Chapter 1

“You are getting married in three days to come, Hazel.” It sounded like a broken record, as her father announced the news to her, while they both dined, she quickly adjusted her gaze from her food to her father.

“Can you be clear on that father?” she asked confused, demanding answers from her father immediately.

“A man from a distance land will be coming soon for you, everything is all sorted.” He said as he gives a smile.

“But father, I do not know this man in question, where he lives, what he likes and what not, and if I love him or not.”

“You shall know all of these on his arrival, Hazel.” He said as he continued with his dinner.

“Why was I not told about this, father?” she fumed.

“You’ve been alone since you mother died Hazel, I watched you closely as you grew up in grieve, you need a man to start up a family with, to distract you from any thoughts of your mother, and now is the best time to tell you, because you are now matured enough to be married.”

“How can I be married to a man that I do not love, father? If mother were to be alive, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Enough Hazel! Eat.” Her father commanded.

“I shall not marry that man father.” Hazel said angrily as she stood up and left the dinning table, she walked outside and rode on her horse, she got to a destination where her mother was buried, she tied her horse to a tree that stood close to the river side, she walked towards her mother’s grave as she stares at it for a long time, she inhales deeply while headed towards the river, she calmly pulled her dress off as she dives in to the cold water.

Hazel has made there, her safe place since her mother died and was buried there, when her mother was alive, they both went there to swim and chit-chat as mother and daughter. She grew fond of that place and goes there each time she needed peace with her soul and recall the memories she created with her mother.

Hazel’s mother died when she was ten years old, left with just her and her father, and today being her 25th birthday, her father decided to break the news of her marriage to her. “You are getting old without a man to call your own Hazel” her father would always say to her, she laughs about it each time she has a conversation with Rita.

Rita had been the only person allowed to take care of her aside the other maidens, Hazel chose Rita because she’s more free and relaxed with her, She’s the only maiden allowed to go into Hazel’s room, Rita wasn’t Just a maiden to Hazel but a close friend she told virtually everything, Hazel rode back home after swimming, as she went to her room to settle in, Rita came in with a bowl of white rice and grilled chicken in a tray and kept it on the table close to Hazel’s bed.

Hazel’s room is well decorated with shining materials, red and black in colors, she loves danger and finds joy in fighting, which her mother taught her, how to use and defend herself with a knife. Her mother was a warrior who always went to war and came back victoriously, she was never defeated by any man or woman, her mother was known for her bravery and her beauty which she passed on to Hazel after birth.

Hazel took over her mother, she is also known for her courage and wisdom, Hazel’s father is so proud of her and always boosts her to his friends. “Get yourself a daughter like Hazel” they would all laugh about it as they discuss, while dining on the same table or probably having meetings together.

Hazel is a lover of Kids, but never want to get married, she do say, “Women are properties to Men who think low of women, and I wouldn’t want to be a party to that, marriage is not for everyone Rita” those are her words to Rita each time they discuss about newly wedded couples.

“I was told you didn’t eat at all, so I brought your food here to eat my Lady.” Rita said softly.

“Father said I would be getting married in three days to come” Hazel responded as she sat on her soft bed, while gazing at Rita to catch her reaction about the news, Rita walked silently as she sat closer to Hazel.

“My Lady, people are talking about you not to have gotten married at this age” Rita said with concerns.

“I don’t care what people say, what matters is if I am ready to get married or not, they don’t own me Rita,” she said angrily.

“But my Lady, when are you ever ready to get married?” Rita asked as she got no replies from Hazel who sat down quietly as she gazed at Rita.

“I would leave you to eat my Lady.” Rita said as she walked out of the room, leaving Hazel to think about her decisions.

Hazel scoffs out loud, as she stares at the food on the table Rita brought, “I lost my appetite” she said as she laid down on her bed, clutching on her pillow tightly.