The Scarlet Columns

Chapter One

I sat on the edge of my bed, hunched over, looking down at my white nightgown that covered my legs. "Felicity" my mother's voice cooed as i looked over to her in my doorway. "Maria has gotten everything ready for your rehearsal dinner tonight." I slid off my bed and made my way down the marble hall, making my way into the large room. My maid Maria smiled at me. My attention was drawn to a black dress with puffy sleeves and a puffy skirt with lace and white tights, It greatly resembled a Victorian witches dress. 

"It's for your rehearsal tonight, Alexander had it requested for you" Maria spoke with a smile. The mention of Alexander's name made me want to barf. Tomorrow night i will be married to Alexander Dixon, an evil man who only using me for my family's name and my body. I let out a deep sigh before gently taking the dress off the mannequin as Maria helped me change out of my nightgown. After changing into the dress, Maria put my short hair in curlers as i sat in a swivel chair looking at myself in the mirror.

I hated facing myself in the mirror knowing tomorrow i would become the bride of a monster. My mind went blank as Maria continued working on my hair. I felt anger and shame rise inside of me. Knowing tomorrow would end my freedom, my innocence and self worth. As I almost burst into tears I heard a  crack... Crack....  and a large shattering noise filled the room as the mirror broke. Maria jumped back and i quickly moved out of my chair. "Maria... I'm so sorry it was an accident!"  "It's okay my lady, i know you're under a lot of pressure" the tall woman consoled. She pulled me into a hug and rubbed my back, i couldn't hold it in anymore, I cried into her shoulder whilst hugging her back.

I sat at the chair across from Alexander's. My stomach was churning and my heart felt heavy. Maria grabbed my hand from underneath the table and rubbed it in circles with her thumb. She helped me feel more at ease but I still dreaded the coming day.  Alexander arrived and sat across from me. Seeing him set something off in me and my plate started rattling, I pressed my hand down on it to try and stop it but to no avail. I began to panic as it rattled more. My heart began beating faster , everyone seemed to be enjoying their time eating and chatting. Maria seemed to notice my panic as she looked concerned. I cleared my throat and tried standing up, "Excuse me for a moment, i need to use the restroom." I lifted my hand off my plate as i slid out between the table and chair and watched as the plate flung across the table towards Alexander.

I stumbled backwards as the plate barely missed his head. He shot an evil glare at me, Maria looked at me worriedly. "My lady" She whisper shouted. I ran out of the room and went upstairs to my bedroom. Alexander scooted out of his chair and ordered for everyone to continue with the dinner rehearsal. 

I curled up on my bed quietly sobbing. I wanted to leave. I didn't want to be a Montcroix, much less a Dixon. I didn't want to be a deity and be such a burden, but i know outside of our little world i won't be able to survive.