myghoulcirce

[myghoulcirce]

A venting moment.

I'm so painfully tired of being alone and even having my name forgotten by people who have known me for a decade.

I'm painfully tired of being critised for every little thing I do/say or don't. It's a never ending battle of stepping on things layers of glass around people who really don't care if I'm there or not.

There wasn't an ounce of peace from it during a time where I was most vulnerable and honestly, a time where I was just trying to enjoy the life I had.

It's so exhausting to battle in a war that I've already given up on, but continue out of respect for my partner. Yet, I'm the one who has to face it all and face it alone because they'd rather ignore it.

I'm tired. I am alone. I wish things would end, but none of those outcomes are going to be comfortable and I will have to face either a hard truth or watch the one I love face theirs.

I've waited my whole life to have the path in my life, the years it took to see that life, all for it to be overshadowed by constant disappointment and unsolicited messages.

Is it too much to ask for a quiet and content life while I'm slaving away at a job that I wasn't supposed to be at? When I've sacrificed so much out my career and time?

[myghoulcirce]

One that I've only typed a tiny bit of what I actually wrote. I spent so many weekends typing the three stories, writing out the map, and drawing characters. I haven't touched it since graduation.

I closed my eyes, hoping that when I opened them my life would return to normal. After a deep breath, I opened them already knowing what waited for me. The most important day in my life and I yearned for anything else. The day I would officially be crowned as Queen, but would only be a constant reminder of how I had ended up here.

My father was gone, I had found my Mother’s body in the garden only a short time after. How could I expect my Kingdom to trust me after everything that had happened, with so many secrets surrounding my family in recent years?

“Alana, you need to finish getting ready.” Violent closed the door behind her as she walked my way, I will do your hair while we wait. Even though I had faced away from her, I could feel her blue eyes staring into my back. As I sat down at the large vanity, she quickly explained what was expected of me tonight. “You will be expected to speak, but as soon as you do, feel free to mingle with everyone. You will no longer be able to hide away in your room after you tire of an event, from tonight and on, you will be expected to carry out the entire evening. “

I looked at her through the mirror as she put my hair in a similar bun as hers. My bangs were not nearly as noticeable or perfected as hers, which framed her face nicely despite the dark black showing how pale she was. “I feel uneasy about all of it. What if they are not happy with the decision?” I waited for her expression to change, giving me a familiar glare, but instead, she continued pinning accents into my hair.

“We’re all uneasy, Alana, but I assure you it is not your ability to lead that has us feeling that way. That should be the least of your worries.” She walked around to face me, pushing a black string of hair from my face, “You should not worry about how everyone feels about the decision of you becoming Queen, your father broke tradition many times in your life. If anything, this should only affirm how much trust he had in you and your ability to lead a Kingdom.” She smiled, “You will do well, and I do not believe you are nervous about the crowning, I am willing to bet that you are worried about the treaty your mother had made. “

“Marriage to someone I barely know? Shouldn’t I marry someone I deem appropriate for my Kingdom? I do not want King Fredrick to think I cannot handle what it takes to continue the peace. I am not willing to back down because I am uncomfortable, we should continue with the plans.”

Violet nodded in agreement, “You confided in Asriel first, didn’t you? He is growing into his father’s role. A few more years and he will be your Court Advisor. We should start walking towards the ballroom. Asriel has the guards posted around the castle and I have commanded my men to stand guard in the city. It will be a busy and bustling celebration since we have nearly ended a war.”

We were greeted by servants and guards as we made our way through the long hallways until we reached the main hall, where our event would begin. Cool air from the doors crept in, hinting that the sun was going down. Almost in an instant, the room was flooded with nobles and other royal families from the other three kingdoms.

I had kept my speech short and sweet, carefully wording each sentence. Violet and Asriel placing the crown on my head, ending the ceremony with a roar of clapping. Everyone smiled as they danced, many using the event to find suitable connections that could further their plans. I loathed noble parties, always retreating to my room so that my father could take over, but I felt stunted compared to the other girls.

