Ozren: the Prologue (special preview)

Prologue:

I am not sure why, but ever since I was little I had kept a secret savings. I was just hiding extra coins given to me by some of my father’s associates, business partners and friends. I never thought much about it. As I grew older though, my intent to save all change and allowances was much more purposeful. Whatever I didn’t need to spend, it was all tucked away.

I heard my father from down the hall. He was speaking in a pompous manner, which alerted me to company. “Rue’s not much to look at mind you, but she comes from good stock. Her mother’s side of the family is well known for their long bloodlines.”

I quickly hid my savings away, tucking the box behind an old doll on the shelf. I prepared myself, smoothing down my skirt and making sure my hair was still all pushed up on the top of my head. I then sat posed at my desk, pretending to write something, but really it was all for show. Like my father said, I was to be seen and not heard.

“That’s wonderful news,” the man said. “I have always wanted a large family. I was an only child mind you. So was my father, and his father. We’ve gone to a trickle, I'm afraid.”

“No worries there!” My father exclaimed with a touch too much excitement. “My Rue is surely up to the task of giving you the sons you want.” My father was bragging about me. But not in the way a father should brag about his child. No. he was talking about me like I was some prize horse or cow. I was merely there as a bargaining chip. I’d been called lots of names in my family, but a brood sow cut deep, especially thinking about my mother.

My bedroom door opened without a knock and I sucked in my breath and held my stomach taut. I turned from my desk, looking up as my father as his guest entered my room. I put on that fake, saccharine smile that hurt my cheeks, but pleased my father greatly.

“Rue, stand up girl, this is the young chap I was telling you about.” My father proudly smacked the back of the man before me. The fellow looked more egg than man, all round and pale with a mop of hair on top that looked held on by hope, or maybe something tacky.

I rose from my desk, keeping my belly sucked in even as I bowed. “It's so nice to finally meet you.”

The egg-man looked me up and down without. “Yes. I’m sure.”

I swallowed my breath, I would have swallowed my tongue if I could. “How was your trip here? I know Sothen’s rocky roads can be hard on some.”

My father gave me a warning look, shaking his head while the egg-man was turned. I shut my mouth and remained still, letting myself be looked over like I was up for auction.

“Not bad,” the egg-man said. “The more plump ones are always best for child rearing. Not really much else, but then again I'm not looking for much else,” he chortled like he had done something. They both talked as if I wasn’t standing before them.