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 hush fell over the room as the Duchess scanned the remaining seventeen contestants, her gaze lingering briefly on Adanna. "Felicidades," she declared, "you have all proven yourselves to be women of a certain... resourcefulness." A few nervous giggles rippled through the group. "The next challenge will test your personality and separate the truly worthy candidates from the... less prepared." She paused, letting the suspense build. "Only ten of you will move on to the third challenge, which will be exceedingly difficult, I assure you." (Congratulations)
The Duchess cast a pointed look at the remaining ladies. Their expressions mirrored a mix of relief and trepidation. "The third challenge will take place the day after tomorrow," she continued. "I wish you all the best in your preparations." With that, she walked out of the room, the door shutting with a firm click behind her.
Serena nudged Adanna, her voice a barely audible whisper. "How did you think figure the jug trick?"
Adanna grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Pure fortune, I suppose," she replied, though the twinkle in her gaze betrayed a different story. Relief and a touch of awe washed over Serena. "I am so glad we both succeeded," she declared, squeezing Adanna's arm.
Adanna, however, felt a knot of frustration tighten in her stomach. This whole "Duchess" business was beginning to feel suffocating. Indeed, the challenges were interesting, but they were a far cry from the freedom she craved. Escape. The word echoed in her mind. She had to find a way out of this cage to explore Aeronia.
"Serena," she began, her voice low, "about exploring..."
Serena cut her off, "Adanna, no. At least not yet. We have come this far. Let us see what the third challenge is about. Then, perhaps..."
Adanna shook her head, her resolve hardening. She could not wait. Escape was now her driving force. "I appreciate the thought, Serena," she said, her voice firm, "but I cannot... will not... wait. I must get out there."
Serena's face fell. "But Adanna, What of becoming Duchess?"
"I know the duke will not even spare me a second glance," Adanna said, her voice filled with determination. "But this competition is about more than just becoming Duchess. It's about the adventure, the chance to break free from Niamedan constraints."
"I think you would be an amazing duchess," Adanna continued, placing a comforting hand on Serena's shoulder, her own arm jostling slightly with the weight of her voluminous gown. Despite her fuller figure, she moved with a grace that belied her impatience. "But I am not meant for this, not really. I am Adanna, a lady of Niameda, and I wish to experience Aerionia for myself, not just as a potential wife."
Serena sighed, a hint of disappointment mixed with resigned understanding in her eyes. "Be careful, Adanna," she murmured. "We are not from Aeronia, and their customs are different."
Adanna winked. "Always," she assured her friend, a mischievous smile playing on her full lips. "Now let us go and eat some of that delightful lunch. I suspect we shall need our strength for whatever the next challenge holds."
Serena could only shake her head, a small smile playing on her lips. But despite her worries, a part of her admired Adanna's daring spirit. They left the drawing room together, their steps echoing through the corridor as they made their way to the grand dining hall.
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