Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Expect typographical errors and wrong grammars as most of the chapters are still left unedited.
06/23/24
Akeelah Eloise Stutenberg
"Sometimes life IS about RISKING everything for a DREAM no one can see but YOU." – unknown
P R O L O G U E
How is one supposed to know if the man she's facing is the man perfect for her hand in marriage? Do you casually just feel it in your bones or is it when your heart flutters just the same in the books?
Akeelah, obviously does not know such things. Being introduced to a man to whom she dislikes, she wanted to throw up and just leave.
"miss, perhaps you would like to have this dance with me?" Mr.Rough asked, offering his hand to her.
She wanted to refuse. Dramatically she wanted to flee this place and never came back, but she couldn't. The Baroness of Fitchberg has been giving her an eye for the past few minutes.
"I wish to leave." Stating it directly made the gentleman quite confused. "Pardon me, miss?"
An obnoxious laugh suddenly was heard that was coming from the Baroness. "What she meant is she wanted to leave for the dance floor, go on. Have a good time Mr.Rough."
And that was just a regular event which she has to endure for the past few years after debuting.
"What was it like?" The curious Brianne asks, stuffing her mouth with sweets.
Brianne Joel Welsh, The second born of the Marquee. Known for being stubborn and quite a handful young lady she is, described by her family.
Akeelah sighed and leaned on the couch. "Awful, he wasn't even a good dancer. He stepped on my foot several times."
"Awful really." A terrified Brianne commented as she drinks her tea. "I would've loved a dance. . with a man not older than my father obviously."
Footsteps suddenly filled the room, Zoe Attenae Roaduel, the second youngest daughter of the Earl Roaduel. Possess great wisdom, although she chooses to hide this wisdom of hers. "Zoe! You're here, how come you're late?"
Zoe sat beside Brianne who still couldn't get enough of the sweets. "Nagging Mother, Mad Father and Annoying Brothers."
"Oh, that explains." — "I believe you two have other problems to share." She crossed her legs and leaned back to the couch crossing her arms as well.
"It's the same old problem." Akeelah started looking mad exhausted from all the drama. "Mama has been on a spree to find me a man to marry, therefore he pushed me to Mr.Rough who was constantly shaking leading him to step on my foot several times."
The Ladies couldn't relate more, whenever they could, they arrange this meeting in a cafè to rant about their problems to one another as normal ladies in distress.
Before the ladies could further escalate their conversation Zoe's younger brother, Eryx Lucas Roaduel barged into the room. Adored by the ton by his talent to swordsmanship along with Zoe's other brothers.
A distressed look was painted on Zoe's face. "Good Day Ladies. Forgive me for the intrusion, I am here to pick my dear sister up."
"Just got here, Eryx. Can't you give me some space?" Zoe snapped, clearly frustrated with her family's constant nagging. "Leave us alone."
"I can't ignore an order from Mother. She wants to see you immediately," Eryx insisted, stepping closer. In response, Zoe kicked him hard. "Quick! Let's go before he recovers."
The three of them dashed away, laughing as they ran, hoping Eryx wouldn't catch up whose on the floor
"Will he be alright?" Brianne asked, panting as they stopped to catch their breath.
Zoe chuckled. "He will, I think." The three of them once again shared a good laugh about what had just happened.
"That was so unladylike Zoe, no wonder we can't find husbands." Akeelah commented jokingly.
Opening her fan, Zoe replies. "With those brothers how can I be ladylike just like what my mother wanted."
"It's always the mamas." Akeelah sighed. "The constant 'look modest young lady' or 'how can you find a husband if you keep holding that brush!'" The others laughed.
Though it faded just then, Akeelah noticed. So to shift the conversation she suggested. "Why don't we check out that newly opened cafe down the block?"
Brianne's eyes sparkled with joy. "Why are we still standing here? Let's make haste!"