Capture

It was a picturesque day, one more than worthy to embrace what should be a joyous occasion. It seemed strange that in spite of this, it felt no different than any other day. Perhaps that is because you still have yet to fully process the events that have taken place. After all, it was not all that long ago that your sudden engagement was announced, all entirely without your consent or knowledge. You had known something like this was bound to happen at some point, yet you had held out hope it might be under better circumstances. Retrospectively, you realize how foolish such an assumption had been given your family's dire financial situation. Now you have found yourself in a whirlwind of a one-sided engagement to a yet-to-seen foreign suitor. You can only image what type of man would agree to marry so readily without so much as a proper meeting or even exchanging of portraits beforehand. Images of decrepitly old or vile men **** their way into your mind as you are **** to prepare for your inevitable union.

Were you more religious you might think to pray for some type of salvation, however, you had given up hope of such things a long time ago. Now, instead you have begrudgingly resigned yourself to the seemingly inescapable future. You can only hope that regardless of the mans age or appearance that he be someone gentle-hearted or at least prone to long business trips. The next few hours slip by in a hazy blur as what little maids your family has managed to retain rush to attend to your many needs. Were things left to your own devices you would put no effort into your looks for the stranger that will soon be called your husband. After all, the man was hurried enough to be docking the same day of your nuptials. Another note of concern in your mind but one that was quickly dismissed by your family who seem rather pleased he appears equally as ****. You are certain had it not been for the large retainer he sent in advance to cover the ceremony, even they might have had some reservations about his true intentions. Regrettably, the sum was more than enough to cover a lavish event and then some, of which was happily pocketed by the very members responsible for the familial fortune's demise.

With your fate now seemingly sealed, you are **** to move forward with the unwanted union. With the final touches added to your hair and adornments, you are presented before a large polished mirror. Under different circumstances you would might be pleased with the results, though you find it rather hard to breath or move under the stiff fabrics. However, instead all you feel is an overwhelming sense of dread, especially when you hear the maids giggling over the inevitable wedding night. Despite your sheltered upbringing, you are no stranger to the mysteries of the marital bed. Though you have not yourself participated, you have enough older sisters and cousins to have obtained the basic idea. From their descriptions, you can at least assume it will be over in a relatively short amount of time. Unfortunately, it appears the same might be said of the ceremony as you receive word your betrothed has just made dock.