The strength to resist

Chapter 12- Sweet smiles and dark eyes

We were alone in his study room. He sat down in a big red armchair. I stood there not knowing how to process what just happened. Ezra was even crazier than I thought. Like irredeemable crazy.

"You know I could get used to you begging." He said looking up and down my body.

This send shivers down my spine.

"Now dry your tears. I will tell you part of your surprise. We are going to have a little party. And I want you to behave."

"Why are you doing a party?" I asked.

"A little tradition before going off to a fight." He shrugged.

"So you are going to attack the hotel tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow night, yes."

"And why do you need Arthur?"

"You are asking so many questions." He complained. "Well this is the other part of the surprise I won't reveal." He smiled mischievously.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Perfect timing." Ezra said. Three girls came into the room. "I told them to come to help you get ready." He said. I didn't recognize any of them. This didn't surprised me since I didn't went out a lot the last time I was in Highland. The girls were smiling and one squeaked with excitement.

I was brought into the living room. A vanity was set up and I sat down.

"You are going to look so pretty." Said the girl who squeaked earlier. She was the youngest one of the three.

"Lucy stop being ridiculous and do her nails." Said the tall bossy girl.

"Yes Angela."

They were working in silence. I wasn't in the mood for talking. But then I thought of Jonathan and his sister. Maybe it was the moment to figure out where she is.

"Do you remember Jonathan?" I asked them.

"Oh yes. Such a tragic story. He went lost during one of the food expeditions." Sighed Lucy.

"And the poor sister. She couldn't believed that he died." Explained the girl with the glasses. "She went crazy and told everybody that Ezra and..." They looked at each other.

"...Dorian..." Whispered the girl with glasses. "...anyways. She told everybody that Ezra ordered him to kill Jonathan. Can you believe this?"

Yes, I actually can. I was baffled. They were so brainwashed

"But Ezra is so merciful that she didn't get punished. She is confined in the medical cabin though." She continued the story.

"Now shush Camy, we don't talk about this." Said Angela.

This meant that Jonathan's sister was still alive right?

"You are so lucky." Said Lucy. I could tell the tall one didn't agree.

"Why am I lucky?" I asked. Angela stopped doing my make up. "You don't deserve him." She answered.

I was stunned. Do they like him? Do they like it here?

"You agree with Ezra's actions?" I asked puzzled.

They nodded. "I mean were are all fine. We have enough food and a roof over our heads. Why should we complain?" said Camy.

"We are more than fine." Said Angela. "Now shut up so I can do your lipstick."

There was nothing left to do for me then to obey.

And when they finished my make over they handed me over a dress. Or more what was left of it. It was a creme underdress where the bottom of the dress was cut irregularly. What kind of party is his?

I scoffed. "I can't wear this. This is not a dress. This is lingerie."

"Well this is the whitest thing we found. So be grateful." Said Angela.

"Why should I absolutely wear white to a party? Can't I keep my clothes?" What is happening?

"Tonight is not a normal party. I stated. And then it hit me. He is going to mary me...

"No silly! It is going to be so romantic." Squeaked Lucy.

My wedding. I couldn't breathe anymore and collapsed. The girls rushed to aid me.

"I can't do this. I don't want to marry him." I said panicking.I want to see Amelia. I need to see Amelia

"I heard it is common to have last minutes doubts. But don't you worry!" Said Camy.

Oh this was more than last minutes doubts. This was my body and my soul not wanting to be near him. To be his wife.

"I don't want to marry him. He is a monster." I told them.

They looked at each other with fear. "The walls have ears." Whispered Angela and kneeled down to me to help me up.

Amelia said the same thing. How could Ezra control so many people with fear? Why did nobody do something against him?

She fake laughed and said out loud. "Now you are ridiculous. You are just nervous like Camy said."

Were they playing a role all this time?

Angela hugged me. "Since you are here he is in a better mood. So for the sake of us marry him and shut up." She whispered in my ear.

Someone nocked at the door. "Are you ready?" they asked.

"Almost." Answered Angela. And like this they forced me into my dress.