...Disclaimer:...

...This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental....

...Expect typographical errors and wrong grammars as most of the chapters are still left unedited....

...06/23/24...

...Akeelah Eloise Stutenberg...

..."Sometimes life IS about RISKING everything for a DREAM no one can see but YOU." – unknown...

...P R O L O G U E...

How is one supposed to know if the man she's facing is the man perfect for her hand in marriage? Do you casually just feel it in your bones or is it when your heart flutters just the same in the books?

Akeelah, obviously does not know such things. Being introduced to a man to whom she dislikes, she wanted to throw up and just leave.

"miss, perhaps you would like to have this dance with me?" Mr.Rough asked, offering his hand to her.

She wanted to refuse. Dramatically she wanted to flee this place and never came back, but she couldn't. The Baroness of Fitchberg has been giving her an eye for the past few minutes.

"I wish to leave." Stating it directly made the gentleman quite confused. "Pardon me, miss?"

An obnoxious laugh suddenly was heard that was coming from the Baroness. "What she meant is she wanted to leave for the dance floor, go on. Have a good time Mr.Rough."

And that was just a regular event which she has to endure for the past few years after debuting.

"What was it like?" The curious Brianne asks, stuffing her mouth with sweets.

Brianne Joel Welsh, The second born of the Marquee. Known for being stubborn and quite a handful young lady she is, described by her family.

Akeelah sighed and leaned on the couch. "Awful, he wasn't even a good dancer. He stepped on my foot several times."

"Awful really." A terrified Brianne commented as she drinks her tea. "I would've loved a dance. . with a man not older than my father obviously."

Footsteps suddenly filled the room, Zoe Attenae Roaduel, the second youngest daughter of the Earl Roaduel. Possess great wisdom, although she chooses to hide this wisdom of hers. "Zoe! You're here, how come you're late?"

Zoe sat beside Brianne who still couldn't get enough of the sweets. "Nagging Mother, Mad Father and Annoying Brothers."

"Oh, that explains." — "I believe you two have other problems to share." She crossed her legs and leaned back to the couch crossing her arms as well.

"It's the same old problem." Akeelah started looking mad exhausted from all the drama. "Mama has been on a spree to find me a man to marry, therefore he pushed me to Mr.Rough who was constantly shaking leading him to step on my foot several times."

The Ladies couldn't relate more, whenever they could, they arrange this meeting in a cafè to rant about their problems to one another as normal ladies in distress.

Before the ladies could further escalate their conversation Zoe's younger brother, Eryx Lucas Roaduel barged into the room. Adored by the ton by his talent to swordsmanship along with Zoe's other brothers.

A distressed look was painted on Zoe's face. "Good Day Ladies. Forgive me for the intrusion, I am here to pick my dear sister up."

"Just got here, Eryx. Can't you give me some space?" Zoe snapped, clearly frustrated with her family's constant nagging. "Leave us alone."

"I can't ignore an order from Mother. She wants to see you immediately," Eryx insisted, stepping closer. In response, Zoe kicked him hard. "Quick! Let's go before he recovers."

The three of them dashed away, laughing as they ran, hoping Eryx wouldn't catch up whose on the floor

"Will he be alright?" Brianne asked, panting as they stopped to catch their breath.

Zoe chuckled. "He will, I think." The three of them once again shared a good laugh about what had just happened.

"That was so unladylike Zoe, no wonder we can't find husbands." Akeelah commented jokingly.

Opening her fan, Zoe replies. "With those brothers how can I be ladylike just like what my mother wanted."

"It's always the mamas." Akeelah sighed. "The constant 'look modest young lady' or 'how can you find a husband if you keep holding that brush!'" The others laughed.

Though it faded just then, Akeelah noticed. So to shift the conversation she suggested. "Why don't we check out that newly opened cafe down the block?"

Brianne's eyes sparkled with joy. "Why are we still standing here? Let's make haste!"