Moving through the crowds, I could hear doubts, even through lowered whispering voices. Some shared the same doubts; wasn’t Alana too young to lead a Kingdom? How could they allow a woman to lead without a husband by her side? Most cursing or laughing at the traditions my father had changed so that I could lead. Fortunately for myself, it had seemed like most who shared these doubts were just noble families with little impact during meetings.

After what had felt like an eternity, I made my way through the garden. I wanted to see the city lit up and dancing for the first time in a while. Their happiness mattered more to me than those filling the hallways of my home. As I inched towards the gate, I had noticed a familiar face. I was almost certain that I was mistaken, he lived in the second-largest city in Esra and had very little reason to leave it. I was too far away to make out his voice, but the resemblance was striking; the same messy dark brown hair, styled almost as if he had just woken up. When he smiled, his face lit up, reminding me of our last meeting. A girl had approached him, well dressed and her golden blonde hair laid freely on her shoulders. They had clearly made plans to spend the evening together, she slipped her arm around his as they disappeared into the crowd.

I smiled to myself, tonight is a night of many lasts and that would include the last time I would think about him.

“You seem quiet today, my dear.” Prince Cade of Jadeite, King Fredrick’s younger brother, gave a lazy glance from across the table.

I smiled, “My apologies, I was very invested in your story.”

“Well, there have only been very few men to return from such a dreaded forest! My adventure would most certainly be interesting, even more so that I am here to tell you.” His cup clanked against the table as he finished his tea, “I brought a decorator from Jadeite to begin working on the finishing touches for the wedding. Perhaps we could spruce up the castle to reflect my heritage as well.”

“We should discuss this later, but may I remind you that my father holds a lasting impression on the people of Esra.”

Cade ran his hand through his blonde hair, “But of course! King Aspin and the love he had for his people will be told for generations.” He glanced over to the doorway where Asriel and Violet stood, “Do you mind if we talk privately for a moment?”

“Anything you would like to say, you may in front of my court advisor and general.” I stood up, “Or you may wait.”

He gave out a frustrated sigh, leaning back into his chair, “Of course, my dear.”

“Your decorator, they will be starting in the garden? I plan for the wedding to be held by the balcony overlooking the river.” I touched his hand, “I know that you’re anxious to be a part of Esra and to bring your family’s culture, I have an entire kingdom to reconnect with and I need you to understand that.”

“Of course, my dear.”

“I understand that our customs are different here, I just ask that you respect them. We are still in the midst of repairing our own Kingdom and perhaps even bordering a war between others.” I gave him a reassuring glance, “In your Kingdom, your King would be able to make such a decision..to go to war, but here I am the General of our armies and I will be the one to make that decision. I have trusted Violet and Asriel for a long time, if anything were to happen to myself...I would hope you would place your trust in them as well.”

“Alana? Are you feeling well?” Cade seemed concerned, almost frightened by my statements.

I shook my head, “Of course, I...I should go for a walk.” I motioned for Violet as I stood up, “Violet, please escort the Prince to his room. Dinner will be done before I may be back, please enjoy your meals without my company tonight.”

“Asriel will be waiting outside of the gate for you, your highness.” Violet bowed and turned her attention to Cade.”

I continued down the hallway until I met the stairs in the main lobby, how drab and dark the castle had felt since the death of both parents. The ever-growing feeling of darkness swallowing this place felt more real with each step and moment that I continued with my mother’s plan. Violet and Asriel knew just as well as I did that going against them would cause an uproar between Esra and Adelita. Something that couldn’t be handled with the recovery of Esra.

“Alana? Violet sent word you’d be coming out, but I thought you were going to change first?” Asriel gave me his cloak, covering my bare shoulders and most of my gown. “You should be more considerate of such things.”

“Apologies, Asriel.” My voice barely over a whisper.

“I’ve caught wind of a certain auctioneer staying at the Mill’s Inn. Sophia left note that tonight will be his last night in Esra before returning to the Auction House.”

