Blood runs shallow

The Meeting

cont Sadie POV: "Greetings gentlemen hope the tea is of your liking its been hand picked from India you can thank my butler Albert for bringing back some from his travels." There are a few whispers of gratitude and then silence.

I press myself into a dark corner, hiding behind the thick velvet curtains that only revealed blacked out bay windows.

Father's voice floods into the room imposing yet accommodating "As you know war is slowly nearing us. We need to plan ahead and protect our town".One of the men in the far corner of the room wearing a suit of woven silk spoke, "and how do you propose do that Mr Laurent".Father's face twitched although only me and Alex would be able to tell the signs to everyone else his face was as emotionless as a dry day with no breeze."Albright , no need for the formal addresses and to elaborate on how we protect the town, Ive secured a negotiation with the (enemies) if we surrender with no upheaval they will allow us to live in pease and will be able to conduct trade with other neighbouring towns and cities." I looked at Mr Albright he was quiet and hard to read. Father was waiting for Albright's approval along with the other not that he needed it but so that he could know who he would have to get rid of. I bit my lip not a very lady like thing but neither was what I was gonna do next. 

I stepped forward out of the shadows pushing the velvet curtains behind me I looked my father in the eye  "We will not surrender" now his face was definitely changing morphing into something more horrifying than I could ever even comprehend he was furious and I could tell. He opened his mouth to speak, Butterworth a large man who barely fit in his chair sat next to father chuckled "Your daughter sure has a tongue  Mr Laurent .She's quite the daredevil". I glowered. Butterworth is to be my fiancé in 2 summers it was long decided before I even knew how to speak ."Butterworth I do apologise for her behaviour she must be feeling under the weather isint that right darling". 

Father turned facing me.I scowled "I am well father"I said firmly a small cough was heard, Lord Adelric spoke "On contrary Mr Laurent your daughter does have a valid point why must we surrender ?" I looked in the direction of Lord Alderic and smiled. I dip myself into a half curtsey suddenly I felt someone grab my arm it was Alex, He whispered into my ear "Sadie get out of here il help you but if you stay here any longer your going to get punished". I nod as Alex escorts me out of the room."

Stop getting yourself in trouble like that. Women are to be seen not heard or you might just be no different from those peasants down the road". I hold my breath with tears gathering about to spill involuntarily. I shove Alex to the side. "You have lived with me for all my life and you know what I've had to face in this society how dare you say that". Alex's face turns pale the blood running out of it. "Sadie you know what I mean I didn't mean to hurt you" I glare at him "Alex do you want a war ? Do you want me to be sold off to some glutinous wealthy bugger. Do you want me to be a pawn in dad's game ?" 

I turn and straighten my back and hurry upstairs. Tears sting my skin my face turning a soft red. I pull my heavy trunk from under the bed and stuff as many clothes I can in it. I look over the window it's a bit of a jump. I hide my trunk under my bed and put my walking boots on. I glance both sides my head poking out of my door. The coast is clear as I sneak down the servants staircase. I run out of the kitchen door.