A Dance with the Devil

"Anna!"

"Coming!"

Anna walked in with a basket of vegetables.

"It's not like I escaped. Besides, that will never happen as long as you're still alive," she replied.

Diana glared at her daughter, her eyes travelling over her curves and beautiful face.

"You've gotten prettier and thicker. The men are treating you better now. How was your night with Mr Will?"

Anna dropped the basket and moved over to the bowl of wet clothes. She picked one up and shook it, sending tiny droplets of water onto her skin.

"Mr Will is just a brute," she replied as she hung the clothes on the thin line in the backyard.

"I've told you to watch that mouth of yours. It will get you into trouble."

"Why are you yelling? Who do you think I learned it from, if not you?"

"What?! Have you ever seen me going around cursing people?"

"I think that's what you taught me."

Diana knew better than to argue with her daughter, so she kept her mouth shut and left the backyard, leaving Anna with the chores.

"And there she goes again, leaving her unfortunate daughter to do everything," Anna murmured as she continued hanging the clothes.

When she was done, she sat down to sort the fresh vegetables.

"Where in the world is she? Isn't she supposed to be here helping me? I'm so going to kill her when I see her at the marketplace."

"Looking for me?"

Anna flinched at the sudden voice behind her.

Abigail, knowing she'd successfully scared her friend, burst into laughter as she emerged from behind the clothes hanging on the line.

"You scared me, you thin girl!"

"And now someone isn't pleased to see me. She's calling me a thin girl! I might as well leave for the market," Abigail muttered knowingly, pretending to walk away.

Anna sighed and grabbed her friend's tiny wrist, pulling her down to sit beside her.

Abigail smiled and began working on the portion of vegetables Anna had left for her.

"What's your mom up to again?" she asked.

"Who knows what that crazy bitch has up her sleeves? I don't even want to care."

"Is it true about your marriage?" Anna asked.

Abigail sighed and stopped working for a moment as she stared at the blue sky. Noon was drawing closer.

"It's true, but I managed to talk things over with the groom my mother arranged for me..."

"So... did he agree to call it off?"

"No. He obviously has no other choice either."

"How old is he?"

"I heard he's in his early twenties. Lucky me! I thought I'd be getting married to a man with a big potbelly."

They burst into laughter.

"I'm happy for you," Anna said with a sweet smile.

"I don't want to get married, though."

"I know, but I think this is the best opportunity you have. What if you reject him and they decide to set you up with a man with a big potbelly instead?"

"I guess you're right. I can't believe we're getting married."

Tears stung Abigail's eyes.

Anna smiled at first, but as she processed her friend's words, she blinked in confusion.

"Wait, what? We're getting married, or you're getting married?"

Abigail wiped the stray tears from the corners of her eyes and sniffed as she stared at her clueless friend.

Or was she really clueless?

"You didn't hear?"

"Hear what?" Anna asked, keeping her gaze fixed on Abigail as if silently urging her to hurry up and explain.

"You're getting married this week, on the day of the Maize Festival."

Silence fell over the backyard.

Anna's grip on Abigail's arm tightened, making her friend flinch slightly.

"Okay... you need to stay calm. Breathe in and out," Abigail instructed.

Anna silently followed her instructions.

Oh, thank goodness. She's keeping calm...

Abigail sighed in relief.

But her relief didn't last long.

The next thing she heard was Anna's scream.

"AHHH!!!"

Even the birds that had landed nearby in search of food flew away in a frenzy. Their wings flapped wildly as they soared into the sky, leaving only a few fallen feathers behind as evidence of their recent presence.

Abigail squeezed her eyes shut and covered her ears protectively.

Meanwhile, Anna had already rushed out of the backyard and through the kitchen.

When Abigail opened her eyes, all she saw was an empty, silent backyard.

Is she going to ruin everything again?

"No, no, no... Anna, wait!"

She jumped to her feet, lifted her skirt, and hurried after her friend.

She had an idea of what Anna was planning, and things weren't going to end well.

---

On her way home, Anna marched like a soldier heading into battle.

Her eyes were turning red with anger, and she refused to stop for anyone. She ignored Abigail, who was calling her name from a distance, as well as the market women who stopped to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage.

An older woman who spotted Anna approaching quickly entered her shop to fetch the present she'd prepared for her regular customer.

As Anna neared the shop, the woman hurried outside and stretched out the present, ready to deliver the congratulatory speech she'd already prepared.

"Anna, I wish you-"

The present slipped from the woman's hands and fell to the ground. Its contents spilled out as Anna walked past without stopping or even sparing her a glance.

