Chapter Text
Morrigan looked into the floor-length mirror, trying her best to ensure every angle looked good. Standing in her lavish room, the only thing she had full control over. Her blue eyes studied her form in the mirror. In truth, she hated the white dress. White was never her colour, the irony of having her soul was sold, but she still had to act as if they cared about it. Her Black hair was styled in long, loose waves.
Softness. Demure. Feminine.
One day, she wouldn't have to worry about these things. She wouldn't have to present herself like this. One day, she would be free. She knew that. Even if it meant her father had to be dead to do it.
One day.
A knock came at the door as she pushed the diamond studs into her ears.
The door opened, Morrigan catching the maid's eyes in the mirror as she continued to get ready. "Ma'am, your father is requesting your presence now."
"Coming," she replied. One last look over. She moved through the large estate halls, following the maid. Keeping her head down and watching the floor, she tried to make herself smaller. She didn't want to be this way; she was annoyed at herself. But the maids were more than willing to be traitors. She'd learned that at a young age.
Entering the large room, looking up to find her father, her eldest brother, and The Lawyer as they turned to look at her as she entered.
Her father was an imposing figure, even as he sat there, hands clasped, glaring at The Lawyer. He was an elder gentleman with grey streaks through his hair and a perfectly manicured goatee that was almost entirely grey. His suit was impeccable and pressed.
"Father," she said, moving forward, kissing his cheek. "Finn," she moved and kissed her brother's cheek. Giving a nod to The Lawyer and finding her seat at the table.
"We are ready," her father's deep voice commanded the room.
The Lawyer nodded, looking cheery, as he stood at the end of the table in his own nice suit. "Mr. Le Bail has been very happy with your progress, so happy in fact, he would like to give your family a great reward." Snapping his fingers, one of the minions that followed The Lawyer brought a large book forward. He placed it gently on the table before taking out a multi-page document. Bringing it forward towards her father. "Mr. Le Bail has granted you a great boon. Your daughter, Morrigan," he paused, turning to her with a nod of his head before turning to her father. "Has been granted approval for a marriage into the high council."
Morrigan froze in place. Staring at The Lawyer. She tried to control her expression, but panic set in.
Marriage? To who?
High council families were rich and powerful, controlling most of the world. The point was to escape this fucking hell and the control it had over her, not further subjected to it.
Maybe it was one that meant nothing, name only. There were younger sons, and she could be married to one of them, and they'd be stupid enough to give her more freedom from lack of care. It didn't have to be bad, hopefully. Maybe she could use this as an excuse to live somewhere else, and her husband would be far away. Nothing says arranged marriage like multiple countries apart.
"To who?" she asked before she could stop herself. Fuck. Her father shot a glare her way.
"Titus Danforth," The Lawyer said, pleasantly. "As the eldest son of one of the high council, Mr. Le Bail has determined he will be the match."
Morrigan froze, fuck. No. Not him. Fuck. She didn't want to cry. Her eyes flicked to her father, who looked almost excited, trying to conceal it. That look of hunger as he clearly was calculating the amount of influence it would bring to the family.
Not him.
There was no way she would find freedom with a Danforth husband. They were about control and power. Her father was already taking the blood pen and writing his name. The Lawyer now came to where she sat as she forced the tears to hold back.
"You're signature," The Lawyer said pleasantly.
"Can we have a discussion first?" she asked, but as soon as the words left her mouth, her father scoffed, as if it were the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard.
"Sign it," his words cold, cutting through the room with authority.
"The signing is to confirm the arrangement. I recommend you sign, as it will protect you and your family from" he gave a knowing look, "more unsavoury reactions."
Morrigan nodded; she knew it was necessary. Nothing else would stop the Danforths from killing her the minute discussions started. She pulled the contract closer. She read it thoroughly, every single fucking word. She was trained for this; she dealt with contracts all the time. She began to read, searching for loopholes.
The clause was there. No harm should come to her or her family while in the process of the arrangement.
Fuck, she had no choice. She flicked her gaze to Finn, who looked less than pleased, but he nodded as he caught her eyes. He knew it too. She was fucked. Everything they had been planning had gone out the window. As much as Finn agreed with her, he was his father's son. Power and influence were always top priority.
She took the blood pen, cutting herself and signing the agreement. Numbness fell over her, even as the maids rushed forward to also wrap her hand.
"Excellent, the Danforths will be informed, and the process of negotiations can begin. I'm sure they will have a lot to say."
She barely heard The Lawyer's words as he closed the book, took everything, and left with his minions. She sat there, staring at her now covered wound on her hand.
Freedom. Gone. All her plans were gone.
"You almost said no," the anger in her father's voice came through the room. Standing up and moving around the table to loom over her.
"No, father, I just-" Her head recoiled to the side as his hand connected to her cheek. Fuck she wanted to react. She wanted to push back and stab him. But she held it in. Instead, she offered the tears of panic she felt about her freedom. Unleashing them.
"I'm so sorry, father," she cried. Utilizing the fury she felt inside to make her voice waver as if she cared about this man or his opinions. Her jaw was grabbed harshly, forcing her to look at him. She continued to push out tears, make herself look like a wavering mess.
"You will not fuck this up." Her father's grip on her face was digging into her skin.
"No, sir."
He let go of her face, storming out of the room. Letting the anger rage in her. She looked to Finn, whose own fire burned in his eyes. He caught hers and gave her a nod. Before she was pushing her chair away, shaking the fury off, and heading back into the hall, with hunched shoulders and the image of respectful sadness.
That man was going to die. Titus Danforth might be collateral.