( This is going to be in first person place 😊)Â
Jasmine (POV)
Everything was perfect, the sky was blue, the sun shining bright the weather cool and the environment evergreen the smell of different kinds of flowers filled my nostrils and the man whom I loved so much was on his knees asking me to be his bride
" as beautiful as the jasmine flower and as pure-hearted as the streams I know that I do not deserve you but would you do this man a favor, jasmine madradon please marry me " I could see so much love and Passion in his pretty hazel eyes, I sniffed breathless and out of words to express how thrilled I was, 'yes! Am just going to say yes ' I thought to myself.
" ye.... " the call of my name interrupting me
"Jasmine! ... Jasmine! wake up "Soon I heard the sound of bells ringing as I opened my eyes to see the intruder.
"Jasmine wake up " another familiar voice screeched I robbed my eyes trying to get used to the blinding sun that had been unleashed from opening the curtains
"Jay? ....." I said trying to find the man that had just proposed marriage to me.
"Jayden? .....why are you calling unto him .....he isn't here," Tatiana said pouting looking confused
" oh you are dreaming about him again, " Ana said with a smirk wiggling her brown
" it was a dream? "
"aww what a pity, I don't know about your dreams but Mother coming here to see you still sleeping wouldn't be a dream," Tatiana said as she began to ring the bells again, she just had to be the first person I saw in the morning and am not even sure where she got those bells from I laid back on the bed using the pillows to cover my ears but all in vain as I could still hear it ringing
" stop! " Ana screamed collecting the bells and throwing them off the window I assume she also got irritated with the sound
" my bells " Tatiana shouted gawking at her as she left.
" come on wake up " She dragged the pillow from me as she pulled me out of the bed
" what!!!!.... And why are you here anyway " I complained
" pardon aren't I allowed to visit my cousin? " she said rolling her eyes I narrowed mine not convinced by her excuse
" OK fine I came here to have a bite of your mother's awesome cooking and mother is angry with father so she isn't cooking for anyone " I rolled my eyes fully aware of Aunty Parry's histrionic nature
"Oh," I said tidying my room
" and what did you do "
" well I took my father's side, so I am a partaker of his punishment" She shrugged with a blank expression
" OK I will be at the breakfast table, have your bath " Ana stated skipping away
I came down to see everyone already eating and discussing something I didn't quite grab as the chattering stopped just immediately after they noticed my presence.
"Mother, Father bless me " I bowed my head as they touched it
" bless you," they said in unison
" come sit over here, "Mother said pointing to a seat close to her I nodded obeying, she smiled at me patting my hair as I ate
" hmm .....mother are you alright " I said with a mouth full
" Of course dear why wouldn't I be? Am just happy my daughter is finally becoming a woman "
" Hmmm? " confused, I looked at Ana who had not removed her eyes from her food
" I mean you finally agreed to meet the man who we have chosen to become your husband " I choked at her words as Ana passed me a cup of water
" What? ....what are you talking about Mother" I said looking at everyone, my gaze finally landing on my father as he removed his gaze looking anywhere but at me
"Is Jasmine getting married?" Tatiana asked
"yes ! ....and to the most affluent man in the village " she beamed with joy
"Mr Amethysts Arnold" Arnold the very man I loath for his arrogance and pride is to be my husband. he is a very famous and rich merchant he owns a lot of properties In the village and for some reason, every woman wants his attention but that man disgusts me and I will not marry a man who has no respect for a woman, based on the rumours I have heard of him his just an arrogant man who thinks showing off his money would make all the maidens fall at his feet. although he wasn't wrong all the women wanted him
tears formed in my eyes as I bit hard on my lips trying not to cry already feeling nauseous.
" but .... so soon "
" she was supposed to be married since she was sixteen but your father kept rejecting proposals, we can not afford to reject this one," she said to Tatiana with a frown
" I will not be getting married "It was more like a whisper I had to convince myself first.
