Truth In Reality

Truly it was a revelation stemming from a stupid question. Did she love him? Doubt pressed at the confines of Victoria's mind as she pondered the fact that she had to question it at all.

She stared blankly at the cook pot in front of her. Boiling vegetables disolved in broth as she stirred without ceasing. Sweat dimpled her brow.  The fly-away gold tendrils that framed her face were matted to her flushed cheeks.

"Well, do you love me!" The deep timbre of his voice came from right behind her.

She was bound by an arranged marriage and it was absurd that he was even asking. What would it matter at this point? She could tell him no and live with the consequences or say yes and dread her future.

"You will answer me M'lady" His hand clenched her shoulder and spun her to face him.

Her breath lodged in her throat as she sat bolt upright in bed. How long had she been asleep? Morning sunlight streamed through the thick folds of fabric covering her chamber windows. The chill that slept within the confines of the stone walls crept over her exposed skin causing her rushing from the warmth of her bedding to slip on a heavy robe.

Victoria paused to allow herself a fleeting moment to recall the dream. She did love him. But it was not to be.
She was indeed to be married but not to him. A deep sadness filled her heart. By nightfall she would belong to another man.

Duty called and she could not waste time. Victoria could only hope for happiness.

Time would tell. She sighed. Time would tell.