Setting the Scene
A/N- I think that this is the fourth or fifth time I have posted the first chapter… sorry for the inconvenience… I decided to write the story in first person… which I prefer… rather than third person, which I thought might give more to the plot. Unfortunately it was feeling forced and I think that it was coming through… so sorry and please enjoy
Ps I have added a bit of context, so again sorry, but you probably should re-read it… this will be the last time I repost this chapter before the story is complete.. because now I am actually satisfied with it. Sigh, Yeah. So sorry for the very long note… here it is
I heard what their asking of you, my darling. And I know it won't be easy. But think of your country, what you will be doing for your people. No, no, don't start crying…here let me wipe your tears…I know you are feeling inconsolable, but maybe this story will help. I've seen a lot in my days, the old woman that I am… no don't protest… I know it's true.
The story's not a happy fairytale like you're used to, it is about real life, which isn't always perfect. Good doesn't always triumph over evil. And love isn't always true. Not everything ends happily. But child you are going through life, not a perfect story, and if you learn from this, maybe you can make your own happy ending.
This tale is about a girl called Vivianne, she looked a lot like you actually. Pretty thing that you are, with your strawberry-blonde hair and stormy blue eyes. I'm not flattering you, you are beautiful, my child. But I'm not here to praise your looks, I promised you a story, and I shall begin:
Vivianne was touched by destiny before her birth. Her grandfather, Lord of Rydes Forest, was a noble military man who had sacrificed much for his country.
Those times were not as peaceable as these, child… and you thought our tensions were high… we have been fighting our neighbor, Dranton for far too long.
The king recognized Lord Rydes for his vast deeds and gave him a great honor in return. He promised the hand of his second grandson to Lord Rydes second granddaughter. A granddaughter that was never to be.
But I am getting ahead of myself, child.
Lord Rydes had a son, the second Lord Rydes. The second Lord Rydes was a cruel and inconsiderate man, spoiled by his father's fame and wealth. It was this Rydes that became Vivianne's father. He inherited his father's titles and privileges but none of his honor and integrity.
Lord Rydes the younger married Lady Elena, a beautiful but weak woman with a gold digging mother. Lady Elena became pregnant with Vivianne soon after the marriage. Fragile form the start, the Lady almost died with the birth, the midwife said that she could never have another child. Thus, Vivianne was forced into a role never meant for her.
I was thrust into a position of privilege by fate. Don't look at me like that, child, contrary to the ballads my marriage, like yours, was not one of love, but destiny.