Lover of the Legacy: A Hidden Desire

Chapter 3

Satine pulled away from Orrin disappointed. She was hoping that she would feel something when she kissed him, but instead it just felt awkward. Orrin, after he composed himself from being stunned, looked down at her. He sensed the awkwardness and said, "You were hoping for something that I cannot give." He sighed. Even for him, the kiss was weird, and he was sure that he was in love with her. "Well, I am tired. I think it best if we went to bed and started fresh tomorrow. What say you?"

"I guess you are right. Who knows what the future will hold. I was hoping for some spark, but there was nothing. I am sorry, maybe I should never have kissed you."

"Satine, don't stress yourself over it. Maybe we are better off as friends, and when we are married, we don't have to do anything intimate. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. You are only marrying me for the sake of an alliance, and that is very thoughtful of you."

"Again, I thank you for your kindness. Anyways, before I depart, do you have any idea when our wedding will be?"

"I hope you will not be offended, but I have not made any plans yet. I have been so occupied with the Varden and the coming war. But, I will set the date as soon as possible."

"Oh, don't worry, the war is more important. I can still sign a document that will show my support for Surda if you would like. That way you have documentation of my support before we are even married."

"That is actually a good idea. Why didn't I think of that?" He waved his hand, "No matter, well, I hope you sleep well tonight."

"Thanks." She started to walk out of the study. At the door she turned and said, "Good night, Orrin."

Satine tossed and turned that night. In her dream she was in a wedding dress but in the middle of a battle. Her father was there and was laughing at her pitiful appearance. With one swift motion, he released the magic that would kill her on impact. No one was there to save her. The magic struck her, and everything went black. An evil laugh filled the void and she screamed.

She awoke in a cold sweat, the sun in her eyes. She got up and washed her face and got dressed. For the rest of the day she was busy with Nasuada. They were going over the Varden's funds and how to raise more money. Nasuada had quite an idea when she told her about using magic to make lace to sell to the women of the Varden and of Surda. Satine asked where she got such an idea, for it was indeed clever, and she told her that the other day her dress caught fire after visiting with Orrin in his laboratory. Satine was glad that Nasuada was alright and expressed her thoughts on the subject.

"What I find funny is the fact that he cut off your funds, but he will still be forced to give you money anyways."

Nasuada stared at Satine quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"My wedding dress! I will have lace on my dress, and since Surda is low on such materials, he will have to buy the lace that you are producing." Satine laughed.

Nasuada thought for a moment, and then laughed along with Satine. "Why, you are right. He is going to be irritated when he finally realizes that fact."

"Is that so? He didn't want to cut off your funds, Nasuada, but he didn't have much of a choice."

Nasuada turned sour, "Satine, you don't need to flatter me. I know that he is not fond of me. He would much rather have my father as our ruler, but alas, that is no longer the case."

Satine was taken aback. Why is she suddenly bitter? What she says is not true, and she knows that, so why does she act otherwise? "Well, I disagree, but enough of this; it is not worth arguing about. So aside from producing lace, do you have any other means to raise money?"