Golden Fate: A Fractured Nation

Preparation

Moira's POV

The next few months of my life were filled with parties and gowns. Elijah didn't show his face again after announcing our engagement. I can't deny the hit to my ego. Maybe I was the only one bewitched and he was simply performing for appearances sake.

I felt slightly relieved by his lack of attendance. My willpower had wavered the last time I saw him and I couldn't afford to let go and submit to him before we were wed. I am not sure what comes over me but in his presence I seem to lose all control of myself. If he didn't desire me anymore and wished to call off our engagement I would need to remain pure for my other suitors.

My schedule could not find the time to linger on such thoughts. I had been through more teachers and instructors in these few months than in my entire life. I abandoned most of them, finding refuge in the tundra encompassing our home. I'd rather freeze in the forest than hear another screeching voice tell me what a good wife I must be.

My current predicament was yet another ball I wished not to attend. Each one was the same, a parade in my honor to show myself off to any Lord who might take interest. These men were backup plans, insurance in case Elijah called off our engagement. Each dance, father dressed me like a harlot, hardly covering any bit of my flesh before tossing me to the wolves.

This moment was no different. Today I wore a pale blue gown, if you could call it that. Two pieces of sheer fabric were draped over my shoulders, hanging loosely over my front and back. My thighs were exposed in their entirety, the scraps of fabric held in place with a silver belt of small chains.

Silver jewelry adorned the rest of my skin, every wrist and ankle weighed down with multiple bangles. My breasts were also wrapped in jewelry beneath my gown. The cold metal felt like a cage around my chest, a mark of being owned. Even my ears were decorated with silver, long chains and studs lining both sides.

The pale, winter tones left my copper skin flushed and washed out. Even my eyes faded against the colors. I looked as though I had kissed death, as if they had just pulled me out of a river. Father of course insisted on the winter tones for this ball. The winter solstice had finally come around, my mother's favorite event of the year.

Mother enjoyed the stars, and on the solstice the stars lingered in the sky for longer, nearly the entire week. An entire week of darkness and moonlight. I admit, I enjoyed these balls the most. A warm feeling enshrouded me, as if my mother embraced me one last time.

A knock sounded on my door before Cas gently opened it. "Ready?" I rolled my eyes letting out an irritated breath before curtly taking his arm and making my way down the stairs. We had repeated this same monotonous day for months.

Cas would parade me around the room, encouraging me to dance with all manners of nobility and Lords. Each time I would attempt to sneak off at the first chance, running to my safe haven outside these walls. This time, however, would be different. An uneasy feeling hung in the air like a dark cloud.

My Father approached us, hooking his arm with mine. "Leave us, Caspian." Cas dipped his head, unlinking his arm from mine before turning on his heel and joining the crowd. My eyes did not miss the snarl that came from Steele as he sat in the corner of the room.

Steele acted as a guard, surveillance to record my every step. I would not be permitted my outing tonight, not under Steele's gaze. The white beast's fur had faded and dulled but those golden orbs were as sharp as ever.

Father gently held my hand, pulling me in close to him with his linked arm. "you will not abandon this night as you have the last. You will dance and be happy, as is your duty. If you fail, your sister will be forced to marry a Lord instead. You wouldn't want that for sweet Addie, would you?" His voice was venomous, a poison that dug into my mind. I softly smiled, my eyes staring straight ahead. "Good, do not forget your place."