Roses Are Red (book 1)

Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Family

"Ruby, darling. We need to discuss your engagement," her father said.

Ruby just got downstairs after changing, the soft fabric of her green sundress brushing against her skin—It matched her eyes. She joined her parents for breakfast. She approached the table, the scent of warm pastries in from the kitchen—She paused for a second, memories flooding her mind—those countless mornings spent alone with Archie, watching him pick at his food while her parents disappeared off to their international company, busy collaborating with The Order of Aether. She had to make up a different excuse to Archie every time he asked where Mom and Dad were.

Now they finally had time for breakfast together.

Was this sudden attention because they were preparing to marry her off?

"Next week," her mother announced happily. "Ruby, you will marry Orion Lancaster next week!"

The dining room was a storm of sharp voices and clattering silverware, but all Ruby could hear was the thudding of her heart in her ears.

"Next week?" she echoed, disbelief slicing through the fog of her shock. "That's... that's too soon!" Ruby's heart raced. "Isn't there time? You both told me—I thought we could—" Ruby continued, voice desperate.

They had promised a year, one year of getting to know whoever they were arranging her to marry.

"We can see it, Ruby. The way you light up when Orion enters a room. You like him very much, don't you?" Her mother leaned in, her enthusiasm not changing. Her parents sat at the head of the table, their faces filled with smiles as if they were waiting for her to return to a happier one--as if her own joy was an obligation.

Ruby's stomach twisted, she suddenly didn't want to eat anymore.

Ruby felt her heart sink. The pastries In front of her felt like stones. She wanted to say, she wanted to tell them she didn't want to marry at all in the first place. She wanted to scream it, to tell them that at nineteen, she was too young for marriage, to marry someone she only met once, too young for a life scripted by their wishes and dreams.

But she sat there, didn't say a thing—the last time she said something was before Archie...and that ended up in flames.

"See? That's why we've made arrangements. You'll have a beautiful wedding. The Lancasters will elevate our status," her mother continued, her voice relentless, dismissing Ruby's distress with an elegant wave of her hand. "The Order will gain more power, too." She smiled, "Plus, we have not a single worry in our hearts with you entrusted to Orion. He is perfect for you."

"We could have the wedding here too, with flowers and—" Her mother went on, but Ruby wasn't listening anymore.

All she could think about was running.

'We've been through this, Ruby. You're fortunate to be marrying into the Lancaster family." Her dad said, after seeing her silent

"But–" Ruby tried one last time.

"No buts," her father snapped. "This is not a discussion anymore. You need to understand the importance of this union. It's time to accept your responsibilities."

"I'm not hungry anymore, please excuse me." Ruby got up, and walked away, ignoring her parents' calls.

A few hours later, the soft light filtered through the curtains casting gentle patterns on the floor. There was a knock at the front door. As Ruby Opened the door, Orion stood there. He wore a blue crisp, tailored suit, a pin with the Order's symbol sitting on his chest. "Good morning, It's lovely to see you today." he said in his usual graceful voice, "Ready for our day?"