On Top Of The World

Synopsis

" When I grow up I want to take over the family business, becoming the first duchess by title not by marriage" Samantha proudly announced to her mother who was teaching her the arithmetic arts.
" Ssssh!, Samantha not so loud" jasmine berated worried for her daughter
" No! " Samantha was stubborn,
" I want to take over, girls are just as good as boys" .

Jasmine sighed " who said you're not good, you'll bring prestige to the family when you marry a good fami_"
" don't lie to me mother, I may be six years old but I know that father looks down on you cause you are a girl. He doesn't cherish you" the girl's face was red and puffed by now, stunning jasmine. Her daughter was so smart it made her happy yet scared of what her husband would do if he found out about their private lessons in the six arts.
" What do you plan on doing ?" Jasmine was curious
" Of course make all men bow their heads to me " Jasmine's eyes were as wide as saucers, the girl was too much like her father, ambitious.

" What about your marriage, we were thinking the dotwell's son"
" No I won't marry, you're not happy, I won't". Jasmine sighed , she looked older and tired despite being twenty eight, she was once the continent's greatest beauty, grey eyes and unique platinum blonde hair alas she was wearing out. Samantha took after her platinum blonde hair and facial contours yet her father's sharp and alluring sapphire blue eyes. Jasmine knew that if not for her elder brother the grand duke's backing, Gregory would have taken in a concubine which would have threatened her two sons favour.
" Fine, don't get married, follow your dreams, mother will support "
" Jasmine!! " a furious roar came as Gregory entered with ten year old Arnold and Samantha's twin Henry.
" Don't get married, is this the nonsense you're teaching our daughter"
" Duke "
" Father", both mother and daughter curtsy.
" Boys take your sister "
" No! "
" Uncultured, I'm your father don't talk back "
" Samantha leave with your brothers" Jasmine hastened head still bowed.
The three children left the room, Henry the older twin glared at Samantha, his red hair and grey eyes made him fierce, he was their father's copy,

" can't you act more like a girl"
" Henry!" Arnold berated, hazelnut hair and grey eyes, making him as gentle as Jasmine.
Their mother's painful groans and pleas reached their ears making Henry more upset, he stomped his feet and left for his room.
" Samantha, listen more to father and give up your silly dreams, at least for mother, okay"
" Okay " Samantha agreed and Arnold hurried to escort her away, but hidden in the sleeves of her gown, were her crossed fingers, her hair hiding her ferocious expression.
' All of them she'd show them, prove them wrong and bring them to their knees, she won't be a coward like her mother, never, she refuses to be low to men'. She clenched her fists, eyes becoming sharper, if the righteous way doesn't work then she'd take the bloody road. When Arnold turned to see his sister, fearing she'd be sad, he only found a remorseful look, nothing like the fallen angel she'd portrayed, their innocent little sister was dead.