The Beginning

She was searching for the door.

Outside she heard two people talking. She was the subject they talked about. Her future, her wellbeing, what she needs, what is going to happen to her and the most important what would be the best for her.

Her whole life, every decision, was made in her stead. Like she couldn't even talk!

Let me tell you, her mouth and tongue are fine and have always been. She could move her body like everyone else. It was not that she was a clutz or never learned how to behave in high society.

Her etiquette was flawless thanks to all her hard work and diligent studying.

Her parents are quite respected and have a high standing in noble circles. They are close to the ruling family of the country since the foundation day. Her family's ancestor was the right hand man of the first monarch. They have money and status.

Her father is the knight commander of the golden lions.

Her mother looked like a delicate beauty but she serves under her father in the golden lion knights. She is the best rider in the cavalry and exceptional with the bow on and off horse back.

You could say her life was perfect. Well there was one tiny problem. She was born blind.

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"Miss Susan!" Emily came running to her with a worried expression on her face. "Why are you here?! Don't worry. Your mother and father will find a good man and future for you." She smiled at Susan. Susan kept a neutral face. It was very hard for her to 'read between the lines' since she never saw the expressions on people's faces. She learnt to get a lot of information from the sounds around her.

She knew Emily was just worried about her well being, like everyone else.

"Thanks Emily. Can you bring some tea and snacks to the garden? I want to get some sunshine and enjoy the nice weather today." she smiled warmly at Emily and turned in the direction of the door to the gardens.

Away from the study of her father, where both parents were arguing about which young lord was more sensible and a kinder husband for her.

The sun felt warm and calming, the wind was slow but smelled like spring and the birds were chirping about.

'It is such a nice day, I would love to take my shoes off and feel the warm earth under my feet and the grass brushing against my ankles.

I always remember the boy from back then on days like these...'

Susan thought while walking to her tree. The big walnut tree was like a second home for her. The tree was not blooming but the big green leaves created a roof and they hung low at the sides covering the space underneath.

Her fingers stretching out. Susan always came here when she had a chance or felt anxious. Just touching the remnants of the letters carved into the trunk when she was 7 helped her calm down. It became a habit after a while.

With clearer thoughts and after calming down, Susan thought about her future.

Her parents only wanted the best for her. she knew that and was thankful for all their worrying and fussing. It was their way of showing their love for their only daughter.

But she learnt in the hard way that people who were nice and perfect when her parents were around could change that attitude. As soon as her parents or bodyguards were outside the hearing range or couldn't see them anymore many showed then their true selfs.

'I know only one person who didn't change when my parents weren't there any more. But I only met him once when I was seven years old.' Susan sighed

'Perhaps I should stop thinking about him and hoping to meet him again like I promised.'

She knew the layout of the whole house like the back of her hand. Her parents had forbidden to renovate or change even the slightest thing so she could always be comfortable at home.

The doctors never found the reason for her useless eyes. Even the Wizards and priests found no cause. After she turned two years old, the maids an the madam realised something was wrong in her behaviour. Her parents did everything they could but nobody found an answer.

In the end the priests claimed it was god's will and God was always right so nothing could and should be done.

"Here Miss. Some tea and a sandwich for a snack. You didn't eat lunch today." Emily carefully placed the sandwich inside her left hand and pulled her right one to the tea cup. This way she knew where everything was and could eat herself.

She was very thankful for Emily. Emily was the only person who treated her with respect and never said anything about her eyes.

'I hope my future husband is as kind and generous as Emily'