It was the hunting season the Duke himself arranged, that was also funded by the Empress. Everyone was thrilled, especially the mamas.

"Akeelah, you will go with Mr.Rough, you understand?" Akeelah could only sigh. Her mother is constantly telling her to be with Mr.Rough which was an absolute dork.

"Do you understand?" Her mother repeated, making her nod. "Yes, I understand very well."

The only thing that excites her about going on the hunting expedition was to see Zoe and Brianne, nothing else. "How can I rest when I still have to think about you?"

Sighing she replied under her breath. "Maybe if you just let me be?"

"What was that young lady?!" Mama's voice was sharp, her eyes narrowing as she looked at her daughter.

"Nothing, mama." Her daughter's voice was small, barely audible, as she stared down at the floor.

Under her breath, she muttered, "Just wish you would listen for once." Her voice was almost a whisper, filled with a mix of frustration and sadness.

"What did you say?" Mama's tone turned icy, her suspicion growing.

"Nothing, mama, I said nothing." Her daughter's voice trembled slightly, a mix of fear and defiance in her eyes.

Upon their arrival, the place was already packed with people. Akeelah didn't really enjoy events such as this, she can barely survive socializing with the people of the ton.

"Mr. Rough, what a lovely day, isn't it?" Akeelah's mother said, her voice bright and cheerful as she looked around.

"Yes, it is. May I take her ladyship on a stroll?" Mr. Rough replied, his eyes fixed on Akeelah.

Akeelah looked as if she wasn't given a choice, and so, without even glancing at her mother, she gave her hand to the gentleman, her expression resigned.

"How have your days been so far, miss?" Mr. Rough asked, trying to engage her in conversation as they walked.

"It was fine," she said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes, her tone flat.

"Are you looking forward to today? I am eager to know who will be renowned as the champion in this year's hunting expedition." His enthusiasm was evident, a stark contrast to her indifference.

"I guess. I don't really enjoy hunting much. I just wonder how this event could possibly be of any help to the people," Akeelah said, her voice tinged with skepticism.

"Is this supposed to be of any help to the people? I believe this is of help for us, for entertainment, don't you think?" Mr. Rough's tone was light, almost dismissive, as if the idea of utility was foreign to him. Akeelah couldn't talk for a moment, questioning why she was still on a stroll with this man.

"You're right," she nodded, pretending to agree with his thoughts, which she disliked, her smile forced.

She silently wished she could find her friends to help her escape from this uncomfortable situation, feeling trapped and out of place.

On the other end of the field, Zoe and Brianne had already been looking for her. It was though they were running in circles.

"Where could she be?" Brianne asked getting frustrated from the thought that they have been looking for a long time.

Zoe too had gone frustrated. "We need to find her before Mr. Rough does."

"Who's Mr.Rough?" Brianne asked.

Zoe sighed in response. "Obviously the rich entrepreneur her mama has been pushing to her."

"Oh right! Let's look for her mama, obviously she wouldn't let her daughter go without a chaperone." Then the two of them went looking for Akeelah once again.

Some time later, the three ladies still hadn't found one another. Akeelah can only nod and smile frantically at the man she was with not having enough choice.

Then on, the hunting expedition began. Everyone was seated, when Akeelah noticed her mother sitting a bit far away from them and was not looking at her. She grabbed the chance to escape.

"Mr.Rough, I think nature is uhmm calling for me." She said, standing up.

The man looked convinced and let the lady go. "It can't be helped. Do you want me to send someone to accompany you, miss?"

She shook her head firmly. "Oh please, do not trouble yourself. I'll return as soon as I'm done with my business. Do enjoy the event while I'm away."

As she turned away, Akeelah couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. She was now free to find her friends who were somewhere in the field.

"Akeelah?" A familiar voice called out.

"Akeelah?" A familiar voice called out. She glanced around before joining them. "What are you two doing? I've been looking everywhere for you. I was in a tight spot called Hell."