Abigail witnessed the incident and quickly moved closer to the elderly woman, who was struggling to bend down. She helped her gather the scattered items and put them back into the container.

"Elder, I'm so sorry about that. She's really angry right now, and that's why she behaved that way. You know that's how she acts sometimes, don't you?"

"Yes, I know," the woman replied. "I remember. I was just surprised, that's all."

"Don't worry, Elder. She'll come back and apologise. Let me hold on to this present for her."

"All right, my dear."

Abigail clutched the present tightly and looked ahead, but Anna was nowhere in sight.

She turned to smile at the elderly woman before running off again.

---

Anna arrived home and didn't bother to knock. She barged inside, and what she saw only made her angrier.

Three pairs of eyes turned towards her as she stood by the door.

Her skirt was tied up around her knees, and with her furious expression, she looked more like a madwoman than a young lady about to meet her future husband.

Her glare was enough to send shivers down the groom's spine.

"Oh... I'm sorry. My daughter doesn't usually dress like this. I don't know what's gotten into her," Diana said with a nervous chuckle as she hurried to stand beside her fuming daughter.

She pinched Anna's skin as she guided her towards a seat, silently warning her to behave herself.

The look in her eyes was threatening enough.

"Evan, this is my daughter, Anna. And Anna, this is your husband-to-be and his father. Say hello."

Anna stared at her future in-laws, her glare growing even more intense as her brows furrowed.

But then, who was she?

She was Anna Chadwick.

She forced a deep, overly sweet smile onto her face.

"Hi, Evan. I heard you're my husband-to-be. I'm Anna, your wife-to-be."

"Nice to meet you, Lady Anna."

"Nice to meet you too, Husband."

She noticed Evan blushing and wondered what was wrong with him.

Why is he blushing so hard?

She was undoubtedly beautiful, and Anna realised that someone like Evan would naturally find her attractive and appreciate her compliments.

"We've already decided on the wedding date. I hope you're prepared," Evan's father said.

"Oh, Elder... I mean, Father-in-law, has my mother told you the necessary details?"

"What necessary details are you babbling about now?" Diana gritted out in a whisper.

"Has my mother told you that I'm a whore?"

Silence fell over the room.

Diana sighed in exasperation. This daughter of hers had finally ruined everything. The two men exchanged glances.

"Oh... she didn't? I just don't want you finding out later, so I decided to tell you now. I'm sorry, but you wouldn't want a wife like me. What if I go around sleeping with every man in your household?"

"So, Husband, think carefully about this," Anna said, rising to her feet.

"Sit... down," Diana gritted out.

"Bye, Mother!"

With a beautiful smile lingering on her face, Anna walked out of the room.

Abigail came running towards her, panting heavily and sweating.

"Oh, goodness! How can you be so small and still run that fast?" she panted.

"I just did something unexpected," Anna replied with a smile.

"What did you do this time, you sick girl?"

"Don't bother finding out. Enjoy your wedding, and I'll enjoy being single until I find someone to love."

"Tsk, tsk... Don't tell me you're still desperately searching for true love. What if he never comes along?"

"He will! I can feel him. He's so close," Anna said, breathing deeply.

Abigail shook her head at her.

"You moron! You even ruined the present that kind old woman you always buy cabbage from prepared for you."

"Oh, right! I have to apologise now that I'm in a good mood."

"Let's go and enjoy the weather, Abby."

"Sure, sure. Let's go."

They turned to leave, but before they could get far, Evan called out to them. He emerged from the house and hurried to catch up.

"Lady Anna! Lady Anna! Please, give me a moment."

"Who is this? Is this the groom?" Abigail asked, staring at him wide-eyed.

"Abby, would you please?"

"All right. I'll wait outside."

After Abigail left, Anna finally turned to face Evan. She sighed and loosened the skirt she had tied up earlier, allowing it to fall and cover her toes.

"What you said... about being a whore... is it true?" Evan asked.

He looked as though he was struggling to believe it.

Anna pouted.

"It's true. You don't believe me? Do you want me to prove it?"

She moved closer to him, and he took a step back.

"No... you don't have to. I believe you, but I still want to marry you, My Lady."

"Eh?"

Anna stared at him in shock.

Wasn't she clear enough? She was someone who went around sleeping with men because of her mother. What didn't he understand? Was he deaf?

"Are you perhaps... deaf?"

"What?! No! I just... I like you a lot, My Lady."

Silence settled between them as they stared at each other.

Suddenly, Evan smiled, and Anna's heart leaped.

"You... you still want to marry me? What if I end up sleeping with all the men in your household?"

"You won't do that."

