Love Is Mine To Decide

In These Empty Walls

"Lady Micah. Please sit up straight. You should make no noise when drinking tea. This I'd proper etiquette. Now fix your posture, and try again."

Life here has been dancing on the border of insufferable. My uncle immediately threw me into lessons under the premise of a debutante. I'm coming into my sixteenth year, which in our lands is an age where young ladies look to engage.

Marriage had never been a thought for me. Growing up, I'd always felt that I'd be with my parents, never leaving their sides. Life has not dealt me with such cards.

"Alright. Perfect posture. This will conclude our lessons today. I will see you in two days' time. Please read and remember this books content in that time."

Teacher Raven handed me an etiquette book and promptly left the tea room. I slouched my back and relaxed against the couch. My lady-in-waiting raised her eyebrow at me but chose to leave me be.

Eliana is seventeen and the daughter of Earl Banes. She stands at about five foot four, with beautiful blonde hair hugging her chin. She has beautiful sea blue eyes and a voice like honey. I shy in her presence. Standing at only four foot eleven leaves me at a disadvantage in height amongst many.

The butler came into the tea room with an expressionless face.

"Lady Micah. Has Eliana been taking care of you well? How are your lessons fairing."

"Eliana is wonderful. My lessons are progressing. However, I feel that I am out of place. I wish Duke Ferriswood would allow me to return home."

"The Duke will preserve your parents' home in respect for their memory. However, you need a guardian. He will see to it that you are well cared for. Eliana, take Lady Micah to the foyer. We have distinguished guests visiting. Lady Micah, the Duke expects your quick arrival."

The butler bows and turns on his heel to leave. Now, sooner than he leaves the rooms, do I release a sigh. If my teacher had heard she'd properly have fainted. Eliana flashed a small smile and walked to me to reach for my hand.

"Must I go, Eliana?"

"I'm afraid so, Lady Micah. Let us make haste."

We made our way to the stairs that led down to the foyer. As we approached, I could hear the voices of men speaking along with a cheerful feminine voice.

Take a deep breath, Micah Roselle Ferriswood. You must execute elegance in its best form.

"Ahhh, yes. The lady of the hour. Your Highness, this is my niece Micah Roselle Ferriswood."

"Lady Ferriswood, I am Edgar Resland de Nowl. I am the second prince of the empire. It's a pleasure to be graced by your presence. My condolences for your losses that have paved the path for our meeting."

"Your Highness, I am honored to be blessed with the presence of the third sun of the empire."

Edgar took my hand and lightly brushed his lips along the tips of the back of my fingers.

Edgar is handsome. Black hair adorned his perfectly chiseled face and amber eyes. He stood towering over me with a smooth smirk dancing along his lips.

"This is the fourth princess and my most favorite sister. You will be debuting at the same ball with her. Viola Resland de Nowl."

"Thank you, dear brother. Lady Micah, do join me for tea from time to time."

"Speaking of which, Princess, why not go on a walk through our greenhouse? Micah, take Eliana, and I will send for tea and apple tarts."

"Oh, thank you, Duke Ferriswood! I've heard stories of the amazing apple tarts made here. Lady Micah? Shall we?"

I smiled in response to the smiling eyes. Viola flashed my way. An exact replica of her brother, Viola, had a more expression filled air about her.

The walk to the greenhouse was not long, and the sight was well worth it.

"Lady Micah, my condolences."

"Worry not, Princess. I'm kept so busy that I've barely any time to wallow in sadness."

Sitting across the table from me, the princess cupped my hand in hers.

"Lady Micah, a heart will still ache in the midst of any storm. I lost my nanny to illness. While it may not compare, she'd been the one to raise me. I felt like a part of me had died along with her."

"Thank you for your kindness."

"Please call me Vi. All the formalities can be so suffocating. May I call you Micah?"

"Yes, please. I would love that. Dare I say that we are friends?"

"You're stuck with me now. I hate to call everyone out, but most people stick to me like flies. Either because of my title or my brothers. It's wretchet in the least."

The day passed on in the blink of an eye, and I saw our guests off alongside my uncle.

"What would you think of the second prince?"

"He's handsome and dignified."

"Please do not fall for him, my dear. I will arrange for you to meet many wonderful suitors that would not require a high demand from you. You are, but a flower plucked and pulled far from home."

Someone else may have thought his words were endearing. I believed there was no such thing. I could hear the warning in his tone.

Marriage this.

Marriage that.

He's so eager to marry me off.

I wonder what the coming days have in store for me.