The Hunting Expedition

It was the hunting season the Duke himself arranged, that was also funded by the Empress. Everyone was thrilled, especially the mamas.

"Akeelah, you will go with Mr.Rough, you understand?" Akeelah could only sigh. Her mother is constantly telling her to be with Mr.Rough which was an absolute dork.

"Do you understand?" Her mother repeated, making her nod. "Yes, I understand very well."

The only thing that excites her about going on the hunting expedition was to see Zoe and Brianne, nothing else. "How can I rest when I still have to think about you?"

Sighing she replied under her breath. "Maybe if you just let me be?"

"What was that young lady?!" Mama's voice was sharp, her eyes narrowing as she looked at her daughter.

"Nothing, mama." Her daughter's voice was small, barely audible, as she stared down at the floor.

Under her breath, she muttered, "Just wish you would listen for once." Her voice was almost a whisper, filled with a mix of frustration and sadness.

"What did you say?" Mama's tone turned icy, her suspicion growing.

"Nothing, mama, I said nothing." Her daughter's voice trembled slightly, a mix of fear and defiance in her eyes.

Upon their arrival, the place was already packed with people. Akeelah didn't really enjoy events such as this, she can barely survive socializing with the people of the ton.

"Mr. Rough, what a lovely day, isn't it?" Akeelah's mother said, her voice bright and cheerful as she looked around.

"Yes, it is. May I take her ladyship on a stroll?" Mr. Rough replied, his eyes fixed on Akeelah.

Akeelah looked as if she wasn't given a choice, and so, without even glancing at her mother, she gave her hand to the gentleman, her expression resigned.

"How have your days been so far, miss?" Mr. Rough asked, trying to engage her in conversation as they walked.

"It was fine," she said, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes, her tone flat.

"Are you looking forward to today? I am eager to know who will be renowned as the champion in this year's hunting expedition." His enthusiasm was evident, a stark contrast to her indifference.

"I guess. I don't really enjoy hunting much. I just wonder how this event could possibly be of any help to the people," Akeelah said, her voice tinged with skepticism.

"Is this supposed to be of any help to the people? I believe this is of help for us, for entertainment, don't you think?" Mr. Rough's tone was light, almost dismissive, as if the idea of utility was foreign to him. Akeelah couldn't talk for a moment, questioning why she was still on a stroll with this man.

"You're right," she nodded, pretending to agree with his thoughts, which she disliked, her smile forced.

She silently wished she could find her friends to help her escape from this uncomfortable situation, feeling trapped and out of place.

On the other end of the field, Zoe and Brianne had already been looking for her. It was though they were running in circles.

"Where could she be?" Brianne asked getting frustrated from the thought that they have been looking for a long time.

Zoe too had gone frustrated. "We need to find her before Mr. Rough does."

"Who's Mr.Rough?" Brianne asked.

Zoe sighed in response. "Obviously the rich entrepreneur her mama has been pushing to her."

"Oh right! Let's look for her mama, obviously she wouldn't let her daughter go without a chaperone." Then the two of them went looking for Akeelah once again.

Some time later, the three ladies still hadn't found one another. Akeelah can only nod and smile frantically at the man she was with not having enough choice.

Then on, the hunting expedition began. Everyone was seated, when Akeelah noticed her mother sitting a bit far away from them and was not looking at her. She grabbed the chance to escape.

"Mr.Rough, I think nature is uhmm calling for me." She said, standing up