Stolen by colour

Across

As days stretched on, Anna grew distant from her father, hoping that her silent treatment would make him comprehend.

Today, Lord Denmarin held a feast with the councilors and nobles.

"Tomorrow is the day my wife will be legally mine." He announced proudly.

'This has to stop, but how?' Anna questioned herself. "Excuse me, father, I know today and tomorrow are big days for you, so why isn't her family here to enjoy this day with us? Or did they not bless it, or do they not know?"

He looked at her, knowing she did not ask out of concern, but to disgrace his efforts. "Her family is far away from this kingdom, so they would not be joining us. No more questions!" he said sharply, but kept his temper cool.

The Nobles agreed and kept drowning themselves in wine and alcohol.

'What do these fools know?' she thought to herself.

One of the nobles, Lord Kent, spoke directly to Anna, "Do not worry, Lady Anna, nobody will sell you this time around. And on the bright side, you will have a mother, young at that. I know young women tend to bond quickly."

Other nobles agreed, while some disagreed.

--

The next day, everywhere buzzed with various activities for the preparation of the wedding. Anna had her friend come over before the event started. "I don't get it. He is old, and he knows that the last time he tried to marry, the lady almost sold me off."

Arian looked at her in confusion. "At least you are old enough now to know what you want, and if she does anything, you can always voice it out, or fight back."

Anna looked at her gracefully, "I wonder who I will marry. What will he look like?"

Arian looked at her with amusement. "I did not know you you are hungry for marriage. And where is that coming from, by the way?"

Anna's eyes widened as she realized what she said. "Stop, I... it was a slip of tongue. I meant I can't wait to be free."

Arian looked at her with a soft smile. "Being married is not being free, my dear; if anything, it is another bondage that you will find worse."

Anna replied, "worse? Ah"

Arian commented immediately, "But I am not saying you should not get married, just do not think it is a way of escape."

A maid then announced, "My Ladies, the ceremony has begun."

--

Hours passed as the newlywed couple was being celebrated and congratulated. The new bride approached Anna. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lady Mariam, daughter of the duke of Kiloniahn and wife of--"

Anna cut her short. "I know who you are, wife to."

Mariam looked at her with a small smirk that played on her lips, "Well then, we should skip the formalities. Very soon, you will be the one to get married."

Anna looked at her in disgust, "I am only one and seven."

Mariam spat back at Anna, "More than enough reason for you to get married."

Anna's blood boiled as she tried to control her anger. "You just arrived!" Her tone rose, attracting the attention of guests.

Mariam seemed unbothered by Anna's tone but rather saw the need not to continue the discussion, knowing well enough that Anna would probably explode. "Let us have this discussion later, okay? I will be with your father now."

Arian approached Anna slowly, "What happened?"

Anna tried to speak, but her anger wouldn't let her. Arian then took her out for some fresh air. Anna finally spoke, "I can get married, but hearing it from her is annoying, because she is married to my father, which does not mean she is my mother, non gives her the right to speak about such sensitive things with me."

Arian looked confused but had to choose her words well, careful not to make Anna more pissed than she already is. "I would not be too sure to say I know her motive for bringing up such a discussion, especially at today's event, but maybe she cares... huh?"

Anna shot her a glare, "Senseless of you to say." Anna kept quiet for a long time. "Good night, I shall retire to my room.

In Anna's chamber, the rest of the world faded as fatigue claimed her.