“Sophia has always been a friend to our family. Certainly wouldn’t surprise me if this man were to be Connell.” We weaved through the crowd of civilians rushing to come home after a long day’s work to be with their families. Fortunately, Sophia’s Inn would be only minutes from the castle’s gate.

“Will you be alright? I know we’ve discussed your marriage, I’ve just been worried about your mindset lately.” Asriel cast a glance around, checking for any unsavory characters.

“Everything is pleasant, Asriel.” I opened the big wooden door leading into the Inn. The faint smell of rye beer and sweat filled the air as we entered the Tavern area. Flynt, the bartender, nodded in our direction to greet us. One glance around the room and I found Sir Connell staring back at us from the corner. A young man sat across from him, a familiar figure. “What brings you to town, Sir?”

“I could be asking you that as well, your highness. Please, have a seat before someone recognizes you.” Connell scooted over as Asriel took the seat next to the young man. “I’m sure you remember Dorian, my nephew.”

“I’m relieved to see you’re alive, Dorian.” So it was him I saw last night, not just a figment of my imagination. Of course, I would not be able to leave him behind so quickly.

“Thank you, your highness?” Dorian’s voice was low, almost hesitant.

Connell handed over an old leather journal, “I know I haven’t visited and I’m deeply affected by the death of your father. There is only so much I can do for you, Alana.”

“What is this?”

“I have only one task left in this world and that is to provide you the truth and I can only hope that you’ll trust what you read in that journal. There is so much that you don’t really know about your parents and unfortunately, your father didn’t really know that much about Sonya before they married.” Connell glanced towards Dorian, “Dorian will stay in the castle town when I return home. Please, don't hesitate for his help.”

“Sir Connell?” Asriel spoke quietly, “What are you trying to say about the previous Queen?”

“She was a brilliant woman, nothing more. Just ask yourselves why this marriage was a part of the treaty to stop the war. Her treaty, mind you.”

“Asriel, it is okay. We were all there that night. We saw it and we know the truth. It wouldn’t be surprising if my father left something for Sir Connell if he were also suspicious.” I looked at the journal in my hands, clearly old and worn. “Thank you, Sir Connell. I hope you arrive home safely.”

“Anything for you, Alana.”

“Dorian, you are welcome to stay at the castle if you would like. I am certain there are plenty of things to catch up on.”

“I….”

“Just stay with them, boy. You’ll be safer around the three than away from them.” Connell finished off his drink, “I should be hitting the hay, long travel home.” I stood up, allowing him to exit the table, “The war may be over, but the world still needs savin’ and Dorian will have all the connections you’ll need. Until next time, your majesty.” He put a hand on Asriel’s shoulder, “You should leave the two alone to talk on their way back to the castle, she’ll be okay.”

“Alana?” Asriel knew Sir Connell well enough to trust him but still refused to leave unless told to. I nodded, giving the permission he sought. “I’ll be waiting at the gate, if you take too long, I will send the guards out.”

“Thank you, Asriel.” I lifted my glass, taking a drink of the contents in hopes to lighten the mood. A thick awkward fog loomed over us as the others left. “You made it to the ceremony?”

“Perhaps.”

“Of course. Who was the girl?”

He gave out a sigh before answering, “Finn. She was a part of the group that stormed the gates.”

“She was there as well? How many of this rebel group stormed the gates of the castle that night?”

“One other aside from Finn and myself. A ship captain by the name of Emeric. He’s an older man and very fond of the previous King… Don’t take their actions as an act against you or the King.”

“No, I understand. You showed me that night. I forgive you, so you can stop avoiding my eye.” I felt my heart begin to beat quickly as he lifted his eyes to meet mine. “It was unfortunate and I will not stop until I have rebuilt the trust the people deserve.”

[myghoulcirce]

The legend of the Wheatland Castle

Among many places on Earth, America shares its fair share of urban legends, abandoned buildings and towns, far more interestingly; it shares its own of mysterious deaths and disappearances.

