Married to the vegetative prince

The rhythmic sound of hooves broke the morning calm, pulling Jane's attention away from her mending. Sighing, she carefully set aside the frayed fabric and rose slowly, her joints aching from years of hard work in the fields. With measured steps, she made her way to the window, pushing aside the tattered curtains with her slender fingers.

Outside her modest cottage, a grand carriage with gleaming mahogany shimmered in the sunlight, almost resembling spilled honey. Jane's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing like a caged bird. Who on earth could be visiting their quiet little farm in such a lavish manner?

Just as if answering her unspoken question, the carriage door swung open, and a figure stepped out with an elegant grace. Jane's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the visitor's stunning appearance.

"Lord Edmund," she breathed, recognizing the royal insignia adorning his impeccably tailored coat.

The lord's attire spoke volumes about his status—rich, soft-hued fabrics cut to perfection, emphasizing his regal presence. Every thread was in place as he surveyed the surroundings with sharp, discerning eyes.

A flurry of questions rushed through Jane's mind. What could a person of such high standing want with her? A chill crept down her spine as she recalled the hushed conversations between her aunt and uncle about debts and tough circumstances.

"Oh, please," she murmured almost under her breath. "Don't let it be what I fear."

Lord Edmund's gaze swept over the cottage's weathered facade, taking in the patched roof and overgrown garden. He maintained a neutral expression, but Jane could almost sense a flicker of something—was it pity?—in his eyes.

As the lord approached with deliberate steps, Jane gripped the curtain tighter instinctively. She wanted nothing more than to retreat, to hide from whatever fate awaited her. But she'd built a quiet resilience through all the hardships she faced.

"I have to be strong," she reminded herself, straightening her shoulders despite the trembling in her limbs. "Whatever happens, I will handle it with grace."

A firm knock echoed through the cottage. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Jane smoothed her simple dress with nervous fingers. As she moved toward the door, she silently pleaded with any listening forces.

"Please give me the courage to face this," she whispered, her hand hovering over the worn doorknob. "And may hope still linger, even in the darkest times."

When she finally opened the door, she was greeted by Uncle Pat's broad silhouette, his weathered face forming a crooked grin. Instinctively, Jane stepped back into the shadows of the room, her heart racing wildly.

"Lord Edmund," Uncle Pat boomed, his tone dripping with false warmth. "What an honor to host you in our humble abode!" His eyes sparkled with barely concealed greed as he ushered the distinguished visitor inside.

Lord Edmund crossed the threshold, his polished boots contrasting sharply with the worn floorboards. "Mr. Woods," he acknowledged with a curt nod, his gaze scanning the room before landing on Jane.

A shiver ran through her as their keen eyes met hers. She quickly looked down, fingers twisting nervously in her dress. "This can't be happening," she thought as panic began to rise. "Surely Uncle Pat wouldn't..."

"Please, make yourself at home," Uncle Pat said, gesturing to their best chair. "I dare say we have much to discuss."

Lord Edmund settled into the chair with a calm demeanor. "Indeed we do, Mr. Woods. Let's talk about our... arrangement."

A lump formed in Jane's throat as she glanced between her uncle and Lord Edmund, dread spiraling into a crushing certainty. "No," she whispered faintly. "This can't be..."

But the glint in Uncle Pat's eyes confirmed her fears. As he leaned in eagerly to negotiate, Jane felt the weight of her fate settle over her like a heavy blanket.

"God help me," she thought, fighting back tears. "What am I going to do?"

Lord Edmund turned his attention toward Jane, giving her a polite nod. His voice, calm and deliberate, cut through the tension thick in the air. "Miss Woods, I presume? I believe it's time we discuss the reason for my visit."

Jane's heart raced as she met Lord Edmund's steady gaze, swallowing hard to keep her composure. "Yes, my lord?"

"As you might have heard, the royal family has a… unique request." Each word was chosen carefully, crisp and clear. "They are in search of a young woman with specific qualities to fulfill an important role."

Jane's mind spun. What on earth could the royal family possibly want with her? She opened her mouth to speak but found herself at a loss for words.

Lord Edmund continued, his tone firm and unwavering. "You, Miss Woods, have been selected for this honor. Your uncle and I have discussed the necessary preparations."

Before she could fully digest this shocking news, Uncle Pat's loud voice rang out in the room. "Isn't this wonderful, Jane?" His eyes sparkled with greed. "Just think of all the opportunities this could open up!"

Jane shot a desperate gaze at her uncle, silently pleading for him to reconsider. But Uncle Pat brushed away her worries with a smooth, persuasive tone. "Oh, don't look so troubled. This is a blessing, dear. You have no idea how much the royal family is willing to pay for your… services."

The word twisted in Jane's stomach. "Services?" she thought, her mind racing. "What could they possibly want from me?"

Uncle Pat leaned in closer, completely focused on the profits. "Lord Edmund, I assure you, Jane understands the significance of this arrangement. She'll meet her obligations, won't you, girl?"

Frozen in place, Jane felt invisible as her uncle and Lord Edmund discussed her fate as though she were just a piece on their chessboard. Desperation surged within her. "How can I escape this? There has to be a way..."

But with each passing moment, her hopes began to fade. It dawned on her with increasing dread that her future had already been decided, and she was powerless to change it.