Chapter 1:

My father was a high lord among our country, he was close friends with the king. My mother died giving birth to me. I was the last child and only daughter between my parents.

I have three older brothers... There was Edward, the first born and heir to my father. He was kind hearted to me only but very serious. Then came George, he did not know the difference between duty and honor. Always seems to bring shame to our family name. Then Richard, he was the last born son. He was quiet, but always kept me company. Then there was me. My name is Alice, many thought I was never gonna reach adulthood as I was tiny as a baby, but till this day I'm still tiny and slender. Many say if the winds are strong, it can pick me up and blow me away.

My father was the Lord of Brendenson. He passed away from falling ill. My brother Edward has now taken his place as the Lord of Brendenson. I never see my older brothers often as I'm usually at our estates while they go off and do their duty. I spend more time with Richard when he is around. But sadly I am alone this time.

I was messing with my needle work, when Richard comes in. I run to him "Richard, your home, oh how I miss you dear brother." I exclaim as I hug him. "I missed you dear sister, you've grown since the last time I saw you. Come sit with me, I have news."

We sit down and he grabs my hands and tells me what I'm unsure of. "You are to come to court with George and I." "What!? Why?" I ask in disbelief. "George mentioned to Edward that it would be a good idea for you to be seen by possible suitors and betrothals. An he agreed." "Well when will I leave." You will leave at once, I will be there with you, but George will manage this, but nothing will be set until Edward agrees."

"I'm only 15, I don't want to leave home." I cried into Richard. He hugged me and ensure that this is what needs to be done."

My belongings were packed and off we were to the Kings Court. I never met the king, I heard stories. I know he has two sons. I know if you aren't careful you can find yourself dead, or worse with a scandalous rumor trailing behind you. We traveled for long days and nights and soon we were arriving to the King's Castle in Lavernia.

I wear my hooded cape and walk behind Richard as he leads the way to our quarters. Richard shows me my room. And it's bigger than the one at home. Richard asks the maid the prepare a bath for me and dress me to meet the king, he then retrieves to his room. The water was nice on my skin. I was nervous. Every eye will be on me. They knew that my father, Lord of Brendenson had a daughter, but that's it. My father never wanted me at court, he says that court is a game of want and wanting. As I finish the bath, and the maids dress me in deep blue dress, the corset tight against me, I can't breath. I never worn one before. It's uncomfortable to have my non existent breast pushed up to be seen by all eyes. They draped my matching hood on me. Shielding me from prying eyes. As I walk into the living quarters, Richard greets me and says I look wonderful. "George will announce your entrance, I will escort you to him, and you will kneel to the king and his family." Richard explains to me.

We walk to the great hall where the king awaits my arrival. This is too much fuss, just for me. But my future husband will be in there, whomever he will be. The doors open and Richard takes my hand and leads me to my brother George and hands me to my other brother. I kneel to the King and his family and I hear George introduce me, "My royal grace, May I introduce you to my beloved dear sister, lady Alice of Brendenson." I stay kneel looking downs, my hood shielding me.

"I heard many tales from your father about his beloved daughter. I am in great spirits to finally see you once and for all, as you know, I am King Carlisle, and my wife her grace, Queen Esme. My sons, my eldest Emmett Duke of Cadenberg, and my Young son Jasper, Duke of Bristol. But you must know that youngling, please show yourself and speak." I hear the king speak with such ease and kind words.

I bring my hood down my back and raise my head to my eye contact with the King. The king stands and walks towards me. He lifts my chin and speaks "you look just like your mother at her age, but your eyes, those are your father eyes. You have a tender heart like your mother but you have fiery in you, like your father." He lifts me by my hand into a standing position. I speak for the first time, "Thank you your grace, your kind words are appreciated. I am filled with joyed to be welcome to your court with open arms."

King Carlisle is back in his throne and says, "anything for a good friend of mine." Your brother Edward sent word that, we are to seak a valuable suitor for you. Is that what you want child?" I hesitate and look at George and back to the king and his Family. "My duty to my family and in the name of my father, is what I want." It's true I will do anything for my family even if it meant to marry someone I don't love.

George continues for me with, "My dear sister is at that age of women hood and I want her to near other well off women she can learn from. And hopefully a betrothal won't be far off as well, your grace. Perhaps you may have an idea or two."

The king looks between my siblings and I, I look away and catch the eye of his sons. They are both tall, one burly and wide, like the stories of Hercules. The other lean and muscle like a Greek statue. I turn back to the king when he speaks, "At one point your father and I were to be family, due to unfortunate circumstances that did not happen. I cared for your father like a brother, and it will not sit well if I did not make sure you had a galant suitor. And so with that, you will marry my son." I gasp.

George steps in, "Your grace, it will bring honor to our father, May he Rest In Peace for his only daughter to marry Emmett Duke of Cadenberg..."

"George, Emmett has already been betrothed to, Lady Rosalie of Sumter. But I believe my younger son Jasper will be a suitable match. I feel it is right to join our two houses finally, and I will treat you as if you were my own daughter."

I instantly kneel once again and speak, "your grace, your generosity is too much, and I am honor to become part of your household." Both George and Richard bow and thank his Majesty. I look up and make eye contact with my future husband. He looks cold and distant.

Duty and Honor. For my father, he may not love me, but I will love the children we will bare.