The Duke's Daughter ~ a love story of loss, mystery and betrayal~ READ THE INTRO!!

The sun dappled the morrning dew turning the hillts of Lanchester Manor into silver. Somewhere in the distance a shepard was bringing out his sheep to start a new day. The land seemed so peacful, no toubles, no worries. I sat and stared out the window, feeling the warmth of the sun as it spread throughout me. I wanted to sit there forever, gazing at life in awe. There was a knock on the door and Clarise, my maid sweeped in. Clarise was a few years younger than me, fourteen I think, and had silvery-blonde hair and gray, seemingly lifeless eyes. I've known her for five years now and I trusted her. About a year ago when Aurther and I almost got caught throwing rocks at the palaces stained glass windows, Clarise, who luckily was in the market at that time, helped us escape. She didn't even ask for anything afterward and didn't tell my parents. I smiled at the memeory. Aurther and I did some crazy things in our youth. One time when we were both eleven, we got a whole bunch of bullfrogs from the pond and put them in the moat outside of the Nobleman Antor's castle. All night we could hear him complaining about the, " Croaking peddler" outside of his room. "Miss Elsa?" whispered Clarise quietly. Startled, I slowly drew out of the past and back into reality. " Yes?" I replied. " Your clothes are on your bed and breakfast will be ready in ten minutes." Clarise bowed and headed to the door. I looked at my bed, which was now made and tidy along with the rest of my room. " Clarise, wait." Clarise stopped and swivled back towards me, " Yes, my lady?". I turned my eyes to her. " Why is my riding out-fit next to my dress?" I question. Clarise looks down uncomfortably at her feet. " It is your fathers wish that you go riding with the Duke of Lauterdale after breakfast.". Anger stirs in me," Again? Why can't my father just leave me alone? I mean, he already does, but why can't he let me choose?". Personaly I don't want to get married I think to myself. Clarise shrugs and asked to be excused. " Fine, and thank you Clarise,". Clarise bows and says, " Your welcome mi' lady." and with that leaves me to change.

I walk down to breakfast and see my parents sitting at the heads of the table looking like they've been waiting and eternity for me to come down. We begin to eat, the only sounds coming from clinking forks and knives. Eventually, my father looks at me and speaks. " Elsa, the Duke of Laurerdale will be here soon to take you riding. I want you to be on your best behavior,". I look at my father unhappily. " And what if I don't want to? He's twenty years older than me father and he's already had six wives, I don't want to be number seven.". My father droops his silverware, walks over to me and strikes me across my face, leaving my cheek stinging. " Do you defy me? You will go riding today and if the Duke doesn't ask for your hand in marriage before the day is over, I'll want to know why. Your eighteen. Practiclly a wench. You don't deserve the life and wealth I give you. And if you don't marry the Duke of Laurerdale, don't bother coming back after your ride!". With that he strikes me again and tearing up I run upstairs sobbing and start packing.