Chapter One
Maya sat outside siting in a tree reading a book about a place called India. The book talked about the vast jungles and wild animals that roamed the area. Maya envied the idea of living in such a place. It was beautiful.
"Maya" a voice called.
Maya glanced down to see her sister Hermia and Lysander standing below her.
"Come down sweet child" Lysander called
Maya smiled and closed her book, handing it to Hermia. Lysander helped the girl down before bursting out in laughter.
"What are you wearing?" Lysander asked.
Maya smiled and glanced down at her shirt, pants, and boots.
"I traded one of my dresses to a servant girl for her brother's clothes. It's easier to climb the trees in pants than in dresses and if I rip them then it's not a big deal. So how did the meeting go with father? Were you able to convince him to marry Lysander." Maya said.
Hermia and Lysander glanced at her before each grabbing an arm and pulling the young girl behind the tree where no one could see them.
"My sister, what we are going to share must remain between us. No one must know. The only other person who know is my good friend Helena." Hermia said.
Maya nodded her head "I will tell no one sis. I know how you two feel about each other."
Lysander smiled. Maya was very loyal to her sister. She would never betray them.
"Father has refused our courtship. I must marry Demetrius, live my life as a nun or be killed. I cannot do any of these things. We will slip from Athens tonight and flee from this place. Once far away we will wed. You must pray for us as we make haste." Hermia said.
Maya gasped. "You are fleeing Athens tonight? Take me with you. Don't leave me here for I will surlily die. I want to see the world."
Hermia gasped "you are but a child. We cannot take you away. We would be chased by father for stilling you away. There is only a slight chance he will come after us."
A tear ran down Maya's face "you would abandon me here while you get to leave and have the life you want. How cruel are you? Are we not sisters? Have I not helped protect you from father's wrath by keeping him busy so you and Lysander can meet?"
Lysander sighed. "You will be fine. Your father will be to upset about us to look at you."
Maya laughed "do I look like a fool? You two gain freedom and I will lose mine. Our father will tighten his grips on me to make sure I could not flee."
Hermia reached out for her sister "I'm sorry Maya. But we cannot. I will never forget you, my sister."
Maya jerked away. "I will never forgive you."
The girl turned and fled from her sister.
Hermia and Lysander glanced at each other unsure of what to do for the poor lass.
In the home of Hermia and Maya
Maya ran into the home with tears in her eyes.
"Maya." Her father called.
Maya turned to see her father with a young man by the name of Felix and his father Marcellus. Felix was the same age as Lysander and had been school mates with the young man.
Felix smiled at the girl with adoration. He would often find the girl in the library reading scrolls and books until she was forced to leave.
Maya joined her father in the office with the other men. Egeus frowned at what his youngest daughter was wearing as did Marcellus. Felix smiled at the young girl. It did not surprise him at all.
"Father" Maya said.
Egeus sighed "I must congratulate you child on your pending marriage. Felix has expressed interest in marriage to you when you are 15. I have approved of the marriage. You will be sent to Rome to attend a finishing school until that age. They will hopefully use this time before your marriage to get this wildness out of your system."
Maya stared at her father in shock. "What? But Hermia is not to be wed until she is 18. Why am I to wed so young, father? I want to travel and see the world. Not be married at a young age."
Egeus sighed. "You need a stricter hand than I can give. I will hear no more about it. The day after tomorrow you will be transferred to your finishing school where you will remain until your wedding."
Felix stood and offered Maya a flower. "I know we will be very happy together. Once you have children, you will forget this dream of traveling and be devoted to our home."
Maya stared at him in shock. She burst into tears and fled the room.
Felix looked conflicted and looked at his father.
Marcellus sighed. "Calm yourself my son. She is young. Her father has not forced her to grow up and know the world. The servants and nurse maid encouraged her reckless behavior. She will accept the marriage by the time you wed. It is a long journey to Rome. We will accompany the group so you two can get to know each other."
Egeus glared at the man but did not comment.
Felix sighed. He glanced at the flower. He wanted the girl as his. She was young and pretty. She would grow into a woman he was proud to have on his arm. He hoped she would eventually accept her place by his side.