The year is 1902. I'm twenty-two years old. Twenty-two years old and, to my dad's disappointment, I am still happily unmarried. But he'll live. I keep him company anyway. My two sisters, Elizabeth and Emilia, have both moved on with their lives and gotten married themselves. They decided, as expected, to move out of the mansion to begin building families of their own. I, on the other hand, have no interest in doing so. Seriously. I feel as if that isn't my purpose-at least not yet. So, in the meantime, since I am the only female head of the household, dad has been teaching me how to become a proper lady of the house, though I find all the mannerisms extremely...excessive. I have to change my whole identity to make him satisfied. And yes, I would complain about it to him if I felt like it...but he's my dad. And he's been through a lot. We all have. It's been thirteen years since Ellie passed away. We all miss her. We all grieve in our own ways. So I'm doing my best to make my parents proud...while also trying to be myself in the process.

"You need to aim higher," my trainer, Julius, said to me. Julius was a European man-with red hair like me, though his was curly-that my dad had hired several years ago. After finding out how Ellie died, I've been obsessed with wanting to learn how to defend myself and others. At first, dad disapproved of hiring a trainer for me since he believed that it wasn't a woman's place to be using weapons. He was raised to believe that it was a man's duty to defend his household. But, unfortunately for him, I was a persistent kid. I didn't ask for anything else except for a trainer. So, after convincing dad that I could have a balance between being a proper lady and a defensive lady, Julius suddenly showed up at our doorstep. He's been training me since I was fifteen and has been like an uncle to me.

"Okay," I laughed at him. "I'll aim higher."

We had moving scarecrows set up in front of us as targets, them going back and forth with the gears that Julius was able to use. I tightened my grip on my pistol a little before focusing in...and then blasting their heads off, not missing a single shot. I only ever aimed for the head. That way, in case those same people that killed Ellie came up to me, I'd be prepared.

"Ember?"

"Hm?"

"I'm proud of you and your progress. You've really grown so much since we first met. From...sharpshooting to boxing, you've been able to do it all."

"Only because you've been willing to teach me. I know I'm not the easiest student to deal with but...thanks. For you know, choosing to deal with me for all this time."

He gave me a slight smile, but his deep brown eyes saddened just a little. Something was off.

"Julius? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Ember. I just wanted to let you know that I'm grateful to be given the chance to-"

"Oh save it. Something's definitely off. Are you quitting? Don't you quit on me, Julius."

"Ember, I would never even think about doing such a thing. Training you for all these years has given me purpose. Every day I wake up excited to see how well you do at any physical challenge I throw your way."

"So why do I feel like you're leaving?"

"...Your father...he decided to dismiss me."

Now that right there made my blood boil. I could feel my face turn bright red after he said that, and his expression turned from saddened to alarmed once he could see how angry I was getting.

"Ember, calm down, will you? If I'll be honest, I've taught you everything I could. Your fighting skills are much better than some of the boys I've trained in the past and-"

"That doesn't give him a right to dismiss you, Julius. You're a part of the family, are you not? You live here. Where will you even go?"

"Back home."

"Back home? Wh-as in back to Germany? The same place that made you feel like dirt? According to what you told me, anyway."

"That was just my hometown, Ember. Germany has other parts. Better parts. Besides... I've been thinking about going back for a while anyway. And I think it's for the best."

"No."

"Ember-"

"I'll be back."

"Where-"

"My dad's office, where he usually is."

I slammed my pistol onto a nearby table and stormed inside, marching my way up our mansion's grand staircase.

"Oh, there you are Ember! Are you done with training for today? Would you like me to get a bath prepared for you?"

"No thanks, Margaret," I huffed. Margaret was an older maid of ours that's been with us since the mansion was built. Once she got a good look at my face, she knew that it was better to leave me be. I'm sure dad could hear my angry footsteps as I got closer, because the moment I got to his office door it miraculously opened up.

"Ember Emilia Evans," he said, furrowing his eyebrows. "Could you walk any louder?"

"I could! I should've stomped my way here!"

I let him shut the door behind us.

"You know I'm busy with-"

"Work, yes, I know. I'd just like to know the reason why you're planning on dismissing Julius."

"...He told you."

"So it is true."

"Sit down."

"I'd rather stand."

"Fine, but I'm sitting."

He sat back down in his chair, folding his hands under his chin as he took a good look at me. I took a good look at him, then at his office. He changed it up over the years. The main theme was blue and gold, decorated extravagantly with a large, patterned rug, oil paintings imported from who knows where, and a bookcase displaying hundreds of books from different authors he's dealt business with. I still don't know what he does for a living. I just know he makes plenty of money from it.

"That old shirt. Those dirty pants and boots. And your hair. Is that a leaf in it?"

I quickly picked out the leaf, throwing it to the side and returning my focus to him.

"Maybe."

"Ember. You've always known that I want the best for you. And dismissing Julius is what's best for you."

"Why-"

"Because you're drifting away from the image you're supposed to maintain, Ember. Do you remember our deal when Julius first came? We agreed that you would have balance. But lately, you haven't been acting like much of a lady like your sisters."

