Glass Cage

Chapter 4

I rushed outside to the garden, desperate to escape the suffocating pressure of my house. The air felt lighter, but my thoughts swirled with confusion and frustration, overwhelming me. I couldn't keep still, pacing back and forth. The vibrant colours of the flowers blurred into a haze as the weight of my father's challenge settled heavily on my shoulders. A way out, only if I could convince a lord to sponsor me for the royal guard. In a kingdom like ours, where female competitors were ridiculed, it felt impossible. But I had to try.

I can't keep this to myself any longer. A

As if fate had heard my silent plea, I glanced down toward the end of the garden and saw Lucas sprawled under the big oak tree, his usual place. His eyes were closed, resting, or perhaps waiting. Either way, he was the one person I needed right now. I walked toward him, the sight of the glistening river nearby calming my nerves, if only for a moment.

Without opening his eyes, Lucas spoke, his voice light and teasing. "Elyssa. If you're thinking of sneaking off to the meadows again, count me out this time. After last time—" He chuckled, his crooked grin spreading as he finally opened his eyes.

I managed a weak smile, but it faded quickly. I sank down beside him on the grass, my heart racing. "It's not that, Lucas. It's... something big."

Sensing my tone, Lucas straightened up, the playfulness leaving his expression. "What is it?"

I swallowed, struggling to steady my voice. "I'm being forced to marry."

"Who?" Lucas's voice was calm, but there was something beneath it, a tremor, almost imperceptible. I missed it, too absorbed in my own emotions.

"I don't know." My voice cracked, the emotion pushing through before I could stop it. "My parents won't tell me who he is. They're keeping it all secret, and I feel trapped. I don't want this, Lucas." My breath hitched. "But my father gave me a way out. If I win first place in the royal guard program, he'll release me from the arrangement."

His eyes darkened slightly, his jaw tightening, but he remained calm. "But the royal guard? You'll need a sponsor, Elyssa. And... who could—?"

"I know." I cut him off, frustration building. "That's the problem! No lord in this kingdom is going to sponsor a woman. I'm practically a joke to them. They want me behind embroidery hoops, not wielding a sword."

Lucas was silent for too long. I looked over at him, heart hammering. He was staring at the ground, his fingers absentmindedly pulling at a blade of grass. "Lucas?"

He looked up then, but his usual ease was gone. "It's just... complicated, isn't it?"

"What's complicated?" I pressed, frowning at the shift in his demeanour.

Lucas hesitated, forcing a small smile, but there was something hollow in his eyes. "It's just... a lot to take in. But I'll help you figure something out, Elyssa. You know I will."

Relief washed over me, if only briefly. "Thank you," I whispered. "I've been thinking of who might even consider it, but there aren't many options."

I began listing lords in my mind, names flowing through like a roll call of closed doors. Lord Wilder? Too much of a traditionalist. Lord Ahren? He barely respected women's opinions at social gatherings, let alone in matters of combat. Each name I thought of felt more hopeless than the last. But then, one name stood out. Lord Lightfield. Lucas's father. The one person who always treated me like family.

Lucas's father had often said I was like the daughter he never had. But could I ask him for such a favour when he'd already promised to sponsor Lucas?

I stood abruptly, my decision made. "I need to talk to your father."

Lucas's posture stiffened. "My father?"

"Yes," I said, more certain now. "He's the only one who might listen."

Lucas's silence stretched between us, but he didn't argue. I took it as permission to move forward.

---

Later that afternoon, I found myself standing outside Lord Lightfield's office, nerves buzzing through my veins. My palms were slick with sweat as I knocked. My heart pounded as if everything rested on this moment.

"Come in," a deep voice called from within.

I stepped inside, and Lord Lightfield greeted me with his usual warmth. "Elyssa! What a pleasant surprise." He stood from his desk, papers and ledgers scattered around him, and crossed the room to meet me. "What brings you here, my dear?"

I swallowed hard. "Eiran...Lord Lightfield... I need to ask a favour. A big one."

His brow furrowed slightly, but his eyes remained gentle. "Of course. Anything for you." He paused, noticing my hesitation. "No need for formality, Elyssa."

I bit my lip and finally forced the words out. "I need a sponsor for the royal guard."

For a moment, his face registered genuine surprise. He walked back to his desk, sighing softly as he sat down. "I see." His voice was quieter now. "Elyssa, you know I've always cared for you like you were my own daughter, don't you?"

I nodded, hope flickering faintly in my chest. "Yes. That's why I came to you."

His face softened with something close to regret. "And if it were in my power, I'd sponsor you in a heartbeat. I believe you could win, Elyssa. You have the strength, the intelligence, and the will."

I felt a surge of hope, but it was quickly dashed by the sadness in his eyes. "But I can only sponsor one candidate a year, and I've already promised that to Lucas."

The blow landed hard, harder than I expected. Of course. How could I have forgotten? Lucas. I looked away, my throat tight with disappointment.

"I'm so sorry, Elyssa," Lord Lightfield said, his voice filled with genuine regret. "If there were any way around it, I would sponsor you both. But the rules... they're clear."

I forced myself to nod, blinking back the frustration. "I understand."

He leaned forward, his tone kind but serious. "I want you to know I believe in you. If there's any other way I can help, I'll do it."

"Thank you," I said softly, managing a weak smile. "It means a lot."

As I left his office, the weight of reality pressed down on me. My one chance and it was gone. Now I was back to square one, no sponsor, and no way out of the marriage. All I had was the slim hope that someone else, someone willing to take a risk, might come forward.

But who? And how long could I keep up the fight when the odds were stacked so high against me? Is it even worth trying? I sighed deeply, making my way back to my house. Walking past my mother with ease as her focus was deep in wedding planning, another choice I am not a part of... I wonder if I have to go through with this if I could at least pick my dress? I sighed even deeper, probably not...I curl up in my bedsheets, feeling utterly defeated.