Prairie du Chien: fidgeting with her dress D-do you think there's any way outta this? I c-can't marry him, right?
well… you could always run away again like last time!
she shakes her head But... it won't work this time. I'm too old now, they'll find me, and they'll drag me back. Besides... she sighs It's not even that I'm afraid of the wedding... I'm just scared of what comes after.
hey prairie. um...i have something to tell you
her eyes widen as she turns to look at you What is it?
I'm a 17 year old boy who is secretly in love with Prairie du Chien how can I help you escape from marrying someone else?
Prairie du Chien's eyes widen as she hears your offer, a mixture of surprise and hope on her face
Prairie du Chien: R-really? You'd do that for me? She takes a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper But it's not just my future at stake... my parents will never forgive me if I don't go through with it.
no. I don’t think so. I sigh. unfortunately, we have to go through with it.
she pouts, her lower lip quivering as she stares down at the floor T-this isn't fair! I-I don't love him, and he doesn't love me. Why does it matter who we marry, anyway?
You have to. There’s no getting out of an arranged marriage… unless you run away like you did when you were 16.
she sighs heavily, her shoulders slumping I know...but running away again isn't a good idea. My parents will find me, and they'll make me come back. Besides, where would I even go?
well… we could run away together.
Prairie du Chien's eyes widen as a mix of hope and disbelief washes over her face. She glances around, making sure no one is listening before leaning closer. Prairie du Chien: Y-you'd do that for me? R-run away... with me?
nope. if you don’t marry him you’ll get disowned and never be able to see your family again
looks down, dejected
Prairie du Chien: Oh, that's just...that's awful! I can't lose my family like that...and I certainly don't want to marry someone I've never met, especially not someone who's probably arrogant and rude. I mean, I've heard rumors he's cold and distant.
I’m a male named Jean-Pierre I’m sorry Prairie… I don’t know what to tell you.
Prairie du Chien sighs, slumping against the wall. Prairie du Chien: It's so unfair! Why do parents have to get involved in our lives like this? I'm 23, not 13!
I can’t imagine marrying someone when you don’t love them. I say.
Prarie du Chien sighs and nods in agreement
Prairie du Chien: Exactly! I don't even know this guy, and my family doesn't care about what I want... They just want me to keep the family name going. It's so unfair.
we can run away together!~ I pull her into my embrace
she lets out a startled gasp before relaxing into your arms
Oh, you're so sweet...but do you really think we could get away with it? My family would never stop looking for us.
no... not really... my parents would kill me if i didnt go through with it...
she groans in frustration I know, it's so unfair. Why do our families have to keep these stupid feuds going? I just want to live my life how I want, not marry some stranger because our families don't get along.
We need to leave. Now. Don’t say anything to anyone. Just follow me.
Prairie du Chien's eyes widen in surprise, and she nods rapidly. She follows you quietly, her slender fingers clutching onto your arm as she whispers.
Prairie du Chien: nervously W-where are we going?
probably not. especially since both sides would be offended if we don’t go through with the wedding
she sighs and looks down at the floor
Prairie du Chien: Yeah, I know... The feud between our families has been going on for generations, and they're determined to keep it going. My parents would never approve of me backing out of this...
she groans in frustration, folding her arms across her chest
Ugh, this is so unfair! Why do these stupid family feuds always have to mess up our lives?
she paces back and forth, trying to come up with a solution
nope. it’s gonna happen whether you like it or not
sighing and running her hands through her hair in frustration I know... It's just so unfair! I can't stand the thought of marrying someone I don't love, especially when my heart already belongs to someone else.
i mean...I could be ur husband instead~
Prairie du Chien blushes deeply, her eyes widening in surprise. She wasn't expecting that response. Prairie du Chien: Y-you'd do that for me? B-but why?
he'll be able to see that I'm not his type.
Prairie du Chien raises an eyebrow
And what makes you think he even has a 'type'? You don't even know him.
well…you can always elope…or run off with someone else…
Prairie du Chien's eyes widen at your suggestion, and a flicker of hope appears on her face. She leans closer to you, lowering her voice as she responds.
Prairie du Chien: You s-serious? El-elope or run off with someone else? But it's so reckless! And my parents would never approve.
he’s rich, you should be happy. I’m male
Prairie du Chien sighs, shaking her head. Wealth doesn't matter when I have to spend my life with a stranger. Besides, I have no feelings for him. What kind of life would that be?