"How would you know?"

"You're repeating the same thing over and over, making sure I hear you loud and clear. I know you won't do it. If what you're saying were really true, you wouldn't need to keep telling me about it."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Come on, Anna! I'm standing right here!" Abigail's voice rang out from outside.

"Mr Evan... don't do this to yourself..."

"I'll marry you, whether you like it or not."

Anna's expression changed, and she frowned at him.

"You'll regret it if you do."

Her voice was stern, and the threat beneath her words was unmistakable.

Evan continued smiling as though he found her amusing. Anna turned and walked away to meet Abigail.

He watched the two women leave, a smile spreading across his face once again.

He had finally found the one for him. His soulmate.

It had been so long since he'd last seen her. The last time they met, they were both very young. He had hoped she would remember him.

Had she forgotten him?

The door opened, and his father stepped out, with Diana following closely behind.

"I'm going to marry her," Evan announced.

Diana and the older man stared at him in surprise, but she couldn't help rejoicing inwardly.

"Are you sure?" his father asked.

"Yes, Father. I want her," Evan replied with a grin.

"All right. Since you want her, I hope everything is settled, Mrs Chadwick."

"Of course. We'll be ready. Thank you for the price," Diana replied.

"We'll be leaving now. We'll return on the day of the festival."

"Certainly."

Diana flashed them a charming smile and watched them walk away.

"I can't believe that stupid girl almost ruined everything," she muttered to herself. "I'm glad the young master agreed."

---

"Stop sulking, will you?"

"I can't believe him! How could he be so foolish as to marry me? Someone like me? I'm wretched!"

"What's so wrong with you? You're amazing, sexy, and beautiful. Thousands of men would pay to have you."

"I'm not so sure about that. They're only interested in my body."

They continued walking along the quiet, flowery path. The flowering trees stood tall and proud, their branches stretching over the path to provide shade from the scorching sun.

A gentle breeze blew through the trees, softly tossing Anna's hair. Somehow, the peaceful surroundings helped her relax.

"How about you stop giving your body away?" Abigail suggested.

Anna stopped walking, and Abigail did the same.

Anna raised her hand, allowing the falling flowers to settle on her palm. Some landed at their feet and in their hair.

"I really don't know... Maybe I should stop fighting and accept my fate."

"Getting married?"

"Yes, Abby."

Silence settled between them once more as Anna admired the beauty of nature. Slowly, she lowered her hand, and her expression shifted from wonder to sadness.

"What if... I never get to have children of my own?"

Abigail stopped looking around and turned her attention to her friend's face. Her heart ached for Anna.

"You will. I'm sure you'll be happy someday."

Anna suddenly pulled her into a hug.

Abigail was startled at first, but she soon wrapped her arms around her friend.

"It's okay, Big Mouth."

Anna couldn't help chuckling. They pulled apart, and she wiped away her tears.

"Who are you calling Big Mouth?"

"I don't know."

"Come on... Let's continue enjoying our single days."

"Oh my God! The vegetables!" Abigail exclaimed, suddenly remembering them. She worried that the domestic animals might have eaten them.

"I'm sure my mother has plenty of money now. She won't care if the animals eat them."

"You're right about that. I guess we don't have to worry anymore."

"Let's get drunk too!"

The day passed, and by the time evening came, Abigail was drunk. Anna had to escort her home, where her parents were already waiting outside, worried sick about her.

Anna said goodbye to them and continued on her way home.

As she strolled along, she chose the flowery path despite how dark it had become. She wasn't someone who frightened easily.

Once again, she found herself admiring nature as she walked.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of a carriage approaching, its horses trotting towards her.

The path was narrow, and she barely had time to think about stepping aside.

It was the first time she'd ever seen such a beautiful and fancy carriage.

"Move out the road! Move out" The coachman yelled with all his might as he picked up the pace.

When she finally came to, they were near and when she tried to step aside, she tripped on a small rock and fell onto the road, hurting her knee and arm in the process.

She winced and looked up to see the carriage very close, she flinched as she buried her head in between her arms and awaited the carriage to crush her.

Nothing came, only silence. Anna slowly raised her head to see the horses very near, the coachman was off the carriage and was talking to someone in the carriage.

Anna sighed and finally straightened as she tried to rise but she only ended up falling to the floor.

"Ah" A light wince escaped her lips as she stared at her bruised arm which was starting to bleed.

"Miss...are you okay?"The coachman was near her in seconds and she stared up at him.

She really wanted to tell him she's okay but realizing she was hurt, she needed to talk back at him for almost running her over.

