In His Cold Embrace

I sat up straight clasped my hands into my lap, and stared coolly at my father, who was seated behind his imposing, oak desk. His handsome, arrogant face was looking very angry, and it was all directed at me.

"Rosemarie," his voice rumbled as he glared at me, "I will not tolerate this attitude from you. It is not befitting a lady."

I couldn't care less about propriety. "To hell with being ladylike!" I snapped, my defiance bubbling up like a tempest.

"To blazes with being ladylike!" I snapped, not caring if my father was appalled.

"Rosemarie Simmons, the decision on this marriage is final and if you dare to defy me, I shall certainly disinherit you from the kingdom with only the clothes on your back," he told me coldly, before drawing himself up to his full six-foot-two height. Jonathan Simmons was feared by the commoners and some other Lords in both the kingdom over which he reigned and the nearby one.

As tears of rage sprang up into my eyes, I glared at him and for the very first time in my life, I felt like I hated him. I stood quickly and my many petticoats swished around my legs beneath the fine blue gown I wore. "You are one cold man, and I hope to God that you do not get what you want out of this forced marriage." With those words hanging, I hurried to the door with my dress bunched up in my fists as I ran through the open door. I didn't stop when he called my name or paid any attention to the guards standing outside. I just ran, my satin blue slippers thudding lightly on the corridor floors as I tried to keep my tears at bay.

Finally, alone in my chambers, I sat on my bed and buried my face in my hands. Tears flowed uncontrollably. I never wanted it to come to this, but what other choice do I have?  I couldn't believe my own father had sold me off into a marriage with an elderly man! Mother would have never allowed him to.

I clenched my fists, mind racing with anger and disbelief. How could he threaten to disinherit me? Is his control over me more important than my happiness? No, turning me into a breeder is what my father wants.

There was a knock at the door, and Muriel, my favorite maid and friend opened the door and slipped in. She was a middle-aged kind-hearted woman, with brown eyes and light brown hair, also a bit on the plump side. 

She offered a small smile and hugged me tightly to her chest; from when I was only a little babe, I'd thought of her as my second mother.

"Aye, the date is set, love. You are to meet with thy husband-to-be tomorrow morning to sign the prenup."

I cried even harder and held onto Muriel, who sighed and patted my hair. "This is an awful thing to do to one's daughter, don't you think!"

"Oh, my dear, I know you are hurt and I have nothing to tell you as to advise you about the situation."

I pulled away and wiped my eyes with the handkerchief. "I'm through crying and feeling sorry for myself, Muriel. I'm leaving." 

I let the words sink in and Muriel stared at me in shock. "Aye, my love. I would do the same if I were you. Where are you running off to?"

"I don't know," I confessed and began to pack a small trunk with a red chemise, three silk undergarments, three lovely gowns two evening dresses, and a nightgown to sleep in.

While packing my belongings, my hands trembled and my heart sank. What if I'm caught? What if I'm leaving behind the only life, I've ever known for something worse?

I was sure that wherever I ended up, I could purchase some more clothes by selling my two jewelry trinkets filled with finely cut stones of all kinds. I pulled on my black riding boots.

"How are you even going to escape, milady ?"

"I'll go through the servants' quarters near the kitchen," I told her and proceeded to wrap up my black hair in a tight bun, determined to make my escape.

"Rosemarie, please be very careful. Your father has the best knights in all the kingdoms, and you are his only child. He needs an heir. There's no telling what he might do. Besides, there are many cruel men out there. Would you like it if I came with you?"

I want her with me, but I can't risk her safety. She's the only mother I've ever had.

"Oh, Muriel," I sniffed and sat beside her, then took her hands into mine. "It would be best if I went off alone and don't forget that I will always love you like the mother you are to me." Tears threatened again but I just ignored them. Muriel began to cry though and I released a few tears.

"I'll leave on my own horse," I hugged her and rose up, determined to leave.

My father would be furious when he learned of my escape, but I didn't care. I slipped out behind Muriel, and we hurried down to the kitchen, thankfully empty at this late hour, down the cobbled steps. Outside, the night air was cool, but I didn't slow my pace in the darkness. Muriel followed me to the large barn, and I ran down the familiar path to reach my horse, Storm, who whinnied softly upon seeing her. I lovingly kissed Storm's muzzle and whispered for her to remain quiet. The white horse glistened in the darkness as I saddled her up. Then I handed the trunk to Muriel, securing it around my waist and twisting it to my back, albeit uncomfortably.

"I'll be okay, Muriel," I vowed before giving her one final hug, before mounting Storm and blew Muriel a kiss. With Muriel's help, I led Storm out of the stall and out of the barn. She took the direct path, slipping through the servant's quarters near the kitchen.

"Dammit," I hissed when I spotted a guard at the clearing a few meters up. I relaxed when I saw that it was only Clyde, the youngest squire, knowing he was soft on me. "Howdie, Clyde." I drawled, speaking like a commoner. "I'm going for a short ride; I'll be back soon."

The young boy grinned at me and nodded his head. I rode off into the night, without a plan for the future or knowing where I was going.