Disclaimer: I own nothing….
A/N: Thanks to Chewie-Fan and Archermusician for their reviews.
Hope you all enjoy the chapter. Please don't forget to review.
July 25th 1688, Late Morning
Norman had tried to talk sense into his brother but had failed. The only thing that he cared about was making sure his eldest daughter had a proper husband and somehow the son of the Duke of Starboard was who he set his eyes upon. How was he going to explain this to Aria?
Though why did it matter? She was married to the Prince and would within the year hopefully produce an heir. How could the marriage between Jake and her cousin really damage her? Sighing he knew the answer.
He remembered what it had been like to be a teenager and in love. Everything was do or die, there was no in between. But his daughter was sensible she wasn't going to let this interfere with what needed to be done.
Sitting at his desk he wrote out a letter to his daughter, he wasn't sure he was going to send it. Maybe he would wait until things were certain before he did. Yes, that was what he would do. The extra time would only make it so Aria wasn't as pained when she read it. Though did matter? In the long run did anything he did matter?
July 25th 1688, Late afternoon
Jake walked quickly to his father's quarters. He wasn't going to do it, no matter how much it would mean to his family. There was no way he was going to sell his soul just for power and a secure position. What was the worst that could happen? The King could strip him and his father of the titles they possessed, take away their family home but that seemed like nothing compared to what he was trying to do.
Marrying him off to Mary was almost like cutting out his heart. He wouldn't survive long without it. Why him? There were other eligible men at court, so why him? This had to be Mary's doing, she was trying to get back at Aria for stealing the Prince. Jake let out an animal like noise as he entered his father's apartments.
"I won't do it." His father only stood. "You can threaten me all you want but I won't marry her." Slowly Nick stepped out from behind his desk.
"Jake, the marriage won't be for another few months. By then your heart will have healed."
"I don't care when it is, I will not do it." He yelled at his father who merely frowned.
"You have no choice. It has already been arranged."
"How can I call you my father when you have done this to me? Where is your fatherly love?" Nick took a step towards his son.
"Please understand I did what was best for our family. Think of your sisters, of what this will mean for them." Jake didn't want to hear anymore. Storming out the room he went to the stables, got his horse and rode off. Not really caring where he was going as long as he got away.
July 26th 1688, Sunrise
Aria took as much air into her lungs as she could. There was nothing like the taste of the air the morning after a large storm. It reminded her of home in the spring. It rained in Conila a lot she mused with a smile. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad living there.
A dull ache entered her heart. What was she going to do? It wasn't like she could just up and go back home. Home, she sighed. If she were back in Nohwelena her father would be teasing her about what he had gotten her for her birthday. In two days she would be of legal age to have children which was why her 'wedding' was scheduled for the morning after.
Footsteps came from behind her. Glancing back she was surprised to see Josh. Stopping she let him catch up with her. "Enjoying your walk?" He asked softly.
"I am My Lord." From the corner of her eye she watched him frown.
"Please, call me Josh."
"If that is what you wish." She continued walking.
"Is there anything you wish to do to celebrate your upcoming birthday?" She couldn't help rolling her eyes.
"Just a nice quiet day." Aria watched his frown deepen.
"Jacob was right, the Wizor ambassador is due to arrive tomorrow. They say he is a shrewd man we will have to be careful."
"Well, with you mentioning it all the time there is no way for him not to find out." Josh grabbed her wrist.
"This is dangerous, do you not understand that?" He lowered his voice to a whisper.
"Do you think I am stupid? Of course I know that. This may kill me, but what does it matter? Did we not come to the conclusion that this ploy will end soon enough? What is a few more weeks of getting acquainted? Will we be penalized for that?" She pulled her arms out of his grasp.
"You never know." His voice hinted at something that she didn't want to notice.
"Maybe I don't care." With that she walked on, leaving him in silence.