" I said I will not be getting married. " I shouted this time feeling confident of my words, about to leave as mother held my hands
" what do you mean.....chief what does she mean, "she said frowning
" but you agreed right ?"
" no ..."
"Jasmine! " Father shouted
"Jasmine you will not disobey me "
"Jasmine you should be happy about this alliance, you are so lucky that the merchant sent his proposal," Mother said with a small smile
" no !... neither you nor father can persuade me into marrying that man....I will not get married, not to anyone much less that man " I said as my gaze met Ana's waiting for a bit of support but she just sat still her focus on her food, i placed my hand on my mother
"Mother, father you want me to be happy right ?.....so make sure this alliance doesn't push through "Tears already dropping from my eyes
"Anastasia tell your friend that I will not be changing my decision so help her get dressed cause Mr Arnold and his family will be coming to see her" She looked enraged
" mother! you will not force me to do want I do not want " she scoffed her face already red from anger
" see ....see I told you not to pamper her, I told you not to put all these ideals in her head She thinks she has a choice clearly the freedom we gave was too much " she screamed demonstrating with her hands
" chief tell her.... tell your daughter that she does not have a say in this, normally a girl's marriage is arranged without her consent, and once finalized she has to get married no matter what, but we decided to respect you and inform you about our decision. we have always allowed you to make your own decisions .....no not this time " she fumed getting off my grip
" you will respect me and do as I say "
"but...." I tried saying
" my lady the groom and his family have arrived, "Rad one of Father's men said coming and leaving immediately he passed the message
" quick Anastasia take her inside and make sure she gets dressed," Mother said as Ana dragged me back to my room.
" let go !" I shouted as she obeyed Of course she wasn't stronger than I was, I just didn't want to struggle.
" you knew didn't you ?" I said with a frown on my face
" I..."
" Answer me with yes or no" I raised my voice
" yes " she sighed looking at me
" And you didn't tell me I was the only fool on that table that didn't know that my marriage is to be finalized today .....oh so that is why you came to help my parents marry me off to that man " I screamed
"no! I only knew a week ago and it is only because my parents were discussing it ....and besides you were told ...."
"Just yesterday, I was told just yesterday. I just didn't think I would meet him today I thought I would have time to think of how to stop the marriage from getting finalised " I said as I fell to the ground crying
" Jasmine anyone would kill to be in your position right now you are to marry a famous merchant "
" what are you saying you know quite well that I love Jayden " I muttered
" and I do not comprehend why just forget Jayden and marry Arnold "
" Ana! I should marry a man who is ten years older than I am. "
" age doesn't matter and you know it, you are lucky he isn't thirty or older "
" wow what a lovely thing to say " I replied
" and Jayden...he is also older than you "
"With just four years and that is not the point if Jay was still ten years older, I would still love him but you know I loath Arnold !" I screamed at the top of my voice
" keep it down they are here" she whispered
"Jasmine they are in the meeting room just get dressed you do not need to agree just see him and speak to him hmmm?" she said with a little smile
" OK, I will, I will speak to him but I will not be changing my decision ".
****************************************
I came into the meeting room all dressed up in a green flowing gown my hair designed with hairpins, my ears with earrings my neck adorned with a necklace, and my wrist with bracelets Ana led the way "Okay I will be going inform me how It goes" she whispered as she excused herself. it was my parent and some elegantly dressed family that were present in the meeting room Ana had gone home and Tatiana was in her room. I could feel everyone staring at me.
" come sit," Mother said leading me to sit close to her as my father cleared his throat before speaking.
"This is my daughter Jasmine Madradon and she is nineteen years old and would love to marry your son, Arnold, if you agree to this alliance we can discuss when the pre-wedding ceremony and wedding are going to be held " I frowned at this as my eyes shifted to the man whom I suppose was Arnold, he had dark curly hair which was well styled emerald eyes he was quite handsome I guess that explains why the women of the village were after him.
