The Wilds

Rustle in the Woods

The breeze felt aimlessly wonderful as I strolled through woods on a cool summers Tuesday. The grass felt soft beneath my toes as I wandered down the path. I love nature to say the least and today was a perfect example of why.

Looking all around there was an undeniable energy to the earth coupled with a stillness. I continued along the meandering dirt path to reach my favorite spot. The river bank.

It was a quiet place where the river narrowed into a small stream. The rocks where coated in soft moss so vibrant green it looked like a painting. And the water. The water was so crisp and blue it almost begged you to dive in. In the summers I did unbeknownst to Anata my nurse maid. She would be furious just knowing I was down here. It was "'most improper" but I didn't care. I needed some peace after this mornings occurrences.

I climbed to the top of a large boulder jutting out above the stream and gazed at the myriad of gold amber and ruby leaves above me slowly drifting down balancing onto the waters surface. If I could stay here forever I would. It was a hideaway from obligations and needs. But I cannot. I let my gold hair free from its ties allowing it spill out over the edge of the rock. I closed my eyes and began sorting through this morning.

"Ana dear will you please come into the parlor." Mother called

I placed my book on the table and entered upon request.

She was standing next to my father and Anata holding a letter with an imperial seal.

"Sit dear please." Mother said barely containing her excitement.

Anata came next to me and poured me a tea looking at me apologetically.

"We have received wonderful news Anastasia! Lord Edenburg has requested your father and I's permission for courtship! It will make a wonderful paring don't you think dear?" She said turning to my father

"Yes a very advantageous match indeed."

My mouth hung open and Anata patted my shoulder reminding me of where I was. I promptly shut my mouth.

Courtship? Lord Edenburg. But he is known to be so pompous and at times callous.

"Mother and father with all do respect I believe there might be more suitable matches for me other than Lord Edenburg." I offered hoping to stay as far away from marriage to him as possible.

"Nonsense!" My mother scoffed. "Lord Edenburg is a fine match and will make a fine husband God willing he proposes after courtship. You will respect him and cater to him upon his arrival."

"His arrival?" I stuttered feeling the room shrink in on me.

"Yes dear. We have invited him to stay for a weekend. He will arrive this Saturday."

At this the room collapsed on me.

"I see. May I be excused for a moment." Not waiting for a response I fled the room seeking refuge to the only place I knew I wouldn't be bothered. The boulder by the river.

Lord Edbenburg. Notorious playboy, filthy rich and arrogant. I hate him already. Courtship almost always leads to marriage. Nobody makes that much of a commitment with out future intent behind it. Why me? I've never even met this man and he has most likely only seen my portrait. I know that marriage is what I have been groomed for but I love my freedom. At the same token I love the people of my village and I know a good match would be beneficial for there well being.

A rustle abruptly snapped me out of my thoughts as I lifted my head from the rock and looked about. I could not be seen here. I would never be allowed to leave the house again if Anata found out.