Glass Cage

Chapter 3

I stirred awake, the early morning light shining through the window. My mind was still foggy from sleep, I stretched wide, the nights events swirling into my thoughts. I then remember the conversation with Lord Theon. The irritating comments from Raiden. Then there was the commotion with Kairo at the table, frustration flaring inside me once more. Was my reaction justified? Did my parents find out?

I sighed, pulling myself upright just as my mother entered, her expression carefully composed. "Good morning, Ely," she greeted with a smile, though there was a weight behind her eyes.

"Morning mother", I replied, as she sat beside me, smoothing a hand over the bedspread.

"So... about last night", she began, raising an eyebrow. "I heard there was a bit of a commotion, enough to catch the attention of Lady Celeste. You know she loves to gossip", she sighs.

I smirked despite myself. Lady Celeste could sniff out drama like a bloodhound. "Kairo got under my skin. It wasn't meant to turn into... that."

My mother nodded, her face softening for a moment before she quickly changed the subject. "Well, we will deal with that later. For now, you have your dancing lesson today. It is important you learn the new dance, as our family have been invited to a large event, and as you know it is customary for you to showcase your skills. Your father has always been proud of how gracefully you dance, like a fairy, he says". She smiled briefly at the memory.

I felt a rush of excitement at the idea of dancing, but something seemed off. "A new dance?" I asked, my suspicion rising. "I usually get to pick my dances when performing, is this another one of father's diplomatic ventures again?"

Mother's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "July a new cultural dance. YOu know how your father loves to have you represent our family at these events". I am use to my father's involvement with other kingdoms and I do really enjoy the dances that came with it.

As we continued to talk, my mother casually mentioned the date of the event. It did not take me too long to realise it was the same date as the royal guard programme. That would be unfortunate as I would not be able to watch Lucas compete. I do love dancing though and I would not want to miss the opportunity to perform.

The day moved quickly, and soon I found myself in the grand ballroom, sunlight pouring through the arched windows, bathing the room in warmth. I moved through the steps of the new dance, my body following the intricate patterns almost instinctively. But my mind was elsewhere, torn between the thrill of dancing and the shadow of obligation looming over me.

My mother called softly as she approached. "You danced beautifully Elyssa, I am so proud of the elf you are becoming". I smiled, the warmth from my mother's words reaching my heart.

My mother escorted me home, and once we were alone in the sitting room, she sat me down, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. "I have some important news, Elyssa, I wished to tell you this morning but the final arrangements were not signed off yet", her voice quieter now, "you are going to be married".

I blinked, the word "married" ringing in my ears, but the meaning felt distant, surreal. My stomach clenched as if rejecting the very idea. "Married?" My voice cracked, fragile. I barely registered my mother's silence before a wave of panic hit me. "To who?". My voice started to tremble as my mother stayed quiet, "Who is he? What is his name? His family?". I demanded answers, but all my mother did was shake her head.

"I can't tell you that," she said firmly, though her eyes softened, betraying a hint of reluctance. "Not yet. But it will happen. You need to trust me, Elyssa. I only want what's best for you." Her voice wavered slightly, and for a moment, I wondered if she was as trapped as I felt.

"This is madness! Is this punishment for the commotion I caused last night?" My voice trembled, rising in desperation as I stood, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. Panic clawed at my throat. "I don't even know him, Mother! You're asking me to marry a stranger."

Her gaze towards me remained steady. "I cannot tell you anything about him Elyssa, it is part of the arrangement. And you know last night is not the only time, and probably not the last you are defiant in society. There have been a fair few things we have had to fix due to your different views".

"Why is it wrong to think differently? Why must I follow the path laid out for me like some mindless puppet?" My voice rose, sharp with frustration. "Female elves deserve the same chances as men! Why should I be forced to marry when I could stand alongside father in his work, or better yet, make my own name?".

"It is different for us Ely", she said softly even though her words were firm. "Change is coming, yes, but not fast enough. Not without something significant happening. I just want to keep you safe".

In my own desperation, my voice shook as I pleaded with an idea, "There is no rule against women in the royal guard. It is just no woman has ever been sponsored. Why not father sponsor me? Let me prove myself that I can keep myself safe without a man by my side".

Before she could respond, the door opened and my father stepped in, his voice calm but commanding. "Alright Elyssa". He stood there, his expression unreadable for what felt like an eternity. I held my breath, my heart thudding in my chest. Then, finally, his calm, steady voice cut through the tension. "I won't sponsor you, Elyssa. But if you can convince a lord to do so and win first place in the royal guard programme... I will release you from the arrangement."

My eyes widened as I processed his words, my heart racing. "Really?". Hope finally blossoming inside me, a possible way out of this marriage.

He nodded. "Yes. But if you fail, no more complaints. You will accept the marriage, and we will work toward your future with your suitor. He has shown great interest in you, and I truly believe he will take good care of you".

I swallowed hard, starting to feel the weight of the challenge and the warmth of my father's love. I stepped forward and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, father. I will do my best, and if it does not work out, I will trust in your choice".

He pattered my back gently. "I know this is difficult for you to understand, but there are reasons we cannot tell you everything about the arrangement. But I promise, after the wedding, everything will become clear".

The challenge hung in the air between us, heavy and daunting, but laced with possibility. I pulled back, looking into his eyes. "I trust you. I just hope I can find my own way though".