Flames of curls cascaded down my slender figure, lightly brushing against my waist. My pale skin was hidden under a thick velvet cloak that touched the ground ever so slightly. My fingers reach up and started to fiddle with my golden encrusted amulet. A shimmering ruby sat in the middle of it. Diamonds glittered under the moonlit night, circled around the ruby. "My lady." A elder voice broke the silence. I turn around gracefully, my fire-colored hair spilled out of the silky velvet cloak with such radiant. "Yes?" My eyes landed on Gretchen, the older woman that normally tended to the kitchen area, standing in front of me with wide eyes. "The Lord, your father, as requested to speak with you in his studies." She lowered her head refusing to make eye contact with me. "Very well..." A small sigh escaped between my small, but nicely plumped lips. She bowed her head once more before departing into the Lord's Manor. I raise my small pale hands and pulled the hood of the cloak down revealing my flames of curls that were hidden under it. I opened the large door, and walked down the silent hall way towards my father's studies. The walls painted a creamy yellow color a few photos hung here and there. I stop in front of a large oak wood door. I knock quietly against the door. "Enter." A deep familiar voice rang through my ears. My long fingers wrapped around the golden door knob pushing it open. A cloud of smoke escaped the room. My father stood near his desk, a cigar in his hand as he stared at me. "You called for me..." My eyes met his. "Josselyn, we need to talk about you and your future. You can't-" "Father I refuse to marry a man twice my age!" My voice rose a little. "Josselyn Ryia Montgomery! You will not raise your voice towards me! I am your father and will be shown respect." "Father I don't want to marry, I-" "I do not care what you want! You will be betrothed to Lord Howard!" "I will not be controlled by a man, not even my father. I refuse. I just want to be free to do as I please." My hands start to ball up into fists. "Josselyn you are far to naïve to be free and on your own." My father clutched his stomach as he let out a gut retching laugh. "I am not. I am my mothers daughter-" "Your mother was just as naïve as you! You are your mother's daughter, but you are also your fathers daughter. She is no longer with us, so do not bring her into this. Josselyn you are nearly eighteen years of age. Start acting like a lady." He lifted the cigar to his lips, and took a deep inhale. "Tis' obvious that you do not know your own daughter." "Perhaps not. Lord Howard has requested for you to spend the afternoon with him." "No." "No?" "Yes, no. I will not be joining him." I turn around swiftly, and slid out through the door. "Josselyn!" My father yelled out as I closed the door. My cloak flew behind me as I ran through the halls of the manor. The front doors started to open as one of the servant walked in holding a platter of food. "My lady, your food." I slowly came to a stop, bending over, and gasping for breath. A trickle of sweat ran down my freckled cheeks. "You may set it in my bedchamber." "As you wish, my lady." She quickly bowed her head and walked up the flight of steps. "Lady Josselyn." I turn my head with a quick twirl. My eyes set on the woman that stood in front of me. Saria. "Hello, Lady Saria." My words were cold and unwelcoming. "Why aren't you properly dressed yet? You can not walk around here looking like-" she threw her hands up in the air, unable to find words that could describe what I look like. "Like a man!" "I think this look suits me." I shrugged, and fiddled with the buttons of my cloak. "No no no. No woman of a noble family will not be dressed so poorly." She grasped my forearm tightly, tugging me up the stairs. "I do not wish to change- let me go at once- stop let go!" Her grip was strong. Very strong. She pulled me into the bathing chamber. "Maria! Gretchen! Come help clean up this mess!" Saria yelled as she thrown me towards the large wooden tub. A young girl walked into the bathing chambers sheepishly, pouring warm water into the tub. Soon after Gretchen walked in with scented flowers and sprinkled them into the water. "I want her clean and clothed nicely, or you will have no food tonight or tomorrow." She snapped at them, then turned on her heels and left. "Yes, my lady.." They both said in union. - " God I swear she is a witch! She is so-so mean!" "Oh no Lady Josselyn, do not accuse someone of such." Gretchen whispered quietly. They strip me of my clothes. My bare body pale as new fallen snow. Red curls brushed against my back, and covered my small breasts. I climbed into the warm smoothing water that was now filled all the way up. A relieving sigh escaped my lips. Maria walked over and ran a woolen cloth down my back. Gretchen ran her mixture of spices through my thick hair. I stand up in the water when Maria opens up the towel for me. The cotton towel wrapped around my soft skin. - I stood near the window peering outside. A little pink corset wrapped around my tiny waist area. It was laced in the back. My tunic was a salmon shade of color that fit nice and loosely against my chest. Metal cuffs sat against my wrists, bejeweled with colorful beads. A sliver embroidery ran across my waist gong downwards in a v type shape. Gold clips sat nicely in my flames of curls. I wouldn't allow Maria to put my hair in a updo. It was left in it's natural state as always. "Maria, do you know why I must dress so fancy today?" I turned my head towards my maid. "Um.. Er.. No my lady." I could tell she was lying to me, but I didn't want to pressure her. I just continued staring aimlessly out the window. Two black horses rode side by side as they pulled red and white carriage with them. Golden beads decorated the trimming of it. All the sudden I stop breathing. Lord Howard stepped out of the carriage. "No." I bend down, and collect some of my dress as I scurry out of the room. "Hello Lard Howard." I freeze at the top of the steps. Saria stood there holding the door open for him. He walked in, and looked up. His eyes landed on me. Saria's eyes followed his gaze. "Lady Josselyn come down here please. Lord Howard is looking forward to spend the day with you." Her voice was nasty, and fake. My father walked over to her, and planted a kiss on her cheek, then shook Lord Howard's hand. "My lord, my apologies, but I can not join you today. My father was suppose to tell you. I guess it slip his mind." "Nonsense! She will be happy to join you." My father stared at me as f he was throwing daggers at my head. "Lady Josselyn I would be honored if you would just go for a short ride in my carriage with me." Lord Howard smiled at me, kindly. "She will. She would love to. Wouldn't you Josselyn dear." Saria said with the same look as father. " Very well.." I slowly made my way down the staircase, my gown trailed behind me as I walked. Lord Howard gave me another smile. Wrinkles started to form in the corners of his eyes showing his age. "My lord." I curtesy in front of him. He reached for my hand, but I shifted so he couldn't grab it. "Let's go then." I walked past my father and Saria. - I sat next to Lord Howard in the carriage. My hands clasped together as I stare at my lap. "Lady Josselyn you look absolutely ravishing." Lord Howard's hand lightly brushed against mine. My body shifted a little, as I glance around uncomfortable. "Josselyn if hope that when you and I become whole. I will love you and cherish you. Josselyn will you do the honors and marry-" "No." "Josselyn I know how you feel-" "No." "No?" "Yes. I will not marry you. I can not. And I will not." "Your father said-" "He does not control me. I am my own person." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Can you take me home now?" ________________________________ I don't even know why I'm posting this.. Enjoy. Sorry to lazy to read over it
Eh too many typos and grammar errors for ny liking and seems very generic but some people seem to like it Bump