Broken Soldier ~ Assassin's Creed 4

Chapter Seventeen

Mother has sent me letters, each one full of pleads for me to finally choose a husband from the suitors she chose. She suggested Martin Labrousse, a French noble who was all too willing to continue on his family name. Apparently he had devilishly handsome looks, piercing green eyes and a smile which could melt even the hardest of hearts. I was attempting to avoid it, but an entire year of the exact same pleads over and over again begins to wear away at a person. And, no matter how ashamed you may be, journal, I did accept the offer of marriage. I wasn't exactly planning on marrying the man. I would turn him down once I finally got home. At least I stopped mother from sending so many letters. A twenty two year old woman does not need to be treated as a baby her entire life.

Marriage was not what I wanted, not so soon at least. It was all white dresses and airs and graces. Fancy silverware, family, friends, strangers and a lifetime of possible dread. Elisa Labrousse... I suppose it did have a rather nice ring to it, as much as I hated to admit it. However, I couldn't see the two of us together, mostly because I had no idea what Martin even looked like. Of course, there was a blur with green flames for eyes and a set of white pearls as teeth, and me sitting beside this unfamiliar fog. I didn't remember what he looked like from the ball, I didn't even know any of the suitors' names on the night. There were at least four men with green eyes, all of them having lovely smiles. Though, there were never any proper introductions, only my mother telling me that I would have to pick at least one favourite from them all. I did, however, have a favourite. A man with blue eyes and brown hair, though his smile wasn't anything spectacular. He had told me his name, though I didn't remember it. Patrick? Harold? Benjamin? No, it couldn't have been any of those... I was certain he said something about having hounds on his estate. Or maybe it was birds..?

I rose from my desk as the bell for dinner rang. A lot had changed in the past year. Freda and I had fallen out once, for about an hour, and then were friends again. After that, I stopped art lessons and they were instead replaced with more violin ones. My mother was rewarding me for being so independent, and even paid the school just for the trouble. Though, there was no way it was any trouble, my mother was just too kind to let them give me extra violin lessons for free. Really, I suppose a little recompense for my wrong doings was probably needed. I was constantly speaking out of turn and even once stole a set of keys from the head bitch's office. The keys only led to the equipment sheds, but Freda wanted some paint, which she used to paint a large picture of the male genitalia on her wall... Granted, no one would ever see it, but she would surely be expelled if someone should happen to see it.

The air in the hallways was warm. Not an unpleasant warmth, just enough that no one would sweat. Summer had finally set in this year and we were all feeling its effects. The girls seemed to be more tired, too tired in fact that the teachers barely had any problems with bad behaviour, except from Freda and I. It was all harmless mischief, really. Swearing, throwing pebbles at each other, stealing. Between our mischief, we did still get a lot of work done. Our grades were still the same as when we started, if not a small bit higher. That was probably the only reason we hadn't been expelled yet.

"Has lover boy sent you any more letters?" I was greeted by Freda who jumped out from behind a corner. I kept my composure, continuing to walk forward.

"Edward?" She nodded, grinning. "No."

"He has, hasn't he?" I blushed slightly. "Aw, what did he say?" She nudged me with her elbow.

"Well, for a start, he was wishing me a happy birthday."

"That's a few months late, is it not?"

"He sent it the day of my birthday so it hasn't reached me until now." I scrunched up my face. "Anyway, be quiet, this is my story." She raised her hands in surrender. "He also sent me a book of poems by Isaac Watts. Luckily, I got to it before head bitch. Also, I sent him a letter for his birthday a while ago." She smiled.

"He likes you."

"I'm going back to my room to read my poems." Freda grabbed my sleeve.

"I was only joking."

"Yes, but it wasn't very funny. Now, your friend is off to read a present from her supposed love interest. Do excuse me." I smirked and stepped past her, walking slightly faster to get to my room quickly. I wanted to write a letter, thanking Edward for the book. Also, he seemed worried, for whatever reason. I couldn't comprehend why he would be so worried for me. I, on the other hand, was petrified of losing one of my only friends.

Dear Edward,

I am worried about you. I'm not sure why, but I feel an intense pain whenever I think about you.

My engagement is final. I am going to be Elisa Labrousse, if I do decide to marry the man. I doubt very much that I will want a wedding, but I may one day change my mind. I don't know. Again, I am turning to your opinion. You are far more wise than myself, and I will only end up doubting myself.  If you could give me advice on anything at all, I would be grateful.

Freda is getting on my nerves slightly. She just gets on my nerves, acting as if there is something going on between you and me. I know it is just harmless teasing, but I could do without it. School is getting stressful. I've been here just over a year and every year, the entire school has to do exams. I'm not used to so much stress. I want to go home. Also, I miss you. I hope you will come back to England soon. And, I do hope you are alright on that ship. It does seem awfully dangerous. Please reassure me that you are safe. For my sake.

Elisa.