In the mid 1800’s, a small ‘castle’ of sorts had been built to house the Wellington family, the most prominent in Wheatland’s early days. They owned the biggest plot of land, much of it spanning past the invisible borders of the town. The Wellington family were full of doctors and nurses, almost as if it were a family business. The only doctors between the small town and miles before the next major city in the Midwestern state.

Highly respected and honored among every social circle, until a plague of mysterious disappearances began to haunt the town. From young woman and children to politicians, no one was safe from this mysterious enigma. No where to begin looking as there were no bodies to confirm any of these people were dead.

Not until October of 1835, where a young woman, Madison Friar was found wandering the streets early morning. She couldn’t express any words and didn’t seem to notice the concerned policeman that had found her. Madison was the house maid of the town’s mayor and had been missing for two years. Her hair was unkempt, frizzy, and her body covered in bruising and lacerations; most notably was the blood staining the white gown she had worn.

The white gown was one used by the Wellington’s during any operations they performed, usually patching up the occasional hunting accident wound. This woman was not a victim of being accidentally shot, but someone who had been sterilized and beaten until she no longer remembered who she was.

This would be the day that the Wellington Doctors became the core point of a nasty rumor. No evidence can be provided as to if any of this had happened, but once another victim had escaped years later, she told everyone the abuse and mutilation she had suffered by the hands of the once respected doctors. She was found wandering the same road, but this time with a two-year-old child in her arms. She described this child to be the daughter of Madison Friar, that her name was Veera and she had been taken from Madison shortly before she found wandering the streets. The woman spoke of the repeated abuse she had witness Madison face at the hands of the head of the Wellington family, Arthur. She described his actions something far from what his public appearance would suggest and a vial monster that lurks in the dark.

The people of Wheatland gave no hesitation to the raiding of their massive home, finding the visions you would have never imagined. They took justice out of the hands of the lawmen and most of the family were killed on the spot, their souls to wander endlessly in the halls of the very place their victim’s souls wondered, a fitting end as the town thought.

This mansion still sits in the same location, all 300 acres of land, untouched and almost forgotten as the town of Wheatland has been long abandoned since the mid 1900's. Those who have heard the legend of history not daring to set foot in the town, while unfortunate visitors that stumble upon it don't stay for long.

[myghoulcirce]

[myghoulcirce]

Just because it's midnight and I'm bored. Here's a little chunk of a WIP I started before COVID and while the world was still manageable to handle.

There's more around here somewhere, but I'll save that for later. Still a draft obvs.

I reached the bottom half of the stairs; I could see him standing in the main hall of our mansion. He was thin, almost looking sickly compared to the berry sized man he was here to see. I watched him touch the keys to our baby grand that greeted everyone as they had come in, but he clearly did not know how to play.

"My father will be another minute," my voice was quiet, but loud enough for him to hear me. "I can play something for you as you wait."

The man jumped a little, before fixing his tie, "Uh...sure." His voice barely loud enough to reach.

I smiled, patting a spot next to me on the bench, "I'm not sure what you like, but my favorite to play is Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata."

He nodded, slouching next to me as I started playing. I could play this song without looking, more time to peak a glance or two towards the stranger. It must have been a joke that he would work with my father, as a partner even. My father was a loud boisterous man, not the kind type. He was often cold, even towards my siblings and myself.

The stranger held a warm aura, he was quiet; certainly, must be patient to deal with my father in these kinds of meetings. My fingers played the last notes; I glanced up to find that he gave me almost a look of awe. "I wouldn't have guessed the eldest daughter of Donald Morgan would be so talented."

"Oh?" I smiled, "If you'd like, I know a couple of more difficult pieces."

“I’ll be glad to hear anything you’d like to play.” He smiled, a flush of pink tinged his pale face, “I enjoy the sound of a piano playing, they remind me of my childhood.”

A third, but familiar voice interrupted, "Vincent! I see you have met my daughter, Amara." My father laid a hand on his shoulder, "She will make a fine wife to a glorious, rich husband someday." He kept a grin, "Soon, I hope."

