Chapter 2: It's Done
Serenity snuck through the back gardens of her family's estate hidden in the shadows cast by the thickening clouds. The back servants' door to the kitchen was still unlocked due to preparing for everyone's arrival from the ball. The bedroom lights windows were still dark indicated no one had yet arrived back home.
A servant woman let out a frighted yelp as Serenity rushed through the back door. "My Lady, you frightened me coming in like this." She was young and had not been working at the estate for long.
Serenity motioned for her to stay quiet, "It's alright. I was simple out on a stroll and didn't want to bother with the guards after the ball. Can you please send for someone to prepare a hot bath for me? I'm afraid I have ruined this dress in the briars and mud," she ordered while realizing the state of her attire. The hems of her dress were burnt from the fire, but the mud and briar snags help hide the singes that would worry anyone.
"Yes, My Lady. May I ask why you were out at such an hour without anyone? I am sure that your father would be less than pleased when he finds out you have been on your own again. It is not proper for you to be unaccounted for as the eldest daughter of the estate, and it will anger your father," she warned while taking in Serenity's disheveled state.
"While I appreciate your concern, it is none of your business what I do when I go out. I know my duties and do not need to be reminded of them, so you will be sure to remember your place next time you address me. You haven't been here long enough to understand all our ways, but you will not question me or my decisions. Next time you will be punished. Do you understand?"
The young servant held her head bowed as she realized that despite being one of the ladies of high society Serenity was not as frail and soft spoken as she was informed. "I understand, My Lady. I will not approach the subject again."
"Good. Now send for someone to prepare my bath and fresh clothes as I asked first." Serenity stood there for a moment as the girl bowed and went off to relay the message. Serenity did not enjoy being hard on those who worked at their estate, but she was already in a terrible mood and was not looking forward to the inevitable confrontation with her father about not being present during the entire ball.
Once in her room Serenity looked in the large mirror that was mounted on her vanity. She saw how red and puffy her emerald, green eyes looked against her pale skin that still had some red blisters and scratches. Her light blond hair that was carefully pulled up before she left was now falling out of the hair clip and had a few stray leaves stuck in the curls. Her feet ached from running so far and stepping on the rocks and branches that were on the forest floor.
She took a deep breath as a knock interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she said watching the door slowly creep open.
"I apologize for taking so long My Lady. I was occupied by a task the Lord gave me before he departed," my normal servant said as she made her way to the washroom to prepare the bath.
Serenity stood near the tub not daring to sit and spread the mud through the room. She welcomed the warm steam that danced above the bubbles and hot water that filled the tub. Exhaustion and defeat threatened to overtake her metal walls she had erected to keep her in check. Fortunately, she did not have the luxury to ponder on her problems since she had to figure out how to explain her sudden disappearance from the ball.
Once the bath was ready and her servant helped her unlace the corset, she let the hot water consume her senses as she stepped into the oversized tub.
"Serenity Flavius, get out here right now or I will come in there myself," her father suddenly yelled opening the door to her room.
Serenity jumped awake not aware that she had fallen asleep in the bath. She scrambled to get her clothes on as to not further anger her father, but she knew her punishment would be harsh this time. As soon as she walked out of the washroom in her robe, she could see the anger on her father's face.
"You called father?"
"Where were you? And don't try to play games with me. You had three men looking for you this evening and you were no where to be found here or at the ball," he demanded closing the distance between himself and his daughter. "I give you freedom to keep you happy, but that is not happening anymore."
"I didn't feel well so I went for a walk and got lost in the woods. You are welcome to look at my dress as proof," Serenity replied trying to keep her composure despite feeling her throat turn dry and eyes burn.
"I don't care if you are falling out. You are responsible for marrying a qualified suitor now that you are eighteen. The only reason you didn't have an arranged marriage was so that you would have some level of choice on who courted you. But I see I was too lenient since now you can't even manage to stay for an entire ball," he seethed.
"Whoever you choose for me, it will be a loveless marriage. You only care about money and wealth. . ." She couldn't finish her sentence before he slapped her across the face.
"You will shut your mouth now you insolent child. I have heard enough. Also, you are at this point betrothed to the Duke of Rowald. He may not be well known, but he has agreed to marry you no matter the current circumstances and he owns a profitable trading business. You will do well to learn your place."
Serenity couldn't stop the tears rolling down her face. She felt betrayed and heartbroken at the same time as she looked at her father in horror.
The Duke of Rowald was known as a cunning man with a heavy hand a long list of enemies that were frequently executed for the smallest wrongdoing. No one wanted their daughters married to him despite his inheritance and estate because his last two wives had died of suspicious causes.
"Please not him father," she begged. "Don't send me away to a man like him. He is a monster, and we all know what happens to those who are close to him."
Her father looked at her with cold, merciless eyes as tears continued to roll down her face. "You will do as you are told and that is final. Tomorrow he will come to take you to his estate for the wedding. Everything is already done."
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