Chapter 3: Suitor
Lilac
"A man is gonna be visiting today. He’s willing to marry you, and I’ve accepted his proposal. You’ll meet him in a few hours." My father’s grating voice echoed loudly all the way from the spot on the throne.
At once, I stiffened in the spot I’ve been standing in. When I was summoned by him this morning, I knew it couldn’t be for something good, because after I ended up being giftless, he basically treated me like I didn’t exist, so I already knew this couldn’t mean anything good. However, what he has just said is still beyond shocking.
"What?" I whispered, already feeling dizzy. Beside him, Tracy grinned, clearly pleased and I had a feeling she had something to do with this sudden news.
"I believe your ears still works just fine. You’ll be getting married to him in a few months. Start preparing." He snapped in response and I flinched, eyes widening as I’d dawned on me even more that he wasn’t joking.
"But- I don’t even know who this person is." I pointed out, pushing the words past the nerves in my chest.
Arranged marriages were a thing in the past, but that’s no longer a thing. Presently, girls are allowed to have a handful of suitors which they’d end up picking from.
"Isn’t the reason obvious enough? It’s because this is the only person that has ever expressed interest in you. You should be crying for joy right now instead of asking stupid questions, you ungrateful child." Tracy snapped, her eyes glaring daggers my way.
"Your step mother is right. No one clearly wants to be with you, and I do understand them. I mean, even I wouldn’t want to be with you if you’re the last maiden on earth." He and Tracy crackled together and I felt my skin start to crawl.
"It’s humiliating enough that you are known as my oldest child. Once you’re married off, you’ll barely have to be associated with me. I still haven’t forgotten how much you humiliated me back at the ball last night." His tone hardened at the end of his sentence and I stiffened as his words sank into my mind.