1 chapter one

"Run" the last words I hear him scream as the smoke engulfs his figure, camouflaging him from me entirely. I cough and clutch my chest, forcibly making my legs take shaky steps. I stumble slightly tripping over furniture as I blindingly try to escape the heat. I grip onto the table using it to support my weight pushing the chairs away from my path, uncaring if they break or make noise. " I need to keep going " is all that's repeated in my head, I feel one of my legs buckle beneath me. Losing my grip on the table I slam into the hard floor, coughing even more. I try to push myself up with my arms but they are trembling too much to support my weight. Cursing silently I use my arms to slowly shuffle across the floor each coughing fit making it harder and harder to breathe. My chest grows heavier as I feel the thick smoke fill my lungs entirely, the coughing is so bad I can barely open my eyes now let alone move any closer to safety.

The heat from the flames licks my ankles taunting my motionless body. Its all over. We fought so hard and now it's all over...

************* hey little authors note this is my first story and I'm dyslexic af so if you notice spelling and grammar mistakes please tell me so I can correct them. Enjoy ****************

The delicate songs proudly sang by the birds outside my window pull me out of my slumber. I glance to where the thin curtain dances with the wind and sigh and the thought of what today will bring. Standing up slowly I yawn and pull my nightgown over my thin nightdress, its getting too cold to keep my window open over night I think to myself. I close it locking out the sweet songs and frosty morning air.

My door opens as the window meets it's frame and I glance behind me.

" Good morning my lady " the chamber maid greets me and as walks to the bath beginning to draw it.

"Good morning, Arianna, it's gonna be winter before we know it, I can feel the cold biting at me already " I respond as I go back to looking out the window. The fresh dew tickles the grass blades making them sparkle under the sun. My smile forms as a little robin dances through the blades intent on finding the newly awoken bugs.

Arianna smiles at nods her head, " indeed m'lady, the frost will be settling soon" she dips her hand into the bath checking the temperature. " your father requested I get you ready earlier today," she states matter of factly as I tiredly head over to the steaming bath.

" did he say why? Are we having guests?" I ask inquisitively as I remove my thin sleepwear and dip my foot into the welcoming warm water.

She shakes her head " it is not my place to ask, I'm sorry ma'am" her apologetic gaze meets my eyes.

" no need to apologise, I wouldn't expect you to ask, don't worry. " I try to reassure the maid. She had a tendency to worry about stepping out of line, as do all women, however she was just particularly more timid.

She smiles thankfully at me and silently heads to my dresser pulling a beautiful peach coloured dress that complimented my long blonde hair. As I relax in the calming water, I can't help but let my mind think about the day, what has my father planned?

After dressing, Arianna fixes my hair into a braided bun allowing a few thin strands to stay lose and frame my face. She convinced me to use a small amount of pink lip paint to pair with the dress. Normally I wouldn't bother but she was adamant that it made the look complete.

I head down the stairs case letting my eyes dance over the portraits of my ancestors finally landing on my parents at the bottom. My mother's beautiful smile pulls me closer to the painting.

"You look just like her, my lady" I jump startled and grab my heart as I turn around " oh I'm terribly sorry I didn't mean to scare you" the worried footman takes a step towards me.

I calm my breathing and smile at him " you made me jump is all Peter. " he smiles back but looks at my feet.

"I shouldn't have spoken out of turn miss" he states.

"Not to worry Peter," changing the subject I look back at the painting " I don't look nearly as beautiful as my mother" I sigh slightly feeling my heart grow heavy in my chest.

"My lady, you are as breath taking as her, and even more kind " Peter smiles and bows slightly " I must go now ma'am, but you must be sure to know, she'd be proud of you " with that he walks towards the servant quarters. I glance at the painting again staring into my mother's big blue eyes seeing my own reflected in them.

" I miss you" I whisper and walk towards the dinning room.

My father sits at the far end of the table with a newspaper blocking him from our sights and any conversation, as usual. I sit opposite my younger brother who smiles widely at me.

"Good morning Ember, did you sleep well? I had a great sleep, I needed the rest to go to school today " he speaks quickly and as takes a bite of his bread talking through the food.

" Hamish, no talking with your mouth full" I scold wishing my mother were here to teach him manners " I slept very well thank you," I take a slice of bread as a maid brings me a plate of bacons an eggs to match my father and brother.

Hamish giggles slightly but shrugs off the scolding " I'm learning about multiplication in mathematics today" he tells me proudly. I can't help the slightly twinge of jealousy knowing that my brother has the right to an education yet I do not, I quickly smile.

" that's very interesting, are you enjoying learning?" I ask him trying not to come off as bitter, I don't wish to be bitter I just wish women would be taught the same as men. He grins and shovels more food into his mouth " yes sister, I love it " he jokes with his mouth full but I see the sparkle in his eyes. He may pretend not to like school but he loves to learn new things. His nursery maid entered the dinning room and holds her hand out for my younger brother " young master it's time we set off for school " Hamish smiles at me and grabs a piece of bread before running over to the women. I smile back and wave goodbye as he rushes her out of the house.

As soon as the door closes an uncomfortable silence settles around the table like a thick fog. I carry on eating my breakfast silently not wanting to disturb my father as he reads. The clearing of my fathers throat startled me out of the daze I was in staring at my food. My attention snaps up to him and I notice he has placed his paper on the table. The surprise must have been clear on my face as he opens his mouth to speak before closing it again. I look back down at my plate confused with his behaviour.

" Ember, we have guests today" he states with a flat tone causing me to look back up at him again.

I nod my head " would you like me to stay in my room? Entertain any children perhaps? " I ask trying to be useful by offering my babysitting services. He shakes his head and his eyes seem to harden slightly.

"No Ember, you shall join me with my guests. You shall meet your husband " he stands up before I can even think of a word to say, my mouth gaping open like a fish as I watch him wordlessly leave the room.

My husband. I'm meeting my husband. Oh my lord I'm getting married.

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