The forbidden bond

Marrying her off

"What's all the fuss about, Father?" he asked, his deep voice laced with a hint of arrogance.

King Thaddeus's expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing. "Arin, I must warn you about the vampires in the forest. They're killing people, and I won't have you risking your life."

Arin snorted, rolling his eyes. "Vampires? Please, Father. I'm not afraid. I can handle myself."

Grimbold, the king's loyal guard, stepped forward. His rugged features and imposing physique commanded respect. "Your Highness, please heed the king's warning. Vampires are deadly, and we can't afford to lose you."

Arin sneered at Grimbold. "Mind your own business, guard. Your advice is unwelcome."

King Thaddeus's face darkened, outraged by Arin's disrespect. "How dare you speak to my trusted guard like that? Apologize, Arin! This instant!"

Arin scoffed, his face reddening. "Apologize to a lowly peasant? I'm the crown prince! You'd choose him over your own son?"

The king's voice thundered through the throne room. "Apologize now, Arin!"

Arin remained resolute, his jaw set in defiance. "No! Father, I did nothing wrong. Grimbold should apologize for meddling."

With a stormy exit, Arin left the throne room, feeling wronged and humiliated.

King Thaddeus sighed, frustration etched on his face. He turned to Grimbold, "My apologies on Arin's behalf."

Grimbold waved it off, his expression understanding. "No need, Your Majesty. I overstepped."

The king's expression softened, nostalgia in his voice. "Nonsense, Grimbold. You've stood by me through thick and thin. You've been my friend, adviser, and confidant. If not you, who else would speak truth to me?"

Aurelia sat down to a warm breakfast with her father, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering porridge filling the air. But before they could even take a bite, a guard burst into the room, his face stern and urgent.

"Father Malachi, your presence is required at the palace immediately," the guard announced, his voice firm but respectful.

Father Malachi didn't hesitate, pushing back his chair and rising from the table in one swift motion. Aurelia reached out, concern etched on her face.

"Father, at least take some bread with you," she urged, trying to press a warm loaf into his hands.

But Father Malachi shook his head, his eyes already distant, his mind focused on the summons. "I'll be fine, Aurelia," he said, his voice brief but reassuring. "Stay here and finish your breakfast."

With that, he turned and followed the guard out of the room, leaving Aurelia to wonder what could be so urgent that her father had to rush away without even a moment's hesitation.

As soon as Father Malachi disappeared from view, a cheerful voice echoed from the other side of the rectory door. "Open up, dear cousin! It's Edwin!"

Aurelia's face lit up with a bright smile as she sprinted to the door, flinging it open to reveal her cousin's beaming face. She threw herself into his arms, and Edwin wrapped her in a warm hug, ruffling her hair with affection.

The two cousins exchanged playful banter, their laughter and teasing filling the air. But their joyful reunion was short-lived, as a petite figure with a scowl on her face trailed into the rectory behind Edwin.

Helene, Edwin's younger sister, looked like she'd just sucked on a lemon. Her eyes scanned the room, her gaze settling on Aurelia with a haughty disdain. "Where's my uncle?" she demanded, her voice dripping with arrogance.

Aurelia's eyes narrowed, her hands planting themselves on her hips. "Maybe if you'd asked a little more politely, I might just tell you where he is," she replied, her tone sweet but firm.

Helene's scowl deepened, but Edwin intervened before things could escalate. "Hey, hey, no need for that," he said, placing a calming hand on his sister's shoulder. "Aurelia, where's Father Malachi?" he asked, his voice friendly and curious.

Aurelia's gaze softened as she told Edwin and Helene about her father's sudden departure to the palace. "But why are you looking for him?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Edwin's face clouded, and he hesitated, as if unsure of how to break the news. But Helene, never one to mince words, blurted it out.

"My mother is looking for him," she announced, her voice dripping with malice. "She wants to discuss your upcoming wedding with Bernard, the old cobbler downtown."

Aurelia's jaw dropped, and she felt as if she'd been punched in the gut. She knew her aunt, Helene's mother, had never been fond of her, but to suggest marrying her off to that wretched old man? It was unthinkable.

Bernard, the old cobbler, was a miserly, cruel man who could barely provide for his own family. His wife and children looked like they were always on the verge of starvation. How could he possibly take care of her? And to make matters worse, he was old enough to be her grandfather!

Aurelia's face burned with indignation and disgust. She couldn't believe her aunt would even suggest such a thing. She felt like she was living in a nightmare.

Aurelia's gaze snapped up to Edwin's, her eyes blazing with a silent accusation. Did he know about this? Was he a part of this outrageous plan?

Edwin's face contorted in distress as he read the unspoken question in her eyes. He hastily shook his head, his eyes locking onto hers with a fierce intensity.

"Aurelia, I swear to you, I had no part in this," he vowed, his voice low and urgent. "I don't approve of this marriage, and I'll defend you against my own mother if need be."

Edwin's words were like a lifeline to Aurelia, and she felt a surge of gratitude towards him. She knew that going against his own mother wouldn't be easy for him, but he was willing to do it for her.

With a resolute glint in his eye, Edwin reached out and took Aurelia's hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "We'll face this together, Aurelia," he promised. "We'll find a way to stop this marriage, no matter what it takes."