Chapter 13
Weeks passed, and I hadn't seen Char.
I survived the torment in Dame Olga's house. I was already used to it anyways.
Then, one night, Earl Surh came to our house.
Father made me wear a decent dress and do my hair, and Mandy spent the day preparing food.
"Mandy, I don't want to meet Earl Surh," I pleaded. I remembered how foolish I had acted last time, when I ate the elvish mushrooms. How embarrassed I felt.
"I don't know what your Father wants of you," she growled, "Using you for wealth. He's selfish and greedy, your Father."
"Just sit at the table, answer questions," she said. "I'll make sure no one commands you of anything."
At the table, Earl Surh studied me.
"You have a lovely daughter," he said. I noticed that he was old enough to be my grandpa. His hair was in white wisps, and he spoke in a raspy voice.
"Yes," Father said. "Ella, tell him you would enjoy his company."
I struggled against the order, but of course, I lost.
"I would enjoy your company," I muttered angrily.
"Ella, appreciate this moment," Father whispered annoyedly.
Just then, Mandy came in. She had heard the order.
"Ella, don't listen to anything your father says," whispered Mandy
I was glad to obey. But this order didn't work. I was still forced to obey all of their orders.
"Ella, tell me about school," Earl said.
"It's fine."
Dinner went through slowly, with Earl and Father ordering me to answer questions and me speaking as little as possible. I hoped the Earl hated me. At least Father didn't order me to marry him.
Near the end of dinner, I hoped the Earl would decline Father's offer for me to marry the Earl.
"I was thinking, you can Ella get along so well," Father said.
"Perhaps, would could work out a marriage deal, make some negotiations."
The Earl smiled. This is the chance for you to decline, I thought.
"Of course. I would love to marry your daughter. As long as I have her consent, we will be able to marry.
Father looked surprised but pleased.
"Then, we'll have to ask Ella about this. Ella, what do you think?"
He whisered into my ear. "Can you just accept the offer?" he muttered softly.
"No." I said. Then I left the scene and went back to my room.