One

I remember the carriage ride to the castle as if it was yesterday. Mother and Father sat across from me as we talked about the present we had gotten for Nathaniel for his 16th birthday. They mentioned how they were to announce rather jovial news at the ball. I asked them about the news, but they said that it was a secret, and I'd find out soon enough. Right before I could badger them into telling me what it was they were going to announce, the carriage came to a stop and George told us that we had arrived.

As soon as the carriage door opened, I completely forgot about the announcement and was simply overjoyed about seeing my childhood and best friend, Nathaniel. He greeted me with a warm hug and asked me about his birthday present. I didn't tell him, but I asked him to take me to the ballroom to see the decorations to get him off my back. After showing me around, he took me to my chambers and left to get ready for the ball as well.

When it was time for the ball, Nathaniel came back to my chambers to take me to everyone else. As we were walking to the ballroom, we passed Paul, the head of military affairs of Pasiphae and the most powerful person in Pasiphae after the royal family. He was going the opposite direction, and told us he had some things to take care off before he went to the ball, and he told us to enjoy it. We continued to the ball and had a great time until it was time for the secret announcement.

Our parents asked for everyone's attention to tell them all something that was making them quite excited. After dragging out for a bit, they finally announced that Nathaniel and I were to be married the next spring. Everyone was excited for it, that is, everyone except me. I yelled at our parents and stormed out of the room. Nathaniel followed me out.

He asked me what was wrong and I told him how I don't want to get married against my will. It wasn't fair. He tried to reason with me, but I ignored me. He noticed that I was shivering and gave me his coat.

He told me how I "can complain inside where it's warmer." I giggled at his comment, but our laughter was shattered by the trail of screams that led us to the massacre.