AU. Between the kingdoms

Chapter 1

    The strict hierarchy in society was divided into classes, and each class had its own etiquette. The elite adhered to the strictest rules of behavior, differing from ordinary people in manners, clothes and lifestyle. Elegance was not just a fashion, but a reflection of social status. Men wear tailcoats, ties, top hats, while women adorn themselves with lush dresses with lace, corsets, gloves and lots of jewelry.

    It was important to master the art of small talk, to be able to dance and play musical instruments. Men were supposed to be gallant, women were supposed to be modest and gentle, quiet and submissive.

     The layer of high society adhered to strict moral standards. It was not appropriate for women to take the initiative in relationships with men. Marriage was an important step in life and was often dictated by social status.

      The ideal of beauty had to be perfectly matched. The girls had to be fragile, graceful, with a delicate face, a gentle voice and graceful movements. The young men had to be strong, handsome, with noble manners.

     The girls were taught the art of housekeeping, playing musical instruments, dancing, and all the subtleties of etiquette.

      Romantic relationships were often limited by strict rules and social conventions. The dates were often formal and supervised by the parents. There must be a good pedigree for boys and girls. And thoughts did not knock on noble doors that a commoner could touch the noble edge of his clothes.

     The Sato family. It is famous for its honor and nobility. Maritami Sato has always been as free as the waves of the sea. In secular society, the girl skillfully hid her sonorous laughter and restlessness, replacing them with a shy look and a gentle whisper, which, however, could not hide the spark of rebellion in her eyes. She studied the intricacies of etiquette, danced waltzes and sorted out fine dishes at receptions, but her soul yearned for freedom and adventure.

     The girl's mother was tied up with chains with Marites. She was not allowed to express her opinion openly, her future was determined in advance by marriage with the appropriate young man. But the young girl was not one to accept her fate. She secretly studied horse riding, went on secret walks through forests and mountains, picked wildflowers, read novels and dreamed of a life full of bright colors and unpredictable events. Her soul yearned for the sea, for the sky, for freedom and adventure.

    Before he could spread his wings over the transparent sea, the messenger sent a letter asking for Marie's hand in marriage. She doesn't know from whom.

     Before he could spread his wings over the transparent sea, the messenger sent a letter asking for Marie's hand in marriage. She doesn't know from whom.

     The paper, smelling of violets and lavender, was decorated with a coat of arms that she had never seen before, but it seemed there was something familiar in the books. The girl's heart sank with anxiety and uncertainty. Was this request from a person she knew, or from some stranger whose intentions she did not know? Was this person chosen by her parents or was she recommended by her brother?

     Maritami remembered her secret walks and dreams of freedom. She didn't want to become a wife simply because it was the way it was supposed to be, and she didn't want to marry a man she didn't love. My heart was clenching more and more often. The unpredictability of her future made her stomach clench and her heart wanted to jump out.