~This is a fictional world, setting is Early 19-Early 20th century and fantasy no real events or places are mentioned in this book~
Evangeline woke up early in the morning, took her bath, and dressed. She wore a skirt paired with a short jacket with long sleeves, made of the same fabric as the skirt, and a delicate blouse. Skipping breakfast, she asked for a plate of pancakes topped with honey and blueberries to be brought to the greenhouse, along with a drink. She walked to the greenhouse again and saw her grandmother waiting for her, which slightly annoyed her.
"What is it, Grandmother?" Evangeline asked as she sat in the other chair, placing her plate of pancakes on the table.
"Look, child... I know you're very annoyed with me. Please forgive me. I just want to protect you. Also, I can't teach you everything about being a governess of this country," Azielle said, holding Evangeline's hand in a plea.
"If you needed to get me a husband, why did you choose a Brusward?"
"I trust Dominic. He's very skilled in politics. Believe me, he'll never hurt you. Just marry him and let me have peace of mind. Don't make me mourn like I did after your parents' death. I've entrusted you to him, and he will keep his promise," Azielle said, starting to sob.
Seeing her grandmother's tears made Evangeline emotional. Despite her doubts, she didn't want to see her grandmother cry again. Taking a deep breath, she replied, "I'll think about it."
"You have to decide quickly. Your wedding is next year after you turn 19. Meet me later in the living room; I've called our best dressmakers to bring some dresses for your wedding," Azielle patted her granddaughter's hand gently. "I'm doing this for your own good. I hope that one day, the two of you will live in harmony." She noticed the sadness on her granddaughter's face and left her to eat, catching up with Leonard.
"She loves that greenhouse so much. It's for her own good—it's her mother's. I've talked with Dominic about Evangeline and the things she cherishes. He's a modest man," Azielle sighed, using her walking stick for support.
"But he's a Brusward..." Leonard expressed with concern.
"I know what I'm doing. Dominic is the perfect man for my granddaughter. You'll see," Azielle said as she watched Evangeline eating her pancakes. The servants brought Evangeline's drink to her table. Evangeline was saddened by her grandmother's decision. She wanted to take her mother's place as a proper Sarogath, but her grandmother thought she wasn't ready for the pressures of leading the country, which made her furious. To make matters worse, her grandmother chose a man from a family she considered enemies.
The news of Evangeline's wedding was announced across the country on the radio. Hearing it made Evangeline sigh in frustration. She was in the wine and beer room, drinking wine when Dominic walked in. It was time to choose her wedding dress. She picked up her glass and walked away, ignoring Dominic's presence. Even though he was handsome, she didn't care. Her reaction made Dominic chuckle as he inspected the fine wines stored by the Sarogaths. Noticing the nearly empty bottle Evangeline left behind, he clicked his tongue and shook his head in disappointment.
"She nearly finished everything," he muttered, checking the name of the wine and smiling slightly. "What a coincidence, she likes the same wine as I do... Tsk!" He called over a bodyguard and handed him the bottle. "Remind my fiancée that she left her wine. Give this to her," he instructed. The guard nodded and left. Dominic admired the variety of drinks stored in the room for a moment before leaving.
Evangeline entered the living room and saw her grandmother waiting with the dressmakers. Wedding dresses hung on a rolling rack, and one of the dressmakers pulled out a pretty white, plain dress.
"Which one do you like, Your Grace?" the dressmaker asked Evangeline.
"This one is fine... it's a contract marriage, after all," Evangeline sighed, touching the lace white dress on the cart and taking it out.
"I'm glad you like it, Miss," the dressmaker said, clapping her hands and ordering the apprentices to bring over a changing tent for Evangeline.
Evangeline walked into the tent and closed the curtains. A small, intimate wedding had been planned, typical of contract marriages, with minimal guests and simple decor. Evangeline was frustrated by the entire situation. She was being forced into a marriage she didn't want, with a man from a family she despised, and with barely any say in the matter.
Meanwhile, Dominic walked to the greenhouse, admiring the beautiful plants on display. He inspected the flowers and plants carefully. "They are as pretty as she is..." he thought, referring to Evangeline. He remembered Azielle's words when he signed the agreement to marry her granddaughter, become the next governor of Verdaselles, and protect her.
"Evangeline usually sits in the greenhouse because it's her favorite place, as it was her mother's," Dominic recalled Azielle saying. He sighed and walked over to the rose bed, contemplating plucking a rose, but he hesitated, not wanting to offend Evangeline.
Suddenly, another young man entered the greenhouse. It was Dominic's assistant, Caleb Wimsworth, a friend of Evangeline's deceased brother. Unlike Dominic, Evangeline didn't hate Caleb.
"Sir, I heard you're getting married to the young lady of the Sarogaths," Caleb said, adjusting his glasses.
"Ah, Caleb, you're here!" Dominic noticed his assistant. Caleb, often called Zard's twin, had light brown hair and wore glasses.
"Yes, I'm here, Mr. Brusward. I was surprised that you are getting married so suddenly," Caleb said, gripping the handle of his portfolio tightly.
"Yes... your friend's sister hates me a lot," Dominic sighed, looking at the rose bed in the greenhouse. He heard the sound of water and saw a fountain. "This place is beautiful," he smiled.
"Her mother put a lot of detail into this place," Dominic noted, touching the statue of the fountain.
"You should see her paintings, sir. Evangeline got that talent from her mother," Caleb suggested, following Dominic. "If she won't show you, there's a gallery named after her mother. I can take you there."
"Brilliant!" Dominic grinned at his assistant.
~CHAPTER END~
NB: The gallery named in Evangeline's mother's honor was called the Serenity Gallery. Her mother named it "Serenity" because her daughter's ballet school had the same name. She didn't just purchase the gallery; she also bought the ballet school and renovated it after it had been shut down.