The Traitor's Son

2

This was the last thing I've ever wanted. Why didn't they decide to marry him to a princess instead? I was merely a servant and would rather stay that way then marry Ethan, not meaning to be rude.

"We are still deciding on the wedding day," the King went on. "I hope it is to be soon though. I believe this boy will be a great loving husband."

It was my nightmare to be a part of an arranged marriage. I wanted to marry someone I would truly love, someone who my own heart got to chose. I didn't want others to choose for me. I felt so sick right now.

"It would be an honor to have you as our daughter-in-law," the Queen said with a bright smile. "I am so very happy that my son chose you."

I'm not, I thought.

"We didn't intend to drag this meeting for longer. I wanted you here to inform you of your marriage that will soon take place. When the date is known, I will give it to you," the King said. I only gave a nod, afraid I was going to cry if I opened my mouth.

The Queen stood up and smiled. "Please take good care of him. You two will spend a lot more time so you could get to know each other more. Take care, darling."

"You are dismissed," the King said. I gave a last curtsy and left the room. I wish I could speak back to them right then and there, but I will only shame myself.

I went to my room as quickly as possibly and shut the door behind me with the click of a lock. I could have spent my time going to Rosa and help her prepare for her date...how lucky she was. But I only went to my bed and lay face down and let the tears flow down my cheeks. Why was I the one living this nightmare?

***

The next day, I went around doing work without feeling any emotions. I tried to dodge any conversation with anyone. I plucked weeds without realizing they were even there. I watered flowers and took ripe tomatoes from the garden.

As I pulled out some green onion, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I quickly turned around, startled.

"Aria," Ethan said. His light eyes looked into mine. "Let's spend some time together today, shall we?" he smiled and tilted his head. I bit my tongue from saying anything and only gave a nod. I didn't want him to get upset and force me to go anywhere, so I might as well follow. 

He took my hand but I quickly pulled away and patted my dress from any dirt. I didn't want to hold his hand.

"You know, my parents suggested I marry a princess but it was you who caught my eye," Ethan said. "Even though you're just a servant, you are so beautiful, Aria. I've seen you at a distance - you work hard and are a kind girl. But it's your beauty I admire - it's unlike anything in the kingdom. Many men have fallen for you, but I am the prince, so I get first choice."

This kid's attitude made me want to punch him. He never even asked for my hand in marriage. Maybe he was scared I would reject him, which would be right to do so. 

"So, my dear" - I nearly gagged when he said this - "I would want to have an amazing life with you. One filled with pleasure. One filled with your beauty-"

"Sir, it's an honor that you think I'm beautiful, but there is more to a person then just their looks," I cut in. 

"Ah, but you are a different story. You can be mean and hurtful, and you can be kind. Either way, I will always love you," he hummed. Was he still some child? He was disgusting. Please, I really enjoyed my single life, thank you very much.

"Um, love doesn't work that way. This is merely infatuation," I said.

"No, for I loved you for as long as I could remember," he said. "It is love. Once that blossoms and blooms over the warm sun..." whatever he was rambling on of, I didn't understand. I was honestly getting pissed now. Couldn't he leave me alone? I needed to find of an excuse to leave.

"Oh, sir-" I started but he quickly interrupted. 

"Don't call me sir, but call me Ethan or any other adorable nickname," he said. "My beautiful sweet pea." He caressed my cheek and I took a step back. I was so very disgusted by him.

"I-I have work I need to attend to. Please, it is an urgent matter," I said. "I don't have time to be walking around right now-" I didn't really intend that to be rude.

"Don't worry. I can relieve you of your work," he said. Way to ruin my plans kiddo. I was already sick and tired of him.

But what he did next made me so disgusted of him, I hated even looking at his face. He placed his arms around my waist and roughly pulled me closer to him. I tried to push away but he was resistant. I could feel his hands slowly pull my dress up.

"Please stop it!" I said and I pushed myself away with a heavy shove. I was breathing heavily and could feel the tears form in my eyes. "I-I'm not ready for any of this. Please forgive me, but I must leave now." I turned and half-ran back to my room, slamming the door shut. I slipped on the floor breathing heavily.

I didn't need my run this bad direction. I was thankful with the life I had before. What did I ever do to deserve this lack of decions?

The world is an unfair place. Kind people treated terribly and rude ones treated too well. There are many people who suffered a great deal - and many more who would suffer.

But I wasn't ready for this nonsense of arranged marriages.