Vincent stood up, "Shall we get down to business?" He shot a glance my way as he walked with my father towards his office.

“Ah, of course! Always keeping me on track, I couldn’t ask for someone better than you!”

I smiled, starting a new song as they disappeared. The newest partner to join my father would hopefully prove to be someone worth knowing this time.

Donald Morgan spared no detail in his future plans for his three daughters. As a powerful businessman in Remington, he constantly talked about their upbringing and the endowment they would gladly give for any arrangements that fancied him.

This was a common side to the man, one that I had grown accustomed to in the short months I began working for him. He often would digress from company matters to 'show off', for lack of better terms. Despite my qualifications, I spent much time bringing him back on track.

"Sir, I hate to interrupt, but we must discuss the current plans to expand your company into the capital city." I sat down, watching as he leaned back and clicked his pen.

"You studied in the city, what would you suggest?"

"Well..." I thought for a moment, "Remington is well known because of your company. Not only because of the success, but the diverse services you provide. Banking, pharmacies, retailers; you are a powerhouse of many different trades, sir. In such a big city, one that houses our nation's leaders, most certainly would have no issues to provide the luxury lifestyle of such."

"Speaking of national leaders... We are hosting a party for Elenora’s seventeenth birthday. I do believe that Sir Robert Ellis will be attending." Of course, this would lead to him talking about marrying off a daughter for his own plans. "I think you're onto something, Vincent."

"Sir, I don't think that would be the best course of action..."

"Elenora is still learning how to be a woman, but Amara would gracefully take his heart for us to expand. You have to admit, she is very charming." Donald waved his hand, dismissing any argument he thought that would follow. "Amara has met the governor once before, brilliant. You can go home and prepare the plans to set up in the Capital. The more prepared we are, the easier it will be to sell and expand."

"Yes, sir." I gathered my things, swiftly exiting and closing the door behind me.

"A long meeting?" Amara's quiet voice startled me, the meeting had been over an hour long and I would not expect anyone to be left in the main hall.

I turned around to face her, "Your father enjoys his stories..." Is that something you want to say to your employer’s daughter?

She smiled, looking away, "He does that often. Elenora’s birthday is coming up, I assume you will be coming to the party? I believe mother is planning a masquerade of sorts."

"I... I’ll be here," I shifted through the paperwork in my arms, "As a work event opposed to leisure."

Amara's facial expression had not changed, it was evident that their social events were still business in their world. "I'm glad, we can catch up at the party. I'm almost certain it'll be beneficial for you."

Odd word choice; beneficial for your father, perhaps. Would I even be able to live with myself, knowing that I must stand by as he auctions off his daughters? I chuckled, "I look forward to seeing you at the party."

The weekend marked Elenora’s seventeenth birthday, the masquerade ball being held in both her honor and for the opportunity to talk business. Unfortunately for me, that meant keeping Donald from selling off his daughters for whatever he thought was a good deal.

As everyone poured into the main hall of Donald's mansion, I stood by the piano. I watched as everyone danced together under the stairs, some retreating to their table for refreshments. I eyed the table I was assigned, right next to Donald and Amara, who wore an all-black Princess gown. It swept the floor as she moved, dancing with various guests. Her face was hidden by a black cat mask, but there was no doubting who she was.

I had been avoiding being too close; seeing her around and knowing Donald's intentions to have her sway Robert Ellis into giving him a contract in the Capital made eye contact an awfully hard thing. Or was it more than that?

"Vincent, are you going to stand away from everyone all night or are we going to get that contract over dinner?" Donald put a hand on my shoulder, leading me over towards the table. "Robert Ellis, this is my right-hand man, Vincent Stanbury."

Robert extended his hand, "Pleasure to formally meet you. I heard plenty about you during our years in college."

"As I did of you, but then again, who didn't know about Sir Robert Ellis going to our school." I returned the handshake, "I'm happy to see it's paid off well for you."

He chuckled, "How did you come about working for such an energetic man? You majored as an engineer."