" I have heard rumours of how gorgeous and intelligent your daughter is but I suppose those were understatements, I would like for her to become my daughter-in-law I believe she will be able to take good care of my lovely son, " a woman who didn't seem younger than fifty years said with a wide smile I supposed that was his mother, his father just nodded in approval. I felt so pathetic sitting and letting them make decisions about my life.
" what do you think of her, son, " his father said looking at Arnold
" well beautiful ....she is the most gorgeous thing I have ever set my eyes on and of course am not surprised because Arnold is the best and whatever that belongs to him just has to be the best," he said with a smirk as he kept looking at me like he had been doing since I came my body tensed up at his words as my mother held me fearing I would do something, I sucked in some air trying to relax my fidgeting hands
" excuse me .....could I speak with Arnold for a moment " I finally spoke up as everyone chattering and little giggles stopped their attention finally wrapped around me
" why? there is nothing to discuss " his mother said with a frown
" Because I would like to know whom I am to get married to, " I said as my mother squeezed my hand urging me to stop talking
"Jasmine I do not think there is a need for a discussion the marriage has already been finalized and we would like for it to be held this month," Father said with a bright smile
" what? " I said standing up my mother following holding my hands
" I hope you are okay with it," Father said turning to them completely ignoring me
" OK ...I mean it is so soon and there is a lot of preparing to do from the pre-wedding ceremony to the wedding itself but we can manage it all, " his mother said as they began to discuss amongst themselves like I wasn't there
" no! ...." I said getting everyone's attention again
"Jasmine please sit.....am so sorry she's just nervous about it being so soon," Mother said glaring at me as tears threatened to fall
" Arnold I need to speak to you, " I said now looking at the man whose eyes had never left me
" Jasmine " Mother scolded
" let it be if she wants to know a little about our son then there is no harm in that, " his father said as he urged Arnold to go along with me. I led him to our little garden sitting on the seat that had already been present there for years. I took a deep breath trying to gather words in my head.
" beautiful .....the environment is just beautiful and the air is fresh as well," he said breaking the silence he moved closer to me as I moved away feeling uncomfortable with his sudden movements
"Are you scared of me ?.... it's okay am quite intimidating " I scoffed
"I am scared of no one... I...need to say something "
" yes.... I believe I know what you want to say " I furrowed my brows confused did he already know that I didn't want to go through with this marriage
" What?"
" well you want to ask about me and want to know who I am and why I decided of all the maidens, I choose you to be my wife You could consider yourself fortunate to get married to the most rich merchant in the whole kingdom of Assyria" I rolled my eyes, deciding to just go straight to the point
" I am not interested to know...."
" well as you already know my name I am merchant amethysts Arnold I mean everyone knows who I am, I was introduced to the business by my father ever since I could remember and I could confidently say that the business has only survived because of me so you do not have to worry about your welfare you will be treated like a princess, I could say you are quite lucky. having two hundred servants, fifty carriages, one hundred sheep and goats, and a thousand soldiers under my command but of course, I can't mention all I possess they are just too many." he praised with a smug smile
"Ah...and as for the token, I will be sending your father a hundred gold coins, a thousand silver coins, thirty fat cows, goats, and sheep ...."
"Pardon?" I said with a frown, a token is what a groom is to give the family of the bride for marrying their daughter but this man was making my blood boil the way he boasted like he was the only successful man in the village I agree my father's wealth was no match for his, but his ego.
