Betrothed ~ Easel Musings~ Week 16 ~ Challenge

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"I do not wish to marry him!" Fiona looked pleadingly at her sister.

Marabelle understood her plight She looked upon her sister, pitying her, for she knew that Lord Gaius' reputation far proceeded him; especially amongst the maidens in the nearby village. They must be in dire straits for him to agree to allow Fiona to marry such a beast!

"Darling Fiona, what do you suppose to do about it?"

"He could have had anyone of those trollops from the village! I beg of you...you've always been father's favorite. Talk to him."

Marabelle saw the desperation in Fiona's eyes. "I will do what I can. But I cannot say that Father will listen. You know how he is when he has made up his mind."

Fiona nodded understandingly. "If you cannot change father's mind, then I have no choice but to accept my fate..."

Fiona knew that Marabelle would never change his mind. Her fate was sealed and there was only one thing she could do...run away!

Fiona packed quickly, taking only a few items and the money she'd saved. She also took some valuable trinkets that she could perhaps sell. She disguised herself in a young boy's clothing.

Fiona traveled the hillside. Lord Gaius would never get his beastly hands upon her.

"A storm," she noted. "I must hurry." Moving quickly, Fiona thought she heard the galloping of a horse but didn't see anything.

As Fiona bounded toward a cliff, she realized that it was indeed a horse she had heard. Before she realized it the horse was at her heels. Fiona tried to maneuver quickly, but lost her balance.

The man dismounted. "You know, a boy's clothing really looks quite fetching on you!" The man laughed.

"Damn you!" Fiona yelled getting to her feet.

"Fiona, you belong to me!" He crushed his mouth against hers.

"Unhand me you beast!"

"Is that anyway to talk to your future husband?" said Lord Gaius.

"I hate you! I truly hate you!" She said, beating on his chest.

"For now," he said with a raised brow. "You'll get used to me. Now lets go before your father realizes what you've done."

The anger swelled in Fiona.

"Surely you know you'd bring your parents dishonor by this little stunt you've pulled?"

"What do you care?" she spat.

It never crossed her mind what the cost would mean to her parents. Still, she was not going to be sold away like some slave to the likes of Lord Gaius.

"Come, there is a storm coming." He grabbed her.

Fiona fumed. "You beast!"

"You witch!" He laughed. "So much fire in such a fragile package."

"I am not fragile!" she protested.

"We shall see," he said, his voice going low and deep.

Fiona felt a chill rise in her.

Feeling her shiver, "Are you cold, my love?"

"No I am not! And I am not your love!"

"Not now, but soon. "

"Never!"

Gaius laughed! "Such fire! This will be a fine marriage in deed!"

©2008 Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.