The Arranged Marriage

At some point during the day, I find myself on the dance floor. All the other villagers seem quite content, and smile and wave to me. Even the other girls, who I have spent my entire life with, seem to think I've had a stroke of luck. Only my closest friend, Isoki, has any sympathy.

"I'm so sorry," she whispers to me between dances. Her eyes are wide and it looks as though she's about to shed tears on my behalf. "This is so horrible."

"What's horrible?"

We spin, shocked that anyone overheard our conversation. In front of us is Matthew, the golden son of the Squire. His head is tilted inquisitively.

"The heat," Isoki babbles, which is ridiculous, for it is a pleasant day.

"Ah, yes," he says, his lips curving. My eys are drawn to them, then I look away, sharing an uneasy glance with Isoki. It is quickly interupted. "Would you care to dance?" he asks, executing a short bow.
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