"Life tends to take you to unexpected places." I eyed Amara, dancing behind him with her youngest sister. "What does matter is how you would feel about having a Morgan business in the Capital. I am certain you have seen the impact he is. had here in Remington."

"Straight to business, I see." Donald motioned for us to sit at the table, "My oldest daughter, Amara will join us soon. Let us eat as we discuss this."

"I can't wait to see Amara; it's been far too long since she's come to visit the Capital. Busy with her studies I assume?" Robert glanced in her direction, "Still stunning as ever."

"Amara's been to the Capital?" I felt a crack in my voice as I spoke, "I would assume she stayed in Remington."

As Donald opened his mouth to speak, Robert took over the conversation; "She has an aunt that lives there, she owns a small boutique by my office. During her last visit, we became good friends."

"As always, she's been a charm."

"You don't have to talk about me as if I'm not here, Father." Amara's voice broke the uneasy tension that had begun to build, "I'm happy to see you've both arrived. The trip went well for you, Robert?"

"Of course! I would never miss a chance to see you in person." Robert shot a smug look in my direction.

There was the slightest hint of change in Amara's expression, "As flattering as that is, today isn't about me. It's Elenora’s seventeenth birthday, which is why I assume you both came tonight?" She smiled, "Mother spent months planning a perfect party for her, I'd be a terrible sister if I stole all of the attention away. You'll dance with her after dinner, Robert?"

It was clear that Robert had no interest in Elenora, Amara must have known, his face clearly full of distaste. "But of course!"

"So, after hearing about the plans to have my father expand his business to the Capital, what do you think, Robert?" I glanced up at him as we danced, "It seems that it would benefit you both."

"Amara, you really think that's why I'm here?" Robert smiled, "I just came to enjoy the birthday party of a friend's sister."

"You and I both know neither is true, but if I'm being used as the main bargaining chip, you could try being honest with me."

The song stopped and we both stood in silence before I felt a tap on my shoulder, "May I cut in?" Always quiet, Vincent.

"We can discuss this later," I looked away from Robert and took Vincent's hand, "So, I see he's taken a liking to you."

"Is that what you call it?" He smiled, possibly the first genuine smile I had seen. "I'm not sure if we'll be able to expand your father's company there. I'm afraid it would solely be my fault."

"Oh, I doubt that. I know my father and Robert are both cunning men, if I do not agree; they will simply just find another daughter to. Eleanora is of age now and I would absolutely rather she find someone she cares about than to marry some goon like Robert.” I smiled, “My father was blessed with three daughters, he does what he can to ensure himself the better deal.”

“At your expense? An odd thing for a father to do.” Vincent frowned, “As if I would know.”

“Your father died in the war; I assume?” What a harsh thing to ask someone, Amara. “Apologies—”

“A month or so before the war ended, yes.” He shot a reassuring glance, “I can’t say I remember much of him. The war lasted until I was six, lucky you were to only remember the ending years.”

“I like to imagine that no other person on this planet is as greedy as my father. While others were fighting, he managed to pay out his draft. I feel as if my life would have been vastly different if my family wasn’t wealthy.” I looked away, always saying the most awful things to Vincent, “I didn’t mean that in an awful way towards you or your family.”

He laughed, almost uncontrollably. “I went to college in the Capital City, I think you underestimate me, Amara.” I felt my face begin to burn, embarrassing myself further, “I admire you, so I’ll let it slide this time. I think you’ve spent too much time at the top, my lady.” The song ended; Vincent lifted his hand from my side. “I must take my leave, I’m in charge of drawing up the new plans for the expansion. We’re looking to settle into that old hotel next to the city building. I think that the owner, Madam Fiona, has been having a hard time keeping up with the payments.”

“Madam Fiona is a very resourceful woman; you would be wise to offer her a great sum for that building.” I gave Vincent another smile, “I’ll do better next time.” He gave a questionable look, “Not to underestimate a man of your status.”

“Amara! There you are!” I turned to find my sister, Eleanora, rushing towards the dance floor “Mother has been searching for you, Marilyn is throwing one of her tantrums again and it seems that you are the only one that can console her.”

