***
"Catherine, you are beautiful. Therefore, you have to be careful, okay?"
I remember that sentence clear and vivid. My mother used to say that to me. It was a very long time ago, where I was merely Catherine, without any last name.
I was born a commoner. My family consisted of me and my parents only. My family wasn't wealthy, nor was poor. We had enough money to support our life, but never could we afford a luxury. But still, we were one happy family.
At least, until that day.
"Catherine... How old are you?"
"I am fourteen, Mother. Have you forgotten my birthday a few weeks ago?"
"No, Catherine. Mother just wants to make sure."
At that time, I had no idea why was my mother crying. I was the one and only child my parents had, and a daughter at that. Therefore, my life was pretty sheltered. My mother kept wiping her tears, while my father was pacing anxiously.
"Mother, Father? What is going on?"
"Nothing, my daughter. Nothing."
