In a few days I will be turning 18, according to the people around me I should already have a fiancé, and be an preparations to get married, I know that, I actually would also love to, but there isn't much of great choices in here.
The other day a woman told me that if I don't get married soon I will hinder my sisters chances to get married at appropriate age.
I understand what the woman said, for this time and era it was a normal thing to get married so early in life. However it wasn't fair for such pressures to be placed upon young people. Marriage is a significant and personal decision that should be based on love, compatibility, and personal readiness.
I kept reflecting on the expectations placed upon me, I couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, I understood the societal norms and the pressure to get married at a young age, empathized with the perspective that my delay in finding a suitable partner could potentially impact my sisters' chances of marriage. It seemed unfair that such weighty expectations were placed upon me.
However, deep within me, I knew that marriage should be about more than just fulfilling societal obligations. It should be a union of love, understanding, and compatibility. The idea of being bound to someone for a lifetime, without the freedom to pursue individual dreams or to seek a way out if the marriage proves to be unhealthy or unfulfilling, troubled me.
I yearned for a love, simply that, just love based on genuine connection and shared values. He didn't need to be a Prince charming or a handsome hunk, I just longed for a partner who would support me in my personal growth and allow me the freedom to pursue my own aspirations.
The thought of entering into a marriage solely for the sake of fulfilling societal norms felt suffocating and imprisoning.
"Big sister you not going to believe," Kira excited voice brought me back from my thoughts. "we received a massive order of cupcakes from the Palace it self, they want us to provide the cupcakes for the Masquerade Ball, our cupcakes are so famous it reach the Palace." Kira was overflowing with excitement.
"That's wonderful." As Kira continued to gush about the cupcake order, sharing the news with mother, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement for the future. Turning 18 was just the beginning of my adult life, and I was determined to make it a journey filled with personal growth, love, and happiness, on my own terms.
"Mother, Kira, Big sister you are not going to believe His Highness the Prince is returning with the troops, they are crossing the village to the castle. " Saya brought the news, today was filled with good news. " We should hurry we my miss Damion's arrival." Saya grabbed my arm pulling me.
"Don't worry I will a stay at shop with your father." Mother said with gentle smile. The twins ran in front of us with excitement to see the return of the knights.
I could only think that I would finally see Damion's return, after such long while. I know war can change someone deeply, I just hope he didn't change much.
As we push ourselves through the busy full streets, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as the villagers eagerly awaited the arrival of the knights. I could sense the joy and relief in the air, knowing that the men who had fought so bravely were finally returning home.
Finally, the procession came into view. We could not see much, so we climbed a wagon that was stationed there close to the crowd. We could finally see the knights, riding on their majestic horses, wore expressions of exhaustion and yet determination. Ceaser looked dashing and handsome as always, spotting his cold look, not caring for anything. What a ML aura he displays. Beside him riding was someone I didn't know.
"Ohh look his Highness the Prince." Someone in the crowd recognised the royal crest that the rider was wearing in his cloak. The crowd rawred with excitement, seing the Prince for the first time ever.
I didn't care about that guy, I was looking for Damion, I couldn't see him, I got down of the wagon and kept walking along side the road in the opposite direction from where they were headed.
I felt a surge of desperation when I could not find him.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of the possibility of worst case scenario.
The crowd followed the knights up the road praising them along the way, I was left with my sister's behind. " Maybe we just missed him." Said Kira trying to comfort me.
But the hollow feeling in my chest grew stronger. How could I have missed Damion among the knights? It was as if every worst-case scenario was playing out in my mind all at once. What if something had happened to him during the campaign? What if he was injured or worse?
We continued to search for any sign of Damion, our eyes scanning the crowd as it dispersed, but there was no trace of him. Panic began to rise within me, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in my gut.
"Maybe he already went home, to see his family. " Saya said in a low voice. Even if it wasn't true I had to believe that he was okay, there was no casualties reports, I am sure some were injured during the campaign, maybe... I see the gloomy faces from Zack and Zoe and I force a smile,"he is definitely okay," I pat their little heads. "We will see big brother just wait for him to come and find us." They smile nodding their heads.
I tried to keep up a brave face for my sisters and baby brother, but the worry and anxiety weighed heavily on my heart. I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. As we made our way back home, my mind raced with thoughts of Damion and the uncertainty of his wellbeing.
Days turned into a week, and still, there was no sign of Damion. I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to him, but I had to hold onto hope and believe that he was safe. I spent restless nights praying for his well-being and searching for any news or information that could bring me peace.