A Monster's Bride (editing)

1| alone

I tiptoed quietly down the stairs, as not to wake anyone. I knew my father would still be sleeping at this hour and I would have the house to myself until the others woke up. The marble stairs were cold and unwelcoming as I made my way down them and into the kitchen.

I glanced up as Edmond turned to face me. His dark hair combed back nicely and his brown eyes darker than usual. He was wearing a casual suit, but a suit nonetheless.

He smiled lazily, holding a mug of what I assumed was his usual black coffee. "Morning, Flo." 

"Hey, Ed." I returned the smile and
grabbed a glass from the cupboard. "Why are you up so early?"

"Duty calls." Ed scratched the back of his head and looked away. "Looks like good ol' dad is sending me on another business trip in the city. "

 I looked at Ed and frowned, "So soon? You just left for one a week ago..."

I was never fond of Edmond going away for several days at a time - He was my only wall between father, when things got ugly or I was forced into something.

Money. That is all life seemed to be about for our father and he was determined to put me, his youngest daughter, into the hands of a husband who could handle my wealth as an heiress. I did not have a choice for my fate or who I belonged to. Not in this world. This secret corner of the world where the richest of men lived a life I did not dare imagine.

"Will you be back soon?" I asked Edmond. He stepped up to me, noticing the worried look on my face as I set my glass on the counter.

"I'm hoping it'll be no longer than a week. If all goes to plan, maybe sooner."

I sighed and clenched my jaw. "If all goes to plan?"

Ed grabbed my arms and squeezed them. "It'll be fine. Nothing will happen while I'm gone. He's not going to marry you off that quickly."

"Then you must not know him that well..."

Edmond chuckled and pulled me into a hug, but I noticed the worry hidden behind his eyes as he said, "You're smart, Flo. Use it to your advantage if things get bad while I'm away."

I grimaced, but didn't respond. I was smart, and I couldn't rely on Ed forever.

He pulled away and smiled down at me. " I'll see you soon." And just like that, he closed the door and was gone.

"You're not winning this time, father." I muttered into the silence of the sleeping house.

The birds began their peeping melody among the trees as I made my way through the front courtyard of the estate gardens. The morning air was crisp and clear and fresh fragile buds sprung green amongst the awakening winter branches. 

I breathed in a large gulp of oxygen that nature so graciously gave. It did not go wasted on her part, for I treasured every moment being out of that stuffy house. 

I was not ungrateful, just not content  to be pulled into places that hurt. I wanted so much more from life than to be stuck, married off to a wicked man, then die. 

Was that so much to ask?

I kicked a stone from below my foot and watched it tumble into a bush ahead. A row of yellow tulip buds sprung from the damp soil and enlightened the breezy day. I smiled.

How could I not be content with such a beautiful garden to wander in within the early hours of daylight? For if nothing else should be presented in her life, a garden of many flowers is all a woman could need.

.~.~.

"A man doesn't want a small, and weak girl like you, Florence," My father says sternly, his face hardening.

" Yes, papa," I reply quickly. As I see myself as just a child in the memory. My tiny ten-year-old form shaking slightly, as I listen to the hard words my father has spoken.

" Darling. She is still just a child. Do not frighten her." I engulf the memory of my mother's angelic sweet voice. Her long, pale green skirt bristled as she walked toward me. Her fair blonde hair, and almond brown eyes sparkling with love as she wrapped my little body in a hug.

Pulling back, she put her gentle hands on my cheeks and looked me in the eyes.

" You are a very special jewel, my sweet. Be wary of what your father says, but do not be afraid to stand up for yourself and what you believe..."

I nodded listening to my mother. Not realizing at such an age how heavy and true those words would ring and repeat in my mind every moment after my mother's death...

  A smile spread across her face, as her eyes lit up with laughter. She pulled me into another embrace, and I wrapped my tiny arms around her neck. But clinging to her never saved her life, no matter how hard I did.

I awakened myself from the estranged memories and found myself sitting on a garden bench in front of a tall hedge. I buried those flashbacks away quickly.

Sitting straight up, I snatched a handful of buttercups, imagining myself in another life for a moment in time - I was now a wealthy heiress admired by all...

If only the latter half were true.

"Florence", a familiar voice called from somewhere beyond the garden beds.

April seemed to float towards me, and I watched her warily as she neared.

"Are you ready?" She asked coolly.

I raised my brow. "For what?"

"You are supposed to get ready for a suitor. Father says he wants you to dress your best for this one." Her eyes sparkled.

"But, It's a Sunday... I don't have suitors on a Sunday."

My sister's serious expression deterred me from asking more questions.

"They aren't my rules, Florence," April replied. "You know that."

I nodded and began walking back towards the house and up the stairs to my room. I slipped into the nicest dress I owned and prepared myself as best as I could, tempted to lock my door and disappear out the window. But no... This was my life. Destined to be miserable.