"I'm sorry, you want me to do what?"

Caitlyn must have misheard what her mother had said. There was no possible way her mother would pull such a stunt on her out of the blue.

"You're of age, Caitlyn." Her mother spoke out, pulling her lips away from the teacup she held. "Your father and I have agreed that perhaps, it is time, that you begin to branch out to the other clans. We're hosting a banquet tonight for them to come and bring their respective heirs to come and meet you."

"You and Dad- You what?" Caitlyn turned her head to glare at her father. "You can't be serious! Dad!"

"Cait," Tobias spoke, giving his daughter a small smile. "We thought it would be a good choice. Your mother and I had thought it thoroughly. But we're also giving you a choice to choose whoever you wish to see or not to."

"That- You can't possibly be-!" Caitlyn felt her face burn with anger as she stood up from the dining table. "You cannot make me do such a thing! I won't do it."

--

Caitlyn wished to be anywhere but in this banquet. Dressed like a prized cattle, in a deep blue dress with her hair tousled in a low bun, she was standing away from the group of heiress and heirs to their clans.

Already, she had greeted every one of the guests. She had to be a good host after all since her parents and the other head of the clans were watching her and their child's every move. Because if she were to as so much speak to one too long, have their gaze linger a second too long, or even a smile could be used against her. Anything to make sure one of the heirs will stand by Caitlyn's side.

But Caitlyn was smarter than that. Towards the end of the dinner, where the crowd began to mingle with one another, she slipped away. She wanted to be away from these frivolous heirs and be alone.

Caitlyn sighed as she kicked off her shoes, letting her feet touch the cold pond water. She was all alone in the garden of her home, just as she wanted. She hadn't noticed that there was someone else nearby, also avoiding the crowd.