Forever Isn't Always

Chapter 2

‘’ Dad there is no way I am going to marry HIM-'' I risked glancing a look of distaste at him before continuing ‘’-I don't know him or love him. He has no manners and can't even manage to pull off a good first impression for me, the woman he claims he wants to marry. I'm sorry dad, but I refuse''. I said truthfully. I couldn't marry someone w2ho made my gut wrench and made me want to throw up. It just wasn't possible. 

‘’This is not for you to reject or accept Clara. You have had many suitors come asking for your hand in marriage and you rejected them all on the basis that you didn't know or love them. You had many chances Clara but now you have two weeks to get to know him, after that you will get married to him whether you love him or not and that is final'' my dad said sternly. He said it with a face full of regret and pleading but as much as that was heart wrenching I could not marry him.

‘’But dad-'' I started but my dad cut me off by saying

‘’- In case I forgot to mention, He is Grant of Asgard. So you are going to marry him as your duty. I believe you know what I mean'' I did know what he meant. Asgard had been in war with my kingdom, Ulaid had been at war for many years. Many warriors had given their lives for our kingdom and now Asgard had more warriors than us and had threatened to start a war. If I refused to marry Grant, Many men like Arthur would lose their lives and women like Lisa would lose husbands. I felt like all their lives were at risk and I didn't want to endanger them. The only way to stop the marriage was to get five hundred more skilled fighters to defeat the Asgardians and there was no way that would happen realistically.

The hours seemed to draw on forever as I sat eating my meal quietly listening to my dad and Grant telling foolish jokes and getting looks of satisfaction and victory from Grant. Just when I though I couldn't take it anymore, Grant said,

‘’Why don't you take me on a tour of your palace Raldolph as I am going to be your son by law-'' he said smirking briefly at me then continuing''- then after we could go hunting''

‘’ That's a good idea Grant, do you want to come Clara?'', my dad asked. I was quite good at hunting and enjoyed it but there was no way I was going to willingly go hunting with Grant. Even the thought of him made my mouth sour.

‘’ No thank you dad. I think I'll excuse you and go for a walk in my garden''. I said as I curtsied and left the dining. The hall was still deserted as I walked down the hallway and into my bedroom. I walked past my dressing mirror and opened the door to my balcony where I took a flight of stairs down to my garden.

My Garden…the only place I ever felt truly happy and free. It was so calm watching the breeze blow on the orchids and the lavenders. Inhaling the flowery sweet smell of the roses and jasmine. Watching the lily float and swirl in the pond. Sitting on my swing and feeling the cool breeze on my face, feeling the breeze carry my hair as far as it could go, I thought as I played with the hem of my dress.

My thoughts were distracted by the sound of my name, I looked up to see who it was and it was Linda. She was walking towards me. I had totally forgotten about the guy from my dreams and that she said she knew someone who could help. 

‘’Linda, I had been calling you for ''. She said now sounding breathless

‘’ Sorry Linda, I was just lost in thought I guess''

‘’ Is it about the mystery guy in  your dreams'' she said making funny faces  and trying to cheer me up. I loved her for that, she was always there for me even when no one else was. We had practically grown up together as we both grew up in the castle, the only difference was that I was a princess and she was the daughter of a servant.

‘’No Linda, my mind was so occupied with someone else that I totally forgot about him''. I said. I didn't think anything Linda would say or do would cheer me up.

‘’ What's wrong Clara?'' she asked

‘’My father just gave my hand in marriage without my permission''

‘’To who?'' she asked. I could hear a trace of shock and pity in her voice

‘’ To Arthur of Asgard''. I said. Saying that name was like sitting on a pile of pins.

‘’That jerk! I heard her say, ‘’ I heard he has a false personality he uses outside to get what he wants but inside he's like the devil''. That didn't help at all, it just made me feel worse and like she read my mind she said,

‘’ Enough with the sad topics, it'll be ok. I just came to say we should probably start going to the lady I told you about who can help with your dream''

‘’ Yeah, I do need a distraction and some answers'' I said

‘’Yeah, lets go and I brought you a hood'', she said passing it to me. She knew me well, I didn't want a lot of people greeting me and I had told my dad that I was in my garden. And with that thought, I put my hood on.