up next to each other along with 2 floor building. But there was an accursed fog along the streets. She looked at the tall pipes raised from the roof tops. There were gears and cogs along the sides of some of the buildings and the walls were full of posters. This was her new home? She was very much used to the bright colors of her home, now she must live in a dreary town. She saw children caring large cargo, and adults hurrying to their buildings and markets. She had many questions about her new home. She noticed a large clock tower that seemed to tower over fog. She admired the structure of it. It may be the only good thing in this place.
She noticed that the carriage was driving along the water. In the water's reflection she saw a large Mansion. This was it. A wave of anxiety crashed into her. Her breathing quickened. She tried to calm herself down. "Ebony?" Her father questioned with concern lingering in his tone. She did not answer instead she composed her outward appearance, but inside her mind was a whirlwind of worry. The carriage came to a halt. Her father was the first out. Ebony took a deep breath before ignoring her father's hand and getting out of the carriage. The driver takes Ebony's bags off the back and holds them, awaiting direction. Ebony looks up at mansion. It's appearance made her unfordable. She was scared of this place and what was inside it. Her father and the driver approached the doors. "Ebony, come now." Her father instructed. She hesitated before slowly catching up to them. She stood slightly behind her father. Her father knocks on the door. Ebony felt hands shake. The door opened to reveal a stunted orange haired man. "Is 'ere somethin' I can help ye' with?" Ebony throws him a questioning look. "We're here to see Reaver." her father answers. "Oh the boss man?" He looks over to Ebony. Ebony steps back an inch before turning her head away. "Heh...Right this way." He says extending his arm letting them in. Her father and the driver walked in. Ebony stood still. "Come now lass." the stunted man said. Ebony froze in place as her breathing quickened and her body shook. She couldn't get her legs to move. She can't handle knowing that she will be forever trapped behind those doors. She wouldn't walk through them. For she new as soon as she walked through them, her life was over. "Lass?" he questions. Her father turns around noticing Ebony's state. "Ebony come inside." Ebony had not even heard her father's request. He stepped outside and grabbed her hand. "Ebony come now!" He egged on. Ebony unconsciously shook her head. "Ebony we are not turning back, now come on!" He said pulling her inside. She heard the doors close and shuttered at the sound. She didn't pay attention to what her surroundings look liked due to her shaking. "The boss man 'ill be most pleased with his par' o' the deal." the stunted man said now realizing why they were here. Her father remained silent. The stunted man took the bags from the driver and her father signaled for the driver to leave. "If ye'll follo' meh'" the stunted man said. Ebony shakily followed. She started to pay attention to her new home as she walked up the stairs. It was decorated in red and gold, much different from her blue and purple castle. The halls were filled with paintings and small furniture. This home was much different than her castle. It felt dark and mysterious, and not in the good way. The stunted man stops at a large faded gold door. Ebony look at the door then back at the stunted man. "Eh-hem Sir, yo' guests are her'" Ebony swallowed a large lump in her throat. "Oh? Why bring them in,but you can stay out there." Ebony studied that voice over and over in her head. Was that Reaver's? It sounded much different then what she imagined. The stunted man reached for the handle, "You ain't gonna freeze up on us this time?" he joked at Ebony. Ebony glared towards ground. The stunted man laughed before opening the door. Her father still held onto her hand preventing her from remaining in place. She is pulled into the room. She sees a man sitting at a desk. Is that Reaver? No! It couldn't be he looked too young! The man had dark brown hair and wore a long top hat with a long white coat with dark fur around the collar that matched his white pants. A cain was also propped up against the desk. "Well well! If it isn't the King of Albion himself! I thank you for gracing me with your presence and it would seem you brought my most anticipated guest." He said looking towards Ebony. She looked away from him digested. "I have met your request Reaver," Reaver! That was him! Ebony could hardly believe it. He had no gray in his hair and not a wrinkle on his face. He could not be older than 30! "Have you met yours?" Her father finished. Reaver smiled wickedly, "Of course I have! I'm hurt you ever doubted me. Although..." He said slyly looking to Ebony once more. Ebony shifted her eyes to Reaver only to quickly revert them back to the side. "I am surprised that you were compliant to give up such a...worthy prize." He smirked leaning forward on his desk. Ebony closed her eyes tightly, sickened by the man that sat in front of her. Her father looked at Ebony and guilt filled his face. "Are you reconsidering my offer?" Reaver questioned still smirking. Her father looked back to Reaver, "No, I just wanted to say good-bye." "Good! Good! As promised my industries and factories are for your use and the gold will be sent to your most extravagant castle. Although I wonder what man you really are to trade your own kin for some gold." He smirked mockingly. The king stiffened and Ebony, still with closed eyes, looked down. "I...did what was best for the kingdom and its people. My daughter is nearing a age where she needs a suitor." "Of course, that is a good reason, my charming king." Reaver replied with a hint of humor. Her father turned towards his daughter. "Ebony I-" He reached for her, but she flinched away. He brought his hand back to his side and turned for the door. He looked back once more to his daughter, but she did not turn to him. He looked down, and with a sigh, left the room. Ebony slightly flinched at the sound of the door closing. Her heard the chair for his desk scrape the floor. She opened her eyes and relaxed her stance a bit, but still refused to look at him. Reaver stood in front of her examining her face. "My...aren't you a lovely little minx." he said running his finger down her face till he turn her chin towards him. Her eyes still away from him. She kept a strong face, but her mind was in turmoil and she was very much afraid. "Such a sad, sad story. But don't worry, my lovely mix," He began walking around her, "You are in the best of hands," He finished by rubbing his hand across her back. Ebony, mistakingly, jumped at that touch. "Be still my minx. You have have nothing to fret. You'll be so much happier here." He placed some of her hair behind her ear. He looks deeply into her emerald eyes. "You are a rather attractive mix." Ebony step away, his hand still in the air where he held her face. She truly looks at his face for the first time. Her strong look has now diminished into cowering fear. "I..."She began but stopped. Reaver never took his eyes off of her. "I would like to go to my chambers." she finally managed to say. "Of course. I will escort you there myself." Fear ran down her spine she feared for what may come next.
Rather proud of this chapter if I do say so myself! Please R&R! :D
