Her father's cold voice made Brigid flinch: he used his vocal cords with such skill that it was as if a cruel hard palm had struck her cheek.

– 'As you say, father. – She curtsied and stepped out into the dark corridor.

As Brigid closed the door, a gust of air blew out the candle she held in her hand, and the girl was greeted by the darkness of night, for despite his wealth, Lord Norton, the master of the castle, was unwilling to spend money on candles or torches in the corridors, for they cost a great deal and burned out quickly. But the darkness never frightened Brigid: it was her faithful friend when she could not sleep at night, and the girl imagined in colours William, her wedding to him and her first wedding night. But it was all just silly and unfulfilled dreams: William wants Alienor! She is the one he wants as his wife, the one he wants to caress in the marital bedroom, the one he sees as the mother of his children! And she, Brigid, is incapable of anything… That's what her father said.

Putting the candleholder on the floor, which made a muffled thud in the corridor, Brigid leaned her hand on the wall, for her legs could not hold her, and put her other hand on the gold chain with a cross adorning her neck. Her lungs, constricted by the tight kirtle, refused to serve her, and she caught the air with her lips like a fish that had accidentally jumped out of the water onto dry land.

How had this happened? Didn't she spend every day in prayer? Didn't she fervently ask the Almighty to give her William's love? Did she not pray enough? Did she not ask humbly enough? She was a dutiful daughter, and in spite of everything, not a single harsh word about her parents escaped her lips. And Alienor? What did she deserve?

"William… My William! For you do not even realise that you broke my heart! You gave me a dance and smiled at me, but your thoughts were not with me, but with her… And you, Alienor, my sister? Did you know of his love? You convinced me that he would be mine, but instead it was you who would walk down the marriage aisle… And it was your body he would caress, kiss your lips, and write sonnets about you… And I am nothing… Disappointment. But, dear sister, it's not your fault' thought the girl wistfully. The cup she was about to drink was not an elixir of happiness, but bitterness, and she drank it to the bottom.

Having recovered a little, Brigid made her way to Alienor's chambers. Her eyes, accustomed to the darkness, easily recognised the familiar path, and the soft light of the growing moon encouraged her to seek answers from her friend. Alienor wouldn't lie to her face, she never would, and if she had any tender feelings for William, she would suppress them, for she knew that Brigid had loved him first. Long ago, as little girls, the girls had sworn to each other that no man would separate them or threaten their friendship: the one who fell in love first would always be the first. Brigid hoped that Alienor had not gone to bed yet; she would not want to wake her after a tiresome evening, only to ask her a single question: "But how did it happen?"

Thankfully, Alienor was awake, and instead of her friend lying in bed ready to fall into the arms of Morpheus, Brigid saw her in anger.

– I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were having a family council," Brigid said quietly as Sir and Lady Norton frowned at the door and the unexpected visitor.

– You must have come to say good night to Alienor, my child. – Lady Norton smiled: Brigid was dear to her motherly heart, and she did not wish to offend her by ordering her out of the room.

– Ind, my lady… Good night, Alienor… Good night, sir, and Lady Norton… – Brigid made a deep curtsy and was about to leave her friend's chamber when she heard Alienor's loud firm voice.

– My dear daughter, Brigid is tired and…" Lady Jane began affectionately.

– Brigid, William Tury has proposed to me! And I swear I never thought he would want to marry me! – Alienor swiftly approached her friend, turned her round to face her, and, seeing that Brigid's violet eyes were full of tears, seized her in her arms. – I do not desire this marriage! I do not love him, and I never will!

– My dear, William is a handsome healthy man! Many ladies are in love with him, but he chose you! It's such an honour! He is the son of a nobleman, and such a chance is given only once in a lifetime! – Sir Norton said in a judicious tone.

– Say what you will! I will not marry him! And tomorrow I'll say it to his face! Myself! – Alienor said in a low, confident voice, still embracing her friend.

– You don't have to… You don't have to sacrifice your marriage for me! – Brigid whispered in her ear. – I will accept it… He is a fine young man and will bring you happiness!

– It's not me he should bring happiness, but you! – Alienor whispered stubbornly.

– My daughter, I've decided everything! I have already given William's father my consent! – frowned the master of the castle.

– You gave it without asking me, father, which means that this consent is worthless! – Alienor threw. She pulled away from her friend, put her warm palms on her cheeks and smiled: – He will marry you… Only you! I swear on my life!

– Don't say that… William doesn't want me! That's what my father said: we are too poor to find me a rich bridegroom, and William's family is famous for its wealth," Brigid shook her head stubbornly. – And even if my heart cries out in pain, I only wish him happiness…