"Good gracious, don't say that!" Brianne exclaimed, pulling Akeelah's arm to hide her as well.

"So, care to explain what's going on?" Akeelah asked.

Zoe sighed. "It's my brothers. They're looking for me."

"Shouldn't they be supporting your elder brother? He's still going to participate, right?" Akeelah inquired.

"Of course, but Mother wouldn't be happy if he didn't. Anyway, what about you? We thought you were with Mr. Rough."

"I was, but I left."

"Wasn't your mother upset?" Brianne asked with concern.

Akeelah shrugged it off. "She might be, once she realizes I'm gone."

Brianne quickly grasped Akeelah's hand. "If she ever gets overly mad and kicks you out, I’ll make sure you have a place to stay."

Both Zoe and Akeelah laughed. "You're too sweet, but thank you. I’ll keep that in mind."

"Ugh, crap," Zoe muttered, spotting one of her brothers approaching. "Brianne, go distract him. We'll run, and once you lose him, we'll meet in the forest."

"But—" Brianne began, but Zoe and Akeelah had already dashed toward the woods.

Sighing, Brianne stepped out of hiding. "Greetings to you, my lord," she said, giving a slight nod.

Eryx, flustered, returned the nod. "How have you been, miss?"

"I've been well. And you, my lord?" Brianne continued, trying to appear calm.

"Good as well," he replied. They stared at each other awkwardly before Eryx cleared his throat. "Ah, have you seen my sister anywhere?"

Biting her lower lip in distress, Brianne replied, "I have been looking for her as well."

"Then, would you like me to accompany you in finding her?"

Brianne looked into his eyes, feeling a bit shy. She knew she couldn't refuse without arousing suspicion. She nodded. "I would be honored, my lord."

Eryx offered his arm, and Brianne took it. "It is my pleasure to accompany you, miss."

Brianne glanced back toward the woods, hoping Akeelah and Zoe would hide well enough to make this diversion worthwhile.

Meanwhile, Akeelah and Zoe stood on the forest ground, waiting for Brianne. They knew she was accompanying Zoe's brother.

"What's taking her so long? My legs are hurting," Akeelah complained, shifting her weight to ease the pain in her heels.

"My brother is quite the talker. Let's just wait until she successfully convinces him," Zoe replied, standing with her arms crossed.

They waited for a while for Brianne to actually come, Akeelah had gone impatient. "I'll get us a drink, wait for her here."

Zoe's brows narrowed. "You can't just leave me, don't leave Akeelah." she firmly stated.

"It'll be quick, we have to wait for Brianne so while we wait wouldn't it be nice if we had drinks?" Akeelah stated, convincing Zoe to agree with her idea.

It didn't take long for Zoe to agree. "Come back right away and don't get caught by your mama, or I'll be waiting here all alone."

Nodding, Akeelah then started to venture to leave the forest then sneakily getting them a drink and coming back unnoticed by her mother.

"It should be quite easy." She said to herself, as she carefully lifted her dress to not get stuck or get dirt on it.

As she sneaks onto the refreshment table, grabbing them a drink and a few snacks that she stuffed into her little purse she left unnoticed.

Mission accomplished!

Or so she thought. . . On her way back, she heard a noise sort of horse galloping towards her way. Not wanting to be seen she hid hurriedly behind a bush still holding the two cups on both of her hands.

She noises started to get louder and louder than stopped. Akeelah got nervous and started to chant under her breath 'go away'.

Her heart stopped after a Rabbit head fell beside her, her instinct was to scream and run away which she did. Unluckily for her, she stepped on her dress making her fall on the ground, spilling the drinks all over the place.

"Ow." She muttered trying to pull herself together. Then she heard footsteps coming her way, then she whispered. "I just wanted a drink."

The hand of the man was the first thing she saw, she looked up to see who this man was. She gulped upon seeing the man's figure.

"miss, I seem to have scared you off."