To her it was nothing. To her the world was a mere playground. Everything was simple, everything needs to fair.
But the world, is unfortunately, not fair to those like her. The naive, inexperiened, bright-eyed youth like her.
"Where have you been?"
The question was tough, it was resolute. Demanding an answer.
"I went to take a walk in the woods."
The delicate voice answered. Practiced. Precise. So cleverly orchestrated and organized. A simple man would not be able to tell the difference if it was the truth or a lie. However, he was nothing like the simple man.
He wad a clever man in his forties with a dim outlook on the younger generation. A truth or a lie. It doesn't matter. The younger generation only knows to manipulate those that come before them.
"For a solid hour. What an interesting journey it must have been." Was his reply as he finally looked back from gazing out unto his myriad of fields.
"Indeed it was, Sir." She answered calmly, yet her eyes screamed with panic as she looked into the eyes of her poor handmaiden. Who could only look down to avoid the piercing gaze.
"Hmm... It seems you are interested in vegetation. What would it be then; Botany? Agriculture?" He asked hinting at an obvious occurrence.
The spell broke. The young lady was taken back. Did he mean to study? To leave?
"Pardon?" Was all she could ask as she looked him straight in the eye.
Eyes like her mother. So beautiful and green. Shining like emerald orbs.
"Your mother would have loved for you to study. For what you will study, it is up to you. However it is well in time that a young lady like you gets proper education at a reputable school." His response was quick and straightforward. You are leaving.
"No!"
She could only muster up a single word. A streak of disobedience she hasn't shown in years. While her eyes flashed withe rebellious thoughts, a shine appeared in his.
"And why is that?"
"I do not want to leave! I have stayed out here for a decade already, my heart shall feel discomforted if I was to return to the city. Nonetheless, my mother has been gone for barely two years! I'm afraid a trip to the city will reopen her memories with me before she married you and moved here."
Her reply was witty. Playing with his emotions for her deceased mother. A woman so delightful and rare.
"You were naught but five when you have lived in the city. What memories will be rekindled? And your school shall not be in the city anyways. But in the countrysides on the other side of the kingdom."
His answer dealt with hers it big scoops. There was no room for argument at last.
"I cannot leave! I wish to be married!" Her plea was so desperate. So out of the blue. His striking blue eyes met her emerald ones in shock.
"Who is the boy?" Was his booming question. His voice startling servants from two rooms over.
"The son of the Earl." Her answer was weak, yet her eyes met his with unparalleled confidence.
"A dog of the crown." His fury was immeasurable. Unbridled and wild. The daughter he has raised as his own fell for a worthless brat.
"He may be a dog to you. But his status matches mine. My father was the second son of the Duke! Why should I be here in this rotten merchant houshold!" Her complaint ignited a fire in him.
"You will not be allowed to take a step outside of your room until I finalise your application for school." He simply returned to his passive state once again. Her complaints fell into deaf ears as she was led away by maids.
A sigh escaped his lips as the door closed. Youngsters nowadays. Simply no obedience.