" How do you expect me to be okay when you almost ran me over with your stupid carriage? Are you blind? Can't you see this is a narrow path?"

The coachman was at a loss for word, he was also shaking. Was she too harsh on the old man?Or...was he scared? Right! He should be!

" Please, Miss you have to leave...please leave"

Why does it look as if he's warning her to leave? Is there danger? Or was he just worried?

" I won't leave unless I'm paid! I'm badly hurt...don't you see?"

" Leave you little girl! Do you really want to die?" He whispered while scolding her.

" Mister, I won't leave unless I'm being paid for the damage"

" Seth" Both heads snapped to the direction the cold voice came from. She couldn't help but feel a shiver down her spine. Why would a mere voice made her this way?

"Yes my Lord" She watched the old man scurried off to the man inside the carriage.

The old man said something that she couldn't grab and then he came back to her.

"Please leave...you're going to regret this"

She was still sitting on the ground and wasn't planning to stand up soon.

"I said I want my medical fees! Don't you hear me? Tell your lord to pay me now!" She yelled out.

'What a strong headed lady' Seth sighed.

Just then the carriage door opened and they swiped their heads at the man that had alighted the carriage.

With every slow step he took, his boot made a loud thud as he approached them. Her eyes went to his boots, then traveled up to the hood he was putting on, her heart thumped wildly in her chest and against her rib cage.

The hood did a perfect job in covering his face, but she saw his chiseled jaw and pretty pink lips. Her eyes widened slightly when he stopped before her.

"Move away" Those words were enough to send shivers down her spine, and she found it hard to breathe.

"N...no...no" She stuttered.

Then she saw his knee bend and he was now crouching before her. His head came into view and when he lifted his head, she saw the mask that lies on his face, it was covering his eyes and stopped above his nose.

'So handsome'

She gushed at him and her jaw sagged slowly as she stared into his golden eyeballs. His gaze was cold, so was his face. Is he even human?

"You've seen my face, what should we do?"

Eh? This brought her out of her trance and she shook her head as if to get her mind together.

" Uh?"

" I don't like repeating words"

" Of course, I heard you loud and clear, I just didn't understand your words"

" I'm just fit to kill you"

Her heart almost jumped out her chest.

'Anastasia, what are you doing? Are you really scared of this handsome...no, this rude man?'

" You sure are rude? You must have no manners" After saying this, she heard Seth gasped beside her, but she cared less.

'This girl must really want to die' The old man thought.

" Is that word, directed to me?"

" Who else, if not you? I said you're rude...give me some coins to take care of my wounds" He was silent as he assessed her face.

" Hurry up!" She stretched her hand this time towards him and he held himself back from taking her tiny hand and detaching it from its position. His gaze hardened.

Who was she to rile him up like this? Who exactly is this brave girl before him? Even though he heard every of her heavy heartbeats, which informs him of her fears, she still acts brave? How amusing.

"I hope to never meet you again Lady...because the next time our path cross, I won't hesitate to end your life"

He then rose and headed back to the carriage. Once he was inside, she sighed out in relief.

"What about my coins?!"

"Seth" He called and the old man was quick to get back to his position. He held the reins and wiped the horses, they moved forward and she quickly crawled aside. They passed by her and was racing on the path.

"Hmph! So rude...I'm so hurt" Anna stood to her feet with a little difficulty and dusted her skirt and continued on her journey.

********

Today was Abigail's wedding Anastasia put on her best dress and packed her hair in a different style, letting it flow down her waist. She picked the little handmade bow she made and placed it on her hair to give her a more beautiful look.

She smiled as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, twirling and turning. The door opened and she could see her mother walked in, as she stared at the reflections in the mirror.

"Your friend is getting married, such a good child...honouring her parent just to make them happy, unlike you"

"I'm not like her"

"You're friends, you should learn from her..."

"I can learn from her? I remember you telling me not to be like her..."

"I didn't mean it that way, I don't want you to be completely like her, I want you to learn from her in terms of obedience"

"Well sorry Mother...I won't be like her, I won't be your puppet"

" You!..."She refrained from yelling out " Just do something good with your filthy life for once"

" Filthy" She chuckled and finally turned to her.

"Whose fault is my life this way? Isn't it your fault?!" Anna raised her voice, as she glared down at Diana.

"You're brazen...and I won't take the insults from you, you're my daughter!"

"Oh! Maybe I forgot, Sweet Mother!" She returned with audacity.

"You know...I actually regret being your daughter, I regret living like you! I regret not escaping your clutch, Mother!, If Father was still alive..." And she felt her hand land harshly on her cheek, leaving a bruise.