Chapter 5: Bargains and Goodbyes

Until one day, I got caught eavesdropping on Jason’s lesson and was beaten almost to death by the guards.

The bruises lasted for weeks, fading like old memories. I spent my days hiding under my blanket, flinching at every footstep.

It was Emily, the Third Daughter, who found me, patched me up, and gave me medicine for my bruises.

She didn’t say much—just bandaged me, handed me ginger tea, and sat with me until I stopped shivering. I never forgot her kindness.

A favor like that is bigger than the sky, and I had to pay it back.

I decided then: whatever Emily needed, I’d do it. The world owed her nothing, but I owed her everything.

Then the western border was lost, and the leader of the northwest, once a hostage in our city, became a legend.

The grown-ups whispered about war and defeat. The northwest’s leader, once familiar, was now an enemy. Some called him a monster, others a hero.

He fought his way back, killed his own father, and led troops to our border.

The stories got wilder—he survived poisonings, betrayal, and took command. Even the bravest guards avoided talking about him after dark.

He captured fifty-eight towns and demanded only one thing: a daughter from the governor’s family.

The whole house shivered. Everyone agreed the dazzling Third Daughter, Emily, should be the bride.

Emily was the obvious choice—beautiful, smart, adored by all. But she seemed more like a prisoner than a bride.

Mrs. Wright said Emily had stopped eating or sleeping, falling seriously ill.

Doctors came and went, whispering about nerves and exhaustion. I knew it was fear.

Dad held council for three days, but with most generals dead or wounded, nobody volunteered. In the end, Emily would be sent to marry.

It was all decided by men who didn’t know her. They signed papers, congratulated themselves, and told the kitchen to prepare a feast.

Mrs. Wright had no choice but to bring me a box of lemon bars and beg me to go in Emily’s place.

She knocked on my door, eyes red, clutching the cookie tin like a lifeline. Her hands shook as she asked me to take Emily’s place. I saw her pain and understood, maybe for the first time, what it meant to be family.

I asked Mrs. Wright if there would be good food after marrying.

It was a simple question, but for me, food meant safety. She hesitated, voice shaky.

She promised good food, beautiful clothes, and jewelry—like something out of a magazine. For a second, I believed it.

That sounded worth it.

The idea of never being hungry again filled me with hope. I hugged the lemon bars to my chest and nodded, feeling like I’d won the lottery.

I got happy, wiped the cookie crumbs from my mouth, and promised, “Mrs. Wright, don’t worry. It’s just marrying someone. If Emily doesn’t want to, I’ll go.”

I puffed out my chest, trying to sound brave. Mrs. Wright managed a weak smile, and for once, I felt brave too.

But if Dad wanted me to marry Jason Sanders, I’d have to break my word.

That thought made my stomach twist. I glanced at Jason, wishing I could disappear. This wasn’t the plan.

I waved my hands. “No, no, Maddie doesn’t want to marry Mr. Sanders. Maddie wants to marry the leader of the northwest, Helan, Helan…”

My mind blanked. I fumbled for the name, cheeks burning.

The old assistant whispered, “Helan Gray.”

He saved me. I shot him a grateful look.

I said loudly, “Maddie wants to marry Helan Gray!”

My voice rang out. For once, everyone listened.

Maybe I was too loud—it startled everyone. They all stared at me like I’d confessed to robbing a bank.

“No!”

Jason suddenly spoke, lifting his suit and kneeling down. When he looked up, his face was pale as paper.

He knelt right in the middle of the office, everyone holding their breath. His lips trembled, but his voice was steady.

“The girl is young and doesn’t understand what marriage means. Sir, please reconsider.”

His plea was formal, desperate. He didn’t look at me—only at Dad, as if I was already gone.

Dad spun his gold ring, staring at Jason, and smiled. “Jason, our little Maddie may be a kid, but she’s clever. I like her, so I’ll fulfill her wish.”

He waved his hand grandly, making it official. “Announce the decision: Maddie is virtuous and dignified. She’ll marry the northwest’s leader, Helan Gray, and enjoy the honor of a consort.”

It sounded official, like something from a courtroom. The important part was clear: I was leaving, and my life was changing.

Dad also made Jason the family’s son-in-law, and next month, Emily would marry him.

The crowd murmured. Jason’s shoulders slumped, jaw clenched. Emily, wherever she was, would have been even more shocked.

Jason’s face was pale, but he just accepted it and thanked Dad.

All I could think about was my new room—I wanted to see it right away.