Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“I am of age. More so now.” The determination in her eyes made my heart stir. But I couldn’t ruin my chance this time by being impatient.
“You may be of age, Aphrodite, but you are still under your father’s care. Will you make me a thief, or worse, a rogue with no respect for the order of things? He could shun us both. Your dowry, are you going to forsake that? Surely, I would take care of you always, but even still, your father may refuse to see you again. Approval isn’t just a formality, it is peace, and I could not bear knowing I had broken it in your home.”
“My father would never. You know he is a kind man.”
“Nevertheless, it is not proper to take advantage of his kindness and love of you.”
Her shoulders dropped. She inhaled deeply, staring at my hand. “I understand your concerns. Truly. Have you thought of mine?”
“Yes.”
“Do you see everyone’s eyes on us?”
I did not have to look to know.
“The first time they all laughed at me, mocked me. I could not even breathe in high society. And now we have come full circle. Any delay will further insult me and misunderstand you. Whatever you face, I shall face with you if you let me.”
I could not have been more madly in love with her. “I will come back in the morning to speak to your father again and propose.”
“I shall wait…as always.”
I wished I could kiss her lips at this moment. Instead, I kissed the back of her hand.
Soon, so very soon, she would be mine.
Aphrodite
My father would not speak to me on the way home, nor did he speak to any of us once we had arrived. Instead, he went to his study immediately. I finally retired to bed, but I could not sleep, as my heart was still racing. While at the ball, I was strengthened by Evander’s presence. But was I pushing him too far? Was I too stubborn? Should I have simply accepted what he and my father had agreed to?
I spent all night tossing, turning, and thinking. It felt like I had only blinked when I began to see the light of the sun enter my room. Father always awoke at first light when he had something on his mind, as the house was quiet and allowed him time to read. I knew this since I’d often joined him when I was younger. I rose from my bed, and I took my robe before peeking out of the room. Seeing no one there, I quietly headed down the stairs. Doing so reminded me of being in Evander’s home, sneaking to the kitchen together. Sitting across from Evander, I had dared to dream that we could be like that without having to hide.
It was that dream that gave me courage as I reached my father’s study door. I inhaled through my nose, held my head high, and knocked.
“Yes?” I heard his voice.
I entered to see him standing by his book stacks, already dressed for the day. Upon seeing me, he frowned.
“How did you know I planned on sneaking out early today?” he asked.
“I didn’t. But you always rise early when you are anxious,” I answered, closing the door behind me.
“Why do I have the sense you are about to make me more so?” he muttered, looking back at his book.
“I am.” I smiled. “Evander will come today to propose to me.”
“I talked to Evander yesterday.”
“But you did not speak to me.”
“Because there is nothing to discuss, my dear,” he replied, going to his desk to pick up his bag.
“On the contrary, Papa. It is my life.”
“Hence why I am doing all that I must to ensure it is a good and safe one. You are caught in your emotions and cannot see,” he replied sternly.
“I’d rather be blind than emotionless,” I argued.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Aphrodite, we shall talk about this later—”
“We will not. You will ignore and hide from me.”
“You are being ridiculous. I am not hiding from you. I am sparing these conversations as they will go nowhere. I will not change my mind—”
“Then I will marry without your permission, and my wedding will be the happiest and saddest day of my life.”
He froze, shocked. “You…you are threatening me?”
I shook my head. “I am not, Papa. I am telling you the truth. I am telling you what I want.”
“And what you want is not easily done.”
“But it can be. Evander—”
“Evander’s family is full of complications. Some of which you do not know or understand!”
I stepped forward. “All my life, you, Mama, and my governess have told me I am to stand by my husband. Even if his life is full of complications. Did you not mean it?”
“I see all these years I have spent seeking to educate you were a waste. The book I gave to you, the story of ‘The Golden Bird,’ did you not learn about the misfortunes one goes through when one does not take advice from the wise?”