"...Okay. Fine. I'm not like them. You'll hardly catch me with...my hair up in some ridiculous hairstyle, wearing some weird hat on top of that hairstyle, while also wearing the world's most uncomfortable dress complete with heels that make you feel like you're standing on needles. But I can do it when need be, sure. I can pull off the act for a little while, and cake my face in the most cough-inducing makeup I can get my hands on. I can have two different personalities."

"But that's the thing, Ember. I've given your future plenty of thought. The only way you'll be able to have a secure one is if you only adapt to one personality, and that's the type of personality that your sisters have. You need to act more like a lady. Talk more like a lady. And you need to do it full-time, not just on occasion. If you do that, I can assure you that your future husband will treasure you more than the world's most expensive jewels."

"Or, maybe, just maybe, my future husband might...I don't know...like me for the true woman I am?"

"That's not how the world works, Ember. And as your father, I'm not going to let you parade around the world with guns strapped to you like you're affiliated with some gang."

"Well, I'd rather parade around the world with guns strapped to me than stay imprisoned at this mansion for the rest of my life!"

"Ember, you're not imprisoned, I built around all these acres of land for you and your sisters to thrive in! You don't know what the world is like out there, sweetheart, so I'm telling you right now. It's cruel, and evil, and-"

"It's breathtaking, it's wonderful, and it's diverse in every kind of way. I know you told us we couldn't go out there until we were married, but dad, I promise you that I trained my butt off every day just so I could be able to defend myself. I promise you, I can defend myself, and Julius has seen me do it!"

"It doesn't matter how good you are at fighting, Ember! There's always going to be a person who's stronger than you, and who will use their power to their advantage. That's exactly what they did to your mother."

"I'm not Ellie, dad!"

"But you're my daughter!"

He slammed his fist against the table, causing me to jump a little.

"You're my only Ember. Nobody can replace you, just like how nobody can replace your sisters or your mother. That's why I want you to have a man to protect you for when I'm not around, do you understand that?"

"...Yes sir."

"...I know Julius means a lot to you. He means a lot to me as well. But it's time for a new chapter in your life. You're twenty-two. It's time you get married. I...invited a few men to visit. They will be here tomorrow morning. You will spend the day getting to know each and every one of them, and by the end of the day you will have a fiancé."

"But what if I don't like any of them?"

"Then you'll have to marry for wealth instead of for love. All of the men I invited come from associates of mine, and I did thorough background checks to make sure that they'd be suitable for you. I'd like to introduce your sisters to your future husband by the end of the week at our next family dinner. It'll be nice to have something to look forward to."

"Mm."

"Ember."

"Hm?"

"I love you. I only want what's best for you."

"...I know. I love you too."

As much as I wanted to just walk out the door, part of me had to kiss him on the cheek. His rules were stupid. I hated them, and I was still mad at him for wanting to dismiss Julius. But I guess I couldn't blame him. If he wanted me to be a lady then I could be a lady. If he had invited men over for me to meet then I couldn't stop them from coming...or maybe I could. After I left his office, I spent most of the evening planning out how I could scare some of the suitors away. That's when my eyes wandered over to my vanity, where my makeup was sitting. That was it. I could make myself look...sick. Ghastly. I could make up something on the spot, like...ghostskinfluenza. Listen, as long as I did my makeup a certain way, I could make it believable. So that's exactly what I did once the morning came. I ate breakfast with dad, then went back to my bedroom to change into a silky, emerald green dress, then I called Margaret in to help me with my hair. Once my hair was in the biggest pompadour the planet had ever seen, I did my makeup to look as sick as possible, not forgetting the red lipstick, of course. When I was finally ready, I waited downstairs for the men to come. Dad would've waited with me, but of course, he had business to attend to. At least he told me that four men were supposed to show up. After a bit of waiting, the first knock came. He jumped back in surprise as soon as I opened the door.

"What happened to your face!?"

"Excuse you! I have ghostskinfluenza, I can't help it!"

"...Your dad never mentioned..."

"Yeah, because he didn't want to worry you, I suppose. I don't see why he's so anxious, though. My sickness is only contagious to some younger men anyway."

"Some younger men?"

"Yeah!"

"...I just realized...I have a...appointment. That I forgot about."

"Oh, bummer. Well, you better get going then."

"...Will do."

I held back my smile as I shut the door. The plan was working. And luckily, shortly after the first man left, the next man arrived. I greeted him, but he didn't seem to be bothered by my makeup as much. So I had to do a little coughing. That got him concerned, and he said that he had to go check on his dog. It was a little while before the next man came, so while I waited I decided to grab a few snacks from the kitchen. When he finally did arrive, I decided to stuff my face as much as possible to make myself look like a pig. He was instantly thrown off once I started talking with my mouth full, making food particles fly onto his suit.

