Alyssa had been married against her will. She was young, only 19 at age, and she was naive.
Her family was old. Very old. A couple of hundred years ago one of her ancestors had been close to the king and that had gotten him a title. They had been wealthy, too, but that was long gone. The huge house they lived in was paid for with the very last of the fortune that was once so huge.
For short, their family had some serious problems and her parents were worrying day and night about their future. Therefore, they were really happy when their cute, little daughter grew into a very pretty young lady. Many men found interest in the girl and the parents saw their chance.
Sir Walter was one of the richest men in the country. He had a very respectable reputation. He had married at a very young age and had been a good and faithful husband to his wife for over thirty years until she died, even though there had been rumours that she had cheated on him several times.
However, they had never gotten a child together so rumour had it he was looking for a new, younger wife. And this was the opportunity Alyssa's parents had been waiting for.
They invited Sir Walter over for tea and made sure Alyssa looked the prettiest she had ever been. It wasn't a miracle that the man fell in love the moment he saw this image of pure, young beauty.
They were married soon after.
Sir Walter was a good husband, but he still was thirty-one years older than her, so young Alyssa could never get herself to love him the way he deserved. He was like a father or an uncle to her so she couldn't help but feel disgusted when they were together. Sir Walter tried his best to make their marriage as pleasant as possible for his wife. The only thing he expected in return was a child.
It was a relief for Alyssa when he died five years later and hadn't gotten her pregnant.
The funeral was huge and very expensive. The whole village came, because Sir Walter was good friends with everyone, no matter how high or low they were in society. There were rich lords and poor homeless attending.
Alyssa was sitting front row, directly in front of the casket. She didn't cry.
After the service many people came to express their heartfelt sympathy. She didn't feel any of the grief or sadness they were commiserating her for. She didn't tell them though. Her face was hidden behind a black veil while she thanked the guests and shook their hands.
She played with the silver cross around her neck. It had been a present from him to their first anniversary. She was wearing it out of loyalty but the moment she took it off she would never touch it again.
After everybody left and even the priest was behind the chapel her parents approached her.
"Alyssa, dear," her mother sighed softly. "I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man. And you're a good lady. So come, dear, live with us! You need someone by your side especially during this hard time for all of us." Her father nodded approvingly.
But Alyssa didn't even listen. She lifted her veil. It was getting hot in there and she needed to breathe fresh air.
"No, mother," she said. "I will stay in the mansion."
"You need someone, Alyssa," her mother interrupted her sternly. "Come. We will take care of you."
Alyssa shook her head again. "Don't lie to me," she laughed. "I'm not stupid. You are not concerned about me, you are after the money. But you see, mother, you put me through hell for it. So I'll keep it. Your plan failed. I'm sorry. And don't you worry about me. I'm good on my own. I've been waiting for this moment."
