Deceiving You

~ Chapter one

While sitting on my bed I run my fingers through my messy brown hair in a try to straighten it. I must do it, my mother depends on it. She wants me to look absolutely stunning for the market today. Ever since I turned seventeen, she hopes that I will find a man soon so I don't have to be on my own anymore. I do not even want a man, I am perfectly fine on my own. Sometimes I like to think of myself as a strong independent woman, which I probably am. But a strong woman is nothing here, not in these times. Men just get to pick you and you must take care of them. Blech, not for me. I am going to try to deny men for as long as I can, even though that is fairly difficult since everyone thinks I am beautiful. That's probably the only reason my mom and I are important in this little town. They even started to call me Lady because of it! Lady Mylle, it has a weird ring to it. 

Suddenly my mother opens the door of my room. I stare at her. She is wearing a gray dress today, which ends at her  ankles. Her hair is full of tiny brown curls, as always. "Mylle, please dear, we need to get going." Her eyes scan my whole body. "You are good to go, remember, look lovely and smile at the boys." She grabs my hand and leads me outside of our little but cozy house. Well, as cozy as it could be. 

Outside there is a lot going on. Every market salesman tries to sell their goods to foreigners and locals. It is a grand event for us here in Caershire, normally there aren't that many people around. A slight smile forms on my lips. The peasants will earn a lot today, they really need it. My eyes fall on a group of musicians, trying to earn a little gold by playing their instruments. Their music fills my ears and I enjoy it. Music is beautiful and often underestimated by the town folks. Unfortunately their music is toned down a bit by the overall screaming and shouting of people who are trying to sell their wares. I can see that my mother is already looking at the crowd to find me a potential husband. Maybe she'll even want me to be with a foreigner, oh Gods help me. 

We continue our way through the way too chaotic street when I feel a tap on my shoulder. "Lady Mylle, I am very glad that I have the pleasure to enjoy your company again." I turn around and look at Andrew, a guy that I have known ever since I was thirteen. He smiles at me and I curtsy. He has a higher status than me, he's from the elite of the society. "Thank you, Andrew.", I say trying to sound very grateful. My mother pokes me almost unnoticeable. I almost cannot hide my annoyance. "Excuse me, I mean, Lord Andrew." Andrew laughs softly. "A lady of your beauty doesn't have to call me Lord, my Lady.", he gives me a little wink. Then he turns to my mother. "Lady Charlotte, would you mind if I borrowed your lovely daughter for a second?" She smiles and shakes her head. "You may always borrow her my Lord." 

So there I am, arm in arm with Lord Andrew, my potential husband. It's not that I do not like him, it's just that I want to stay single. It is just... It would be dangerous to marry to someone. No one can know my secrets and a husband would be bound to find out. I cannot take that risk. If only Andrew knew who or even what he is walking arm in arm with, he would burn me on the spot or cut my head off. No, the risk is way too big, I have to keep my distance. "So let's get rid off the titles, is that fine with you Mylle?" Oh Gosh, don't push it Andrew. "Um... Sure, Andrew. It is so tiring to pronounce that all the time." He laughs and leads me to a little quieter spot, in one of the alleys of the village. I do not see anyone around here. "Listen Mylle, you are the most beautiful girl in this town, you know that right?" I nod even though I don't agree. "I cannot help it but look at you. You are also smart and fairly funny. I would like to ask you to be my wife?" He gives me a hopeful look. I am shocked. This is absolutely not what I wanted! I wanted us to be just friends. Refusing him would kill my reputation, his reputation and our friendship. I do not want that... But do I want to marry this guy? He is not the one for me, I feel it in my guts. He just cannot find out about my secrets... He can't... 

"No."