Sanura's POV
~ After Dinner ~
I watch everyone but Grandfather, Mrs. Macready, and Peter Pevensie leave the table. Suddenly I have a horrible feeling that I know where this conversation is going to lead.
You see, Grandfather is part of the nobility here in the UK, and as such it is accustom for the old families to create arranged marriages. I have known since I was able to understand the concept that I have a betrothed that I would one day have to marry. I was not the original person that was supposed to fulfill the contract, however, as it should have been my grandmother. However, she fell in love with Grandfather and the man she was betrothed to also fell for someone else, so it was agreed for their children to marry. However, mother fell in love with father and eloped with him. And though mother was herself a twin it was stated in the contract that it had to be the oldest children that married. Therefore, my aunt (McKenzie and Hermione's mother) could not fulfill the contract. And so here we are now, with me being saddled with the marriage contract that now seems to be trapping me with an egotistical stuck up boy.
The worst part is the fact that I know I can not break the contract as my mother and grandmother did, as the consequences would be severe. It could even start a civil war, and I refuse to be the one responsible for such a thing.
While I was lost in thought the table had been cleared of the dishes from dinner. Mrs. Macready now sat across from me and Grandfather looks like he does not wish to be having this conversation.
There is an awkward pause as Peter and I wait for someone to speak, and when no does I state with no small amount of frankness, "this is about the marriage contract is it not?"
Grandfather chuckles slightly, "Well, I should have known you would have worked it out already, my dear girl. But yes, it is. With the passing of your mother and your father having passed three months back, it is my sad duty to begin the preparation for your nuptials."
Peter seems to be in shock, which in truth I can not really blame him. I, myself am shocked as well, but I know there is time enough to allow myself to feel it later; for now, I must focus on the present.
"And how long before we must fulfill the terms of the contract?" I refuse to say marry, though that is exactly what we must do.
"You will be wed in a year." Mrs. Macready states with a tone of no nonsense, "and as such there will be a few rules that you both must adhere to."
"A-a-a year!" Peter gasps interrupting the housekeeper. "We are to marry in a year? Before we haven't even finished our schooling?"
Mrs. Macready gives that look of displeasure at being interrupted, as though Peter's questions are that of a misbehaving child. Grandfather cuts in, sensing that the housekeeper will start lecturing any second, "yes, well, these types of contracts are usually fulfilled young so that there is sufficient time for (sight embraced cough) children."
Peter looks slightly faint, as though this is all new to him. I merely roll my eyes in his direction. "Indeed." I state monotonously, gesturing for Mrs. Macready to continue. "You were saying something about rules Mrs. Macready?"
"Yes," displeasure lacing her voice, "there are only a few that you both will need to adhere to. Firstly, you will need to be seen together at formal events. Next, there is the matter of the wedding planning, Ms. Longsworth you are responsible for nearly everything for the event however, the venue must be decided upon by Mr. Pevensie. Lastly, there will be absolutely no funny business between you until you are wed. Have I made myself clear?"
It is now my turn to be absolutely disgusted as I exclaim, "trust me madam, you have nothing to worry about on such a matter!"
"Good."
"Very well, it is quite late. Off to bed with the both of you." Grandfather dismisses.
I do not look back as I flee up to my shared room. Hopefully, the others will be asleep or not ask too many questions. I can here Peter calling my name from behind me, however, I do not stop, nor do I acknowledge that I can hear him.