" is it not enough? " he said pulling me out of my thoughts
" Ah...no! " I stuttered taking a deep breath, I just wanted to inform him that there would be no marriage but he wouldn't let me speak
" So tell me about yourself " I sighed already weak from this long conversation
"Well, you already know my name...Arnold, I plan on being the next chief it has been my dream since I was a little girl, to take over as the next chief once my father is older. I..." my speech interrupted by laughter I looked at him confused, was something funny
" I have heard of how beautiful and intelligent you are but never knew you are quite humorous" I frowned furious at his reaction but he kept laughing drawing tears from his eyes as I clenched my fist enraged by his mocking laugh, he stopped for a second noticing my expression trying to hold back more laughter his face turning red, he cleared his throat as he moved closer holding my hands in his I immediately flinched at his touch while he stared at me for a second before smirking
" you weren't joking?....oh you weren't joking," he said confused before looking straight into my eyes
" look you need to stop these little daydreams...I mean how do you expect a woman with such delicate hands to rule the village and who put those ideas in your head "I scoffed and at this point, I was fighting the urge to hit him across the face
" well Mr. Arnold I am the first daughter of Chief Behek Madradon which means I am the only heir...." my words interrupted by a chuckle
" hmm well I assume you know a woman has never ruled this village before don't expect to change that, the person who would take over the village will be the man whom you will be getting married to and I for sure would not like my wife having these ridiculous fantasies in her head am guessing this is due your idleness so instead indulge yourself, you could learn embroidery or could begin to nit dresses for our future kids. Jasmine, it is just a dream, I once dreamt of flying like a bird but it didn't happen we all have dumb dreams ...I forgot about mine with time you will forget yours hmmmm?..... I mean just because a bird can fly doesn't mean it could reach the sun " I stood abruptly about to lash at him before we got interrupted by his mother telling us we should go inside.
"Jasmine are you alright " his mother said caressing my cheeks with her hand as I sent her a forced smile.
" uh...well we will be leaving and of course, we could discuss the token in our next meeting," he said before looking at me as I looked away my face still holding a sour look.
"of course. it is getting quite late why don't you all stay for the night"
" oh no you do not have to worry"
" but a journey back to your home is a day ride so I insist "
" I have a friend who we could stay with before returning so don't worry chief " I watched as both Father and Arnold kept contemplating
"Father just listen to him, " I said already irritated with their indecision
"Before I leave I would like to inform you of my mother's birthday celebration and would love for you all to come. it is to be in a week" he said handing a scroll to Father as he thanked them
"We shall take our leave," he said with a brief smile walking up to me and stretching his hand for a handshake
" an embrace or a shake " he whispered so only I could hear as he smirked I looked blankly at his hand my mother nudging me to shake it
"have a good day Mr Arnold," I said leaving.
I walked into the room where my father would always stay to do some work I sat on the empty seat watching him as he wrote and checked scrolls there were lots of scrolls which contained different complaints the villagers had on his table. I sighed watching how hard my father worked to ensure the peace in the village.
" It is a lovely evening," I said breaking the deadly silence as I tried to have my father's attention
" hmm you don't say " he replied with a quick smile
"Are you angry ?"
" and why would I be my daughter is finally going to marry and I wouldn't have to be worried about her future again, "he said his full attention on me now, I rolled my eyes already getting agitated at these words
" you might still have to worry. " I said as he frowned expecting an explanation
" with wailing Mary in the village everyone has to be worried I heard she is the cause of the disappearance of people in the village who knows I could disappear one day," I said as my father's eyes shot up at me with fear in his eyes I expected a laugh from him knowing fully well he didn't believe the rumours that had been going around but his expression tells me that something Is wrong
"Is something wrong?" I said trying to find his eyes
" well jokes like that aren't funny the thought of losing you scares me," he said returning his gaze to the scroll it was something he did when he was lying to me he would avoid my gaze.
" tell me father something is wrong you know what is behind the disappearance of villagers don't you ?"I said looking at him
" they will be found you do not need to worry just put your attention on your upcoming wedding " I winced at the sound of being married to that man
"Father I know you are keeping something from me but you know I will find out eventually so..."
" enough it is getting late go to bed now, "he said urging me to stand up he placed a kiss on my forehead as I headed for the door the call of my name stopped me
"Jasmine.... whatever is wrong...I will handle it " he said with a small smile I left.