Hushed

Chapter Twenty-Five

I'm alarmed when my parents arrive at my room, opening the door before closing it quickly once again. 

"Thanks for knocking," I mumble. 

"Manners," Mother reminds me. "This is important, Athena."

"Please forgive our intrusion," Father offers, a slightly apologetic look on his face. I nod, curious about what they have to say. Did Mitchell talk to them? Do they know I've been lying? Have they changed their minds about the engagement all together?

That would be a dream. 

"We need to speak with you about the engagement," Mother says, pursing her lips. 

So they have to know. This won't be fun in the slightest. 

"We want you to marry John," Mother continues. 

Oh. There's that too. 

"He's the better choice. He has the interests of Elowin at heart, and he puts those above all else. He's kind, he cares about his country, and he's smart enough to protect you from the dangers you're facing."

"He payed us a little visit an hour or so ago," Father continues. His voice is gentler than my mother's. "He says he's ready to propose, if that's what you decide."

"You say that like I have a choice," I argue. Why is this so hard? They're right, I don't have a choice. 

"You have a choice," Father says kindly. Mother wrinkles her nose slightly. 

"You don't," she says stubbornly. "This is what is best for the country. We've heard nothing from Mitchell in ages. He's a good young man, but he's not suited for the throne."

"He agrees with you," I mutter. Shoot. Why would I tell them that? 

"What do you mean?" Father inquires. 

Too late. 

"He... spoke with me," I say hesitantly. This is it. Any shot I had at winning him back is about to circle down the drain. "A while ago. He's... he doesn't want to marry me."

Father frowns, while Mother beams. 

"Then it's settled, my love," she says, placing her hands on my cheeks. "You'll marry John. That's what you want, isn't it? It's best for your country."

"Just because it's my only option doesn't mean it's what I want," I break. I'm going to regret this. "Just because he's the best person for the country doesn't mean he's the best person for me."

"That's not what matters," Mother argues, sounding an awful lot like John. No wonder she likes him. "What matters is that the country has a leader who will protect it's people."

"So it doesn't matter what I think? How I feel?" I shout. Father winces. 

"What is it that you feel, Athena?" he asks, placing a hand on Mother's arm. I know he's trying to calm her down, but I also know it won't work. 

"I feel like I'm trapped," I say. "I feel like you're forcing me into a marriage to protect me, but really, you're pushing me further into what I'm afraid of. I don't want to marry John. I don't want to marry anyone."

"Your engagement is not up for discussion," Mother says sharply. 

"I know," I say, exasperated. "And have I argued with you about it once? Have I begged you not to make me do this? Have I complained? No. I've done everything you asked. And now I'm asking, please, don't make me do this. Find someone else. I can't marry John. Not while I..."