Married to a cursed Alpha

Orkland

River's POV:

"Very well, I shall buy the kilo for nine copper coins." I said, struggling to remain calm.

Shaken by the news, I handed over nine copper coins from my pouch as the vendor packed the onions into a sack bag, which I quickly placed in my partially filled basket before quickly making my way back to the convent.

I ran through the back entrance of the church, dropped my basket in the kitchen. And without acknowledging the greetings of those present, I shut the door behind me and retrieved the letter Sir Dankworth had given to me earlier that day from the pocket of my gown, I uttered a brief prayer. "Oh Lord, may this not bring ill tidings." Before I impatiently tore open the envelope, bringing out the folded paper. With a shaky voice, I began to read out loud:

"Dear River,

Your presence is urgently required at home. Your father and I have been pondering a solution to alleviate our family's persistent poverty, and we have come up with an idea. In a few days' time, the Duke of OrkLand will host a Mating Ball for his son to select a bride. We believe it would be advantageous for us if you were to attend. You must begin your journey to OrkLand immediately upon receiving this letter, as you are to arrive within two days. Considering one day has already expired since the dispatch of this letter, ensure your arrival within the next day.

From: Your Mother"

I was fuming with anger, I clenched the letter tightly before flinging it aside.

"I truly thought something bad had occurred. I was genuinely frightened. I suppose it's time for me to return home." I lamented, purely disappointed.

I brought out a sturdy wooden trunk and quickly packed a few pieces of clothing before locking it shut with a lock. I carried the trunk downstairs and made my to Sister Isabel's Study.

I knocked on Sister Isabel's study door, receiving a reply only after her third knock. Upon hearing the invitation, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Sister Isabel sat at a wooden desk, surrounded by a lot of records and files scattered all over its surface.

"Good morning, Sister Isabel." I greeted.

"Good morning, River. You've returned from the market rather early." Sister Isabel said, her eyes still fixed on the documents that were scattered before her.

"I completed my tasks sooner than expected," I explained.

"Is something wrong, River?" Sister Isabel asked.

"I wish to return home," I answered.

"Such a sudden decision. Is there a particular reason?" Sister Isabel questioned.

"I overheard news of the collapsed bridge from a vegetable vendor earlier. I can't shake the feeling that something may have happened to my family's home. You know it's just a stone's throw away from the bridge." I explained.

"Ah, yes, that's a valid concern. What would you like me to do?" Sister Isabel asked, meeting my gaze.

"Sister Margaret is absent, so I hoped you could note my departure in the exit book." I requested.

"And how long do you plan to stay?" Sister Isabel asked further.

"Three days." I replied.

"Very well, you may proceed." Sister Isabel said.

"Thank you, Sister Isabel." I expressed my gratitude before dragging her trunk outside the church.

Once on the street corner, I hailed a passing carriage, I noticed two ladies were already seated inside with one vacant space remaining.

"Where to, Milady?" The coachman asked.

"OrkLand." I replied.

"That will be five silver coins." The coachman stated.

"That's not the usual fare, traveling to OrkLand has always been at the price of three silver coins." I insisted.

"We won't be making use of the bridge, Milady. A different and longer route is what we will be using, hence the price." The coachman explained.

"Very well. Please assist with my trunk." I requested.

The coachman quickly carried my trunk and placed it in the carriage's compartment. With everything in order, I settled into my seat as the coachman set off on the journey.

The journey to OrkLand was gruesome, with the carriage rattling over the uneven road for nearly three hours until we finally reached the entrance of the town, where the road smoothed out

The carriage stopped by the roadside, and the coachman quickly jumped down from it to get the trunks from the compartment.

I and the other girls dragged our belongings to a nearby corner before giving three silver coins to the coachman for payment. After bidding him farewell, we watched as he climbed back into the carriage and rode off.

Soon after, another carriage pulled up, offering to take the girls to their destination. It was a simple two-seater carriage, and the coachman asked "Where to, young ladies, inside town or to the outskirts?"

"Outskirts." The two girls replied in unison.

"That will be fifteen copper coins." The coachman stated, to which they nodded in agreement. With their trunks loaded, they settled into the carriage and the coachman rode off.

Meanwhile, I stood there staring at the passing carriages that were already filled up. I made note of the number of families arriving for the ball. I suddenly became upset, I had been standing here for so long. "How many darn families are flocking to OrkLand for the ball?" I muttered under my breath.

After a few minutes, an empty carriage stopped before me, and the coachman extended an offer. "Good day, Milady. You seem to have been standing in the sun for quite some time. Where are you headed? I can give you a lift."

"Inside town." I replied, genuinely grateful.

"Excellent, I'm headed there as well. Please, hop in. I'll handle your luggage." The coachman offered.

I hesitated for a while before insisting, "I will pay." Then he loaded my trunk before he settled in.

Throughout the journey, the coachman attempted to engage in a conversation on several occasions, but I responded shortly, showing little interest in contributing to the discussion. The carriage remained in silence until we arrived at our destination, then I brought out a silver coin from my pouch, and quickly paid the coachman.

"Allow me to fetch your change." He offered.

"No need, you may keep it. Just assist me with my luggage." I replied shortly.

The coachman agreed, lowering my trunk from the carriage and placing it carefully on the ground, before bidding me farewell and riding off.

I proceeded to drag my trunk along the road until I reached the edge of a forest, where I continued further until I arri

ved at a shabby looking cottage. Knocking on the door, I waited patiently until it was pushed open.