"You owe me a new jacket!" He yelled, along with a few other curse words. But I didn't care. I was just glad that he hated me. The last man took a while to come to the mansion's doorstep. I thought he wasn't going to come at all, and I almost decided to take my hideous makeup off and call it a day. But, unfortunately, like the others, he came. When he knocked, I expected him to look the same as the others. Slicked back hair, freshly-shined shoes, and a carriage waiting behind them. But this man only had one horse-a brown Mustang, it looked like. His hair didn't have any gel. He took off his top hat to reveal it. His hair was black and fluffy, with well-groomed facial hair to add to his appearance, like his perfectly long, curled mustache. His clothes didn't express that he was super wealthy, but rather moderately wealthy, since he was just wearing a sharp-looking green vest and black pants. No fancy suit. No tie to add to the outfit.

"Ah, we're matching."

"Huh?"

"You're wearing green and I'm wearing green."

"Oh-yeah-I guess. Before we continue further, I have to tell you about my sickness."

"Sickness?"

"Yes, I have ghostskinfluenza."

He immediately let out a laugh that sounded like a dozen donkeys choking on air. It was a really ugly laugh-one that almost made me start laughing myself. But I had to remind myself that I had to stay in character.

"Ghostskinfluenza?"

"It's a real thing."

"Sure. How long did it take for you to nail the sickly look?"

"Wh-"

"I'm not easily fooled. That makeup ain't tricking me."

He wiped some of it from my cheek.

"You don't have ghostskinfluenza."

"You're no doctor, so how could you tell me that?"

"Because I'm no fool."

He stuck his hand out towards me.

"I'm Thomas. Thomas Matthews. But you can call me Tommy if you'd like. Do you mind if I step inside?"

"Um-"

"It's alright if you don't want me to stay. I was just curious to see what the youngest daughter of my dad's associate looked like."

He seemed genuinely nice, and those darn stupid manners that dad taught got the best of me. So I let him step in. I know that wasn't a part of the plan, but I was curious about this guy. Something about him was different, though I couldn't pinpoint what. I didn't waste any time getting back to him after washing my face and reapplying my makeup, making myself look more natural this time. I also decided to let my hair down because my poor head needed a break from that pompadour.

"There she is," Alexander laughed, watching as I made my way down the steps. "That's who I came to see."

"I still can't believe my makeup didn't fool you."

"And I can't believe that makeup fooled the other guys."

"Well, I had to let out a few coughs here and there."

"Oh, so you really wanted them gone. You don't ever want to get married, do you?"

"Well-I wouldn't say it like that. I just happen to think that there's more to a woman's purpose than just getting married and having children, that's all. I want to live a life of adventure. Something that I was unable to do for so many years. But, if I get married, dad will begin to worry less. I'll finally be able to live the type of life I've always wanted. He says it's a dangerous world out there."

"It is."

"And that's exactly why I need to see it. Nobody around here understands, not even my sisters. Which, surprise surprise, are happily married."

"So...you just want a husband who will leave you alone, essentially?"

"Mhm."

"Alright then, let's get engaged."

"What-?"

"Ah, I'm sorry, let me do it the proper way and get down on one knee-"

"Don't get down on any knees! Especially for me, don't you dare do it. There is no way on Earth that you're just going to...accept whatever I just said."

"I don't see why not. Besides...this mansion is...breathtaking. If we marry, I'll be able to move here and get some work done in the exact same spot where your daddy sits in his office chair."

"You're just in it for the money."

"Now you make me sound like the bad guy. I have a wealthy background, alright? Just not...this wealthy. And living in a mansion like this would solve a lot of my problems."

"Fine then. After we get married, we'll both leave each other alone. You can live here in comfort, and I can live...somewhere out there. You know, I've always wanted a cabin to stay in."

"A cabin? You've spent your entire life in this mansion, filled with butlers, maids, and riches beyond measure, and you want to throw all of that away to live in a cabin?"

"A cozy cabin, with just me and my thoughts."

"Until you realize you have to cook your own food."

"I can cook."

"Really?"

"Yes, I used to use our kitchen all the time with...um. Well. You know who I'm thinking about, surely."

"I do. And I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine losing my mother."

"...Yeah. Yeah uh-well anyway-we should probably tell my dad that we're "engaged" now. The sooner we tell him, the sooner we can get married and leave each other alone. I hope you brought some extra clothes because he'll be expecting you to spend the night."

"Of course. And speaking of tonight, I know you haven't been out in years. Out and away from this mansion, that is."

"Yeah? What are you suggesting?"

"We can sneak out."

"Sneak out!?"

"Say that a little bit louder, would you?"

"Sorry-but there's no way I can sneak out. Guards are stationed everywhere. Somebody is bound to notice. Trust me, I've tried."

"Then try again, right? I'm here to help this time around. I can work on distracting the guards while you escape, and then I'll follow behind you. You have a horse, correct?"

"Onyx, yes."

"Then it's settled. We'll sneak out tonight, while Midnightsville comes alive. Think of it as...my farewell gift to you before we marry. Are you in?"

This plan had trouble written all over it. If we got caught, dad might not ever let me near another man again. He might not even trust me again. Well-yes he would. I'm his baby. Plus...I do need a little more excitement in my life. After all, I've been stuck in this boring mansion for all this time.

"I'm in."