Book 3 of: Whispers Of Desires.
Adanna, a plus-size woman of 27 and the third of her family's daughters, fears the inevitable label of spinster as she remains unmarried. Frustrated with her lack of prospects, she decides to take her search for a hus...
A year had passed since the summer that changed Niameda. The kingdom stood at the threshold of a new era, with Governor Adrian Rothschild newly elected, succeeding Duke Nari. The threats that once surrounded Niameda had diminished, replaced by a cautious hope for the future.
In the royal court, life moved forward. Kazi, the kingdom's general, continued to strengthen Niameda's defenses. Nia ruled beside Kiyoshi, in the allied kingdom of Ivamis. Ife and Asha, continued their lives as respected members of Niameda's nobility.
As Niameda embraced change, its people looked forward with measured optimism. New alliances formed, and old wounds began to heal.
And yet, within the walls of Duke Nari's residence, a young lady was filled with despair...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Silence hung heavy in the drawing room, the only sound the delicate clink of teacups as Adanna stirred her drink. Adanna sat stiffly in an armchair, her long braids pulled back in a bun, dressed in a light pink gown, a stark contrast to the frown etched on her face as she stared blankly into her teacup. Across from her, Ife and Asha exchanged worried glances confused by their sister's sudden change in mood.
After several long moments, Ife cleared her throat, shattering the heavy silence. "Adanna, is everything quite alright? You seem...distracted."
Silence was her only reply.
Asha looked at Ife, then back at Adanna, unsure of what to do. They exchanged another worried glance before Asha finally spoke up. "Adanna?" she said.
Silence...
The maids who were dusting the bookshelves paused, sensing the tension in the room. Suddenly, Adanna slammed her teacup down on the table, with so much force that tea splashed out of it. Startled, the maids hurried to clean up the mess.
"Tell me, Ife," Adanna demanded, her voice dripping with anger, "am I so repulsive, so utterly un-marriageable, that not a single man in the entire kingdom will have me?"
Ife nearly choked on her tea. "Repulsive? Adanna, have you gone mad?" she sputtered, her eyes wide with shock. "If you are repulsive does that not mean I am as well? And Asha?" she added, gesturing to their younger sister. "You know that I am not repulsive."
Adanna stood up abruptly, her chair scraping loudly across the wooden floor. "An entire year I've wasted, attempting to secure a husband! And what do I have to show for it? Nothing! Not a thing! I am practically a spinster in society's eyes!"
Asha looked to Ife, at a loss for words. Ife chose hers carefully. "Finding a husband takes time, Adanna. Remember how long Nia searched before meeting Kiyoshi? Eight years! These things cannot be rushed."
Adanna started pacing around the room, her hands wringing the fabric of her gown. "Society has already labelled me a spinster, Ife! Do you have any idea how that feels?"
Asha giggled. "What about Sir Hugo's proposal?" she asked, "Surely that must count for something!"
Adanna gave her a glare. "Are you mocking me? We were five years old when he asked for my hand!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. "I am twenty-seven now! I should have been married by now!"
"He still counts as a suitor," Ife muttered under her breath.
"Do not jest!" Adanna cried. "Is it truly so much to ask, to find a love like Azrael or Kiyoshi A man to cherish me as they do our sisters?"
Ife couldn't contain a chuckle. "This from the woman who always agreed with Kazi that marriage was a waste of time and energy?" she teased.
"Oh hush, Ife," Adanna snapped. "I am serious!"
"What exactly are you seeking in a husband, Adanna?" Ife asked, genuinely curious.
Adanna drew herself up, ticking the qualities off on her fingers. "Well, first, he absolutely must be tall as I am only 5'8. Wealth is a given - he needs to support me in the lifestyle to which I am accustomed. Pleasant scent and fashionable attire are a must. He should come from a respectable family and desire children. Respect and reverence for our family is non-negotiable." She paused, thinking. "A townhouse in the capital, a country estate, at least a dozen servants, and a generous pin money are essential as well. Gifts of jewels and exotic clothing would not go amiss."
Ife and Asha stared at her in amazement. "Adanna," Ife said slowly, "those are rather... specific requirements."
Adanna opened her mouth to respond, but then there was a knock on the door. The door swung open to reveal the head maid, a peculiar expression on her face.
"Lady Adanna," she said with a quick curtsey, "you have a visitor waiting..."
