11 :If only I had Freedom

~Guinevere's POV~

As I went out side the Academy, I saw a fresh new buildings installed at the front of the Academy. They are shops for Magical Fruits it seems. I went to check what they offered. I saw new seeds for the Violets at the Garden. I bought a few and went on to father's meeting hall.

As I walked near the House of Baroque which is our house. I saw one of the Paxley nobles standing outside our house and he looks like he's waiting for someone.

"Good morning, Miss Guinevere." He said.

"Well, Good morning to you too good sir."

He grabbed my hand and kissed it as how a trained gentleman would do when he meets a young lady such as myself. I then returned my hand at my back to show an act of courtesy to the man. Although I don't even know who he is or his name was. I never saw him before. I knew he is a Paxley because of the sigil in his back is a symbol of their family of mages.

"What brings you here at the Baroque residence?"

"Oh I'm just waiting for Mr. Barqoue, we have a discussion about an engagement." He replied.

I stood in silence and my smile went away. It then strucked me. He might be the one I'm engaged to. No this can't be. I don't even know him. I don't want this. I thought I was going to marry my childhood friend which is the son of the Paxley's. No, I must tell father.

"Anything wrong, miss?" He said.

"N-no, If you may excuse me, I have to go"

I ran towards inside our house leaving him outside. I took a last look if he is bothered in my behavior but he looked like he didn't.

I entered the halls to find father in his meeting hall. I quickly went to open the door but one of the maids stopped me.

"Milady, You can't go there for your fathe-" the maid said.

"I have to talk to him now!"

"For your father is having a discussion with the Paxley's about our marriage. If you wish to talk to him you may wait here." The maid implied.

"If that is what must be done. I shall wait."

Stay calm Gwen. He is just talking with the Paxley's that you are going to be engaged to a complete stranger for the sake of the power of our family.

"Its fine. Its okay. Stay calm."

I stayed outside the meeting hall for hours thinking on what they might've been talking about. I don't know why am I bothered even if father and brother already told me that I'm going to be a Paxley wife.

I waited and waited. It took so long that the Paxley noble from outside went inside the meeting hall already. He greeted me once more but I evaded his greetings and he continued to enter the hall where I can see father talking at the middle as if he is implying something to the men inside.

Noon has already passed and so was my meal. The maids wanted to offer me a meal but I can't I have no time. At any moment they can all go out and finish the meeting so I can have a talk with my father.

"Milady, you're going to be sick if you didn't eat your food" one of the maids implied again.

"Thank you but I can't. I have to be here until father has already passed on the meeting to the Paxleys."

"If that's what you wish." The maid said while leaving.

I made an excuse to the maids to let the stop annoying me because of food. Time has already passed in the afternoon. What is taking them so long. It might've been important. I became bored and I suddenly remembered something.

"The letter!"

That was the purpose I was here. I need to tell father about this great news not to ask him about something my anxiety tells me. They already conjured my future and I have to go with it. Be positive and be patient. This good news will be the highlight of his day for sure. His daughter going to the Magical Parade of Swans to test her power. Finally, I can prove my father that I can be something else than an Academy girl.

I waited even more determined. The halls then suddenly opened. They all went outside for the meeting is done. I waited the crowd out until the Halls became silent again and so I can enter the meeting hall.

I entered the hall and I saw father talking to someone. It was the Paxley Noble. He looked very fondly and well dressed as before. He might've changed inside this halls. But for what?

"My dear daughter, come here." Father insisted.

I went near father and greeted the Paxley Noble a good afternoon. Father was surprised that we are acquainted with each other.

"I see you've met each other." Father said.

"Father, I have something to tell yo-"

"Gwen, would you please be a doll and dress up. We are having dinner with this young man. Fix yourself into something appropriated to the dinner. You look like a mess. Maids! Tend her in her room." Father interrupted

"As you wish master." One of the maids then went to me.

While we are walking to my room I can overhear what father is telling to the Paxley noble.

"I'm so sorry for her appearance. She is a very naive girl if I must say. I mean she wants to study more magic at a different place from here." Father said.

I was hurt. I wanted to tell him something important but he ignored my plea. I tried not to cry for we have a formal dinner happening downstairs. So I dressed up for the occasion and went down as how a lady would be.

We had dinner and father discussed about how will the Baroques and Paxleys be at after the marriage. After the hours of talking and talking he Noble agreed to everything and left the household for its already midnight.

I stood up to father to tell him about the invitation of the Parade.

"Father I have something to tell you."

"Gwen, you are getting married in three days no exceptions."

Again I was strucked. The Parade is in three days. I have to be there so I can show my potential in the Field of Magic.

"B-but Father, I have somethin-"

I felt pain on my face as I was pressed back in the ground. He slapped me. My own father. Harmed me.

"I told you, I'm done of all the excuse you have to make to refuse each engagement but not this one!" Father said as he walked out the dining room.

I immediately went outside. I crumpled the letter for I didn't have the chance to even tell him that this is the only thing that can make me happy. That I have to sacrifice everything for this family.

I just cried. Kneeling at the ground. Then as I cried. Rain poured down me and I continued to release my pain in the dark and cold streets.

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