Duchess of Hope

Returning Home

~~~~~Rebecca~~~~~

She felt beyond exhausted as she walked through the doors into the entrance hall. Seeing her parents there reminded her of their expectations, so Rebecca prepared herself for the long conversation she would have tonight. Walking over to the sitting room to take a seat, her parents waited. Finally, Sebastian walked in, his face grim but otherwise expressionless. His normally bright eyes seemed dull to her. It felt like years passed since he truly smiled. And she missed that, especially right now. She wanted him to smile and did her best to give him a soft one, but her mind remained focused on the situation regarding the prince.

“Did you meet with Prince Aaron tonight?” Her father asked as Sebastian sat next to her. “His family is offering a large dowry for your hand you know.”

“Yes, father.” Rebecca kept her answers short. “I did.”

“And?! What do you think?” Her mother continued the line of questioning. “I know he is as handsome as Crowned Prince Landon. You will marry him, won’t you?”

Rebecca knew it was not right of her to ask, but she wanted to. Looking at the floor, she did not answer, causing the atmosphere to tense a little. Even though they gave her plenty of love as a child, once she became of marrying age, they wanted her to marry up in society to make their own lives more comfortable. Having a daughter marry into the Royal Family was a step up for families like hers. Even though her family already had plenty of wealth and power, they wanted more and will use her to gain that. She squeezed her eyes shut, her expression twisting in agony. Did that mean she needed to sacrifice herself just so they could get more?

“Rebecca,” her father’s voice was stern as he spoke. “You will marry him.”

This difference in him, so far from the father she remembered, hurt more than anything. It felt as though he sank a dagger into her heart. She wanted to run and hide, her stomach turning as she thought about the prospect. Not that Prince Aaron was undesirable. It was that he did not see her as anything less than a Princess Evangeline comparison. Keeping her eyes on the floor was her only option to not see the disappointed, angry glares her parents were sending her. Since Prince Aaron picked her, she had to marry him, not for the love she had always dreamed of.

“Since you refuse to answer, we will go ahead with the plans for your wedding.” Her mother replied stiffly. “This is best for you. Fortunately, Prince Aaron sent along your dowry a short while ago, so that will do. You will be a Bryson in two months. Go to your room.”

Doing her best to keep her pride, she stood and walked away. As soon as she reached her bedchambers, she fell to her knees, her sobs wracking her body. It was worse than being struck; she thought as she made her way to the bathing room. She had to wonder if Sebastian would come to comfort her or not, but shock coursed through her to find him sitting on the sofa, a short distance from her bed. How could she marry someone she did not love? She thought, making her way over to the sofa. What purpose did it serve her to marry up in society for her family when it would not make her happy?

“Are you okay?” He asked softly, reaching out to run his fingers through her still wet hair. “They did not need to be so harsh.”

“I’m not.” Rebecca returned, sinking onto the sofa next to him. “I do not wish to marry. I want to stay here with you, Sebastian. You have always seen me for me. Prince Aaron only sees me as a Princess Evangeline comparison.”

If only Prince Aaron could be more like Sebastian. Rebecca knew well that was unfair to the Prince, but he only seemed to care for her because of how similar she was to the Princess. Hanging her head, she tried her best to hold back her tears. She knew Sebastian did not like to see her cry, as he had always been that way. Sighing softly, she turned her gaze up to the ceiling, hoping that the tears would not come. Her throat hurt as she tried to hold back all the emotions she felt at this point. Despair welled up within as she realized that she would have no choice but to marry, and the tears finally broke loose of her hold.

~~~~~Sebastian~~~~~

Sebastian could feel her pain as though it were his own. There was nothing they could do to change the situation. Sighing softly, he wrapped his arms around her thin shoulders and pulled her into his chest. As they were, no one would accept him as her suitor. Trying to think of something, anything, to save her from her fate as an unhappy Princess, Sebastian remained where he was, clasping her to his chest. How could he save her? If he tried to dispute her parents and offer himself as a candidate, would they allow it? Sebastian shook his head, trying to force his thoughts to return to offering her comfort.

“This is hard for you too, isn’t it?” She asked, her throat hoarse. “You never enjoyed seeing me unhappy.”

“That’s right.” Sebastian replied, running his fingers through her hair. “You’re supposed to always smile. Not the fake one you wore today, I mean.”

He felt her nod in understanding before she pulled away from him. Having a hard time keeping his urges to himself, he looked away from her beautiful hazel eyes and to the floor. Despite everything going on, his love seemed to never stop growing, even in times such as these. Here she was, possibly getting married to another man, and he could only think of himself and the desires he held for her. If only it were as easy to say the words as it was to think them. Her eyes looked so sad at that moment. He could only watch as she hugged herself.

“But I just can’t smile.” A tear slid down her cheek, causing him to reach out and brush it away with his thumb. “I don’t believe Prince Aaron is a poor partner, but he is not for me.”

“I know, Becca.” And boy, did he agree. “I should probably get back to my room before you father catches me in here again. I know I can’t offer much, especially with your wedding in two months, but I’m always here for you.”

“Thanks, Sebastian.” Was her soft reply as she leaned heavily against the back of the sofa. “Sometimes I think you are the only one that truly cares about me.”

Sebastian rubbed her hair as she sniffled and stood. Once she married, maybe his heart would feel more at ease. Shaking his head as he headed to his chambers, he frowned. He wanted to be the one she married. That was what he had dreamed of since he first saw her smile all those years ago. Had his family still been alive, that would have been possible. Since he was underage when they died, he could not inherit their estate until he turned eighteen. By the time he did, it would be too late for him to offer for her hand, and even then, her family raised him and considered him her brother.

Damn it. Was there nothing he could do to bring her smile back? He had two months to figure something out before all hope disappeared. Sighing as he sunk into his bed, he thought back to the tears rolling down her cheeks. Just what was he supposed to do? Ignore her tears? He turned his head to the window to look out at the starry night. What if… what if they ran away? Sebastian was seventeen, so he could find a job. They could leave right before the wedding and never look back. These thoughts would continue to circle for the rest of the night.