I do.

Rose

I wake up in my bed, my clothes nicely folded on my chair. My head hurts and only one word is resonating through my thoughts. Marriage.

 I am a lady. I have always known that one day I will have to get married. Naturally. But one day. And I hoped I could fall in love, and later marry the one I would choose. But this ofption was taken away from me. 

I am forced to marry a stranger. 

I hear knocking on the door and my thoughts are interrupted. "Come in." I fidget in my bed and pretend to be alright. My mother comes into my room and sits next to me. She looks me in the eyes and I see she cares about my well-being. 

"Are you alright, Vivi?" She asks and i simply nod. "Yesterday you have scared me." She reaches form my hand and I don't  avoid her. she smiles a bit. "I know what you think of us. What kind ofparents could we be, if we arrange a marriage for you. But we did this so you wouldbe safe in your future. Look at Caroline. She have married the man of her heart but she hardly ever sees him. Why? Oh, he is a sailor!" My mother always hated my sister's choice of husband. Peter might be a sailor but his heart belongs o my sister and to nobody else. 

"Anyways, Vivi, your betrothed wants to visit you today. So please, make sure you impress him. I a good way, naturally." She sends me oneof her brisk smiles and leaves my room. I blow off and lay byck down. What a romantic date will that be! I can only wish to survive. 

I force myself to get up and sit in front of my dressing table. I take a comb and start to untangle my hair, too long for a bun and too short for braiding. I massage my head and I try to wake up properly. Who could my betrothed be? Who would agree to a marriage with a stranger? 

"There you are!" Caroline invades my room without knocking interrupts my thoughts. "You  should be getting ready. We have to go shopping for some jewels!" She quickly moves to my closet and picks some blue flowerly dress. "For the wedding?" I ask bitterly. She glances at me and pushes me towards  a dressing screen a tells me to rush. "You should be pleased that our parents are so willing to wed you." She says with a smirk. "They were not so pleased, when I was about to marry Peter."  

We hire a carriage to to take us to the city, where we head streight to the best jeweller's. "Good morning, ladies." The old shopkeeper greets us warmly. "How can I help you? "Good morning, sir. We are looking for something special for this lady." Carol speaks up and points at me. "She is going to be wed soon." She explains and I feel blood running up into my face. The old mane winks at me and leads us behind a curtain that divides the shop into two parts. That part of the shop looks luxurious. Gold and silver everywhere. 

"I think, this set is your perfect match." The shop keeper brings me a silver set. Thin silver necklace with a rose pendant and thin long earrings. "Try it on!" He challenges me and I shoot a look at Caroline, who simply nods. I take the necklace very carefully nad bring it closer to my neck. Really. It is perfect. And obviously, I am not the only one to think so. 

"I want to buy this. All of it." I ask the old man as I look into the mirror again. My sister and the keeper go to the front part of the shop and I hasistate for a moment. I love this jewels but what upsets me is the reason for this purchase. 

"Vivi!" Carol calls me. I slowly head to her and the shop keeper. "It is almost lunch time. We have to head home." She explains and I say goodbye to the shop keeper. 

"Good bye, miss. And I wish you only the best for your upcoming married life." He wishes me and we take our leave. 

"Do you really have to tell everyone about my wedding? What if I do not want to marry that Mr Wattson?" I ask Carol as soon as we leave. "Oh, sure I do." Her answer if full of laughter. "I enjoy the way you look, when I mention it." Evil human being she is!