I looked behind to find that Vincent had already left. “Mother shouldn’t have left Marilyn alone for so long, knowing she gets scared easily.”

We squeezed our way through the crowd, most wishing Eleanora a happy birthday. It had felt like eternity, but we arrived at the stairway, passing the piano, and hurrying up the stairs. Marilyn waited at the top, her bright green eyes red and full of tears. She sniffled as I picked her up, “Now Marilyn, what has you so distraught tonight?”

She huffed, throwing her face into my shoulder, “I want to come to Eleanora's party, but mother insisted I stay in my room all night.”

“Well, you are still a young lady. You would be lost in such a crowd; besides, you should be playing in your room before having to learn all of the social responsibilities.” I walked towards her room, closing the door behind me as I sat her on her bed.

“I’m ready to have responsibility!” She put her foot down, “I’m a young lady now, not a kid!”

“Well, maybe we’ll teach you when you turn seven this year. We will start your tutoring early and you will have to work extra hard.”

Her lip quivered, “But I want to wear pretty dresses and dance with everyone…”

“You don’t need to come to Eleanora’s party for that,” I pulled open her closet, “Look at all of these beautiful dresses you have.” I gave her an emerald princess dress, “Why don’t you put this one on and I’ll play your violin for you? Then you may dance all you want!”

Marilyn smiled, wiping her face with her sleeve as she nodded in agreement.

“You have yourself a deal, Mr. Morgan. Your business would give a new life for the Capital City. My only problem, you want Madam Fiona to leave the old Hotel. She’s a fierce woman and inherited that hotel from her father before the war.” Robert looked over at Amara, “What about the building that the flower shop sits on? The old lady that owns it, she’s also behind on payments, even more so than the Madam. She should be retiring soon; they opened their shop far before the war even started.”

“Mrs. Rowan’s flower shop is the only one in the city, it would cause many to travel out towards the fields to receive flowers. There’s three more hotels in the city in addition to Madam Fiona’s.” Donald leaned in, “I’ve heard unsavory things about this hotel, I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors?”

“And that’s exactly what they are—rumors.”

“Why don’t we entertain the idea of building on the outskirts of the residential area? I know they’d enjoy the traffic towards that area. There’s plenty of small shops that would benefit from it.” Amara’s voice was quiet, more inviting than the other two.

I looked at the two men, “She’s not wrong. It would fit perfectly between the two, both areas would benefit, and it would provide a reason for people to move towards the residential areas.”

“I would prefer a building with character, something that’s been standing for a long time, just like our company. I don’t understand why you’d want to keep a Madam with such an unsavory past so directly and prominently in your beautiful city.” Donald shrugged, “Unless my daughter’s hand in marriage wasn’t enough for you?”

Robert let out a breath, “Your daughter’s hand in marriage means a lot to me, Mr. Morgan. You’ve clearly not met the Madam, but if you can convince her to give up the hotel, you’re free to move in your business there. I warn you that she’s not polite about rejection.”

“You’re the current city official, make her move.” Donald’s position was unwavering, “I’m willing to keep from moving business forward, until we’ve reached an agreement on the location.” He stood up, “Vincent, see Amara to the capital city, unless Sir Ellis has a complaint with that as well.” He waved with his back towards us, “Until next time.”

Robert sat almost dumbfounded, but quickly shook it off, “Amara, you are welcomed to come stay in the Capital building with me.”

“That would certainly be against custom, now wouldn’t it?” She smiled, “I’ll gladly spend time at my aunts until the day of the wedding. Provide you with the privacy you’ll certainly be needing during a time like this.”

“I—”

“It has been decided, I’ll see you in the Capital city, Robert.” Amara stood up, “Vincent, my bags are already in the car. We’ll be leaving right away.”

I watched Robert as he stood up, walking towards the window. He let Amara walk away without a word, mumbling as she left. “The Morgan’s are such a stubborn family.” I turned and followed Amara to the car.