Heart Of Darkness

Chapter 36

Natasha showed Angelica to a nicely decorated room where she could stay until she met her suitor, which she had arranged. Only now did she realize how terrified she was of meeting the man that could be her future husband if things went as planned.

"Don't worry about your brother. Both our fathers have been to military camps. It has its benefits," Natasha told her.

Angelica knew that already. She knew the other boys would give her brother a hard time but at least there, he would have food and shelter, and he would be alive. Her heart broke, thinking she had to choose between those things for her brother.

"I know. Thank you." Angelica smiled.

"Alright. I will let you rest so you can impress Lord Scott tomorrow." She smiled at her before closing the door to the room behind her.

Once Natasha was out of sight, Angelica could finally breathe. She went to sit on the well-made bed and tried to calm down. Suddenly, her stomach was filled with dozens of butterflies that stabbed her like bees.

"Everything will be alright." She told herself.

If the man only looked past that she was a traitor's daughter, she wouldn't have any other problems.

Angelica spent the rest of her evening choosing the prettiest dress and jewellery and styling her hair. She didn't want to risk anything, and even if the man wanted to say no, she wanted to make it harder for him.

As a married woman, people would eventually have to treat her like the new family she belonged to and let go of the title she got as a traitor's daughter.

She wouldn't have to be afraid of going outside and being harassed anymore. Or she is even being harassed in her own home.

Then she tried to think of the negative things. There was a possibility that her husband wouldn't be a good man or that he would be much older than her. He could mistreat her and not allow her to do much. She wouldn't be happy with him.

Ultimately, the good things about getting married outweigh the wrong things. She was being mistreated anyway and wasn't much happier without getting married.

Feeling calmer now that she had sorted out her thoughts, she closed her eyes and eventually fell asleep.

When the morning came, the sunlight peeking through the window woke her. Angelica got out of bed and prepared for the day that could change her life forever. When she was satisfied with how she looked, she walked out of the room.

A maid stood waiting outside. "Lady Alden is waiting for you in the garden to have breakfast, My Lady." She informed me and then motioned me to follow her.

Angelica followed the maid to the garden, where Natasha sat comfortably with a cup of tea. A smile lit up her face upon her arrival.

"Good morning," Angelica greeted.

"Good morning Angelica. Please come and sit." She motioned for her to sit at the table.

Angelica went and sat down.

"I see you have taken care of yourself. You look beautiful," Natasha complimented.

"Thank you," Angelica replied.

"I am glad you are here. It seems like the killing of young women is continuing." She said, sipping her tea.

"And you think it is Lord Rayven?" Angelica smiled.

Hilde was the only one speaking positively about Lord Rayven.

"No. I can't think of anyone doing this since I don't know why they are doing it. It is so strange." She said with a frown.