They Called Her Izana

The Red Seal

She stood in her room. The dark circles under her eyes matched her red glasses. She held it in her hands. A rolled-up paper, written on and adorned with a red seal. The decision about her admission to PUN. It felt like a weight had been lifted, but at the same time, a mountain had landed on her. Izana had been accepted to every university she applied to, but now she had to tell her father.

That day, Izana realized something important. She wasn't just the heiress of the Waltory family. She was a smart heiress.

She told the sweet news to her father at dinner. When the whole family was there. Her uncle, two aunts, grandparents, her absent-minded mother, and the servants. She did it deliberately. She needed an audience. Mr. Waltory had never hit her, but he wanted more than once. It was her form of protection.

The head of the household kept quiet. Just like everyone else. Speechless faces full of astonishment. They marveled that she had dared, that she had succeeded, and they also wondered how to prevent her from attending. Especially her father.

"I'm first. I didn't lose a single point," she informed him, pushing the paper with the red seal under the head of the family's long nose.

"What were you thinking? What about your marriage?"

She prepared for such a question. It didn't scare her. At least not on the outside. Inside, she was a little girl, scared to say anything.

She moved her glasses, let the air hang for a brief pause, and said, "You know what you always told me about our family, Father? That we are the richest in all of Nasussu and that if we wanted, we could buy the government. For generations, we have gained wealth that must be protected. Do you want someone who isn't of our blood, someone who only marries into the family, to decide over that wealth?"

"And what choice do I have?" The head of the family gave a short glance at his wife.

Divorce was not allowed in Nasussu. He had no son. Izana's mother had only become pregnant once, and then she lost her mind. Right now, she was focusing only on her spoon. A wheelchair propped up her head to keep it from slumping onto her shoulder.

"You have me. And I think I'm a good choice. I'm the first in history to score full marks on the PUN entrance exams," she watched his face closely.

"Fine, if you think it's that easy, but I warn you, little lady. One misstep, and you're done," that was his final judgment.