Mother grimaced but moved on quickly, with the resilience of a good noblewoman, prepared to make the best of any situation, finding the advantage to any disadvantage.
“We can’t truly blame the Count and Countess of Chester as your father and I would have done the same if this had happened to us. It’s the smart thing to do. And since there was no written contract between us outlining the terms of the marriage, we have no recourse to hold against Chester.
“However, the Count of Chester has generously offered that you marry his second son. While this second son, Winston, isn’t set up to inherit the title of count nor potentially that of duke, there’s always the chance that Samuel will die and Winston will inherit after all.
“Also, the Count of Chester has softened the blow for us by offering the title of Earl of Lombarge to Winston. One of the Count’s relatives is about to pass without inheritors, and the title will pass on to him. The Count of Chester has agreed to enter into a written agreement that will reserve the title of earl for Winston. Hence, you will become an earl’s wife.
“Of course, your father and I find ourselves forced to accept this alternate arrangement and have already responded with our acceptance to the Count of Chester’s proposal, before he has the chance to change his mind. This time, we’ll be sure to secure a written contract immediately. You’ll still marry in the spring, and everything will continue as arranged.”
No. Nothing would continue as planned. Nothing was as it had been moments before. It was enough to come to terms with marrying one stranger, but it was quite another to dismiss the boy I’d come to like for yet another stranger, one that I almost certainly wouldn’t like at all.
From Samuel’s description of his brother, it seemed rather likely that my marriage to Winston would be a very unhappy one in which I would be subject to his constant mistreatment. Samuel had made it clear: Winston was a cruel person who enjoyed making others suffer.
Mother turned to look at me, as if she finally remembered that this concerned me. Her blue eyes were piercing. “Will there be any problems?”
What was I to say to that? My life felt like one big problem after another.
“Clara. Will there be any problems?”
I couldn’t meet her eyes as I answered: “No, Mother. May I be excused now?” I couldn’t bear to be in her presence a moment longer.
“Yes, you may. I’ll tell your father the happy news.”
As I left the room, I wondered how she could possibly say that after seeing my reaction. But then, she and I were nothing alike.
I had only one thought: to find Gertrude. I wished we could run away together and never come back.
You can continue the story in Magic Awakens. Thanks for reading!
Thank you
Thank you for reading and allowing me to take you on this adventure. Creating magical, exciting stories is one of my great passions, but it wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding if I didn’t have anyone to share them with. That you give your time and attention to the worlds I’ve created means so much to me, and I appreciate every single one of you.
If you enjoyed this story, will you please consider supporting me by writing a review on Amazon (or Goodreads)? The more strong reviews my book has, the more visible it becomes, increasing the chances that a new reader will take a chance on it.
Again, thank you! I wish you blessings on your journey, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a magical day.
Lucía
Acknowledgments
I’d write no matter what, because telling stories is my passion, but the following people make creating worlds—and life—a joy. I’m eternally grateful for the support of my beloved, James, my mother, Elsa, and my three daughters, Catia, Sonia, and Nadia. They’ve always believed in me, even before I published a single word. They help me see the magic in the world around me, and more importantly, within.
And finally, I’m thankful for every single one of you who’ve reached out to tell me that one of my stories touched you in one way or another, made you laugh or cry, or kept you up long past your bedtime. You’ve given me reason to keep writing.
Titles by Lucía Ashta
THE WITCHING WORLD
(YA fantasy)
Magic Awakens
The Five-Petal Knot
The Merqueen
The Witching World Omnibus, Books 1-3
The Ginger Cat
The Scarlet Dragon
Mermagic
Spirit of the Spell *
PLANET ORIGINS
Planet Origins
Original Elements
Holographic Princess
Planet Origins Omnibus, Books 1-3
Purple Worlds
Planet Sand
Holographic Convergence *
Mowab Rider *
THE LIGHT WARRIORS
(Visionary fantasy)
Beyond Sedona *
Beyond Prophecy *
Beyond Amber *
Beyond Arnaka *
The Prophecy of Arnaka
The Secret of Namana
A Betrayal of Time
Whispers of Pachamama
“Daughter of the Wind”
“Immortalium” *
The Unkillable Killer *
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(* coming soon)
About the Author
Lucía Ashta, a former attorney and architect, is an Argentinian-American author who lives in Sedona with her beloved and three daughters. She published her first story (about an unusual Cockatoo) at the age of eight, and she’s been at it ever since.
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Lucía on the web:
LuciaAshta.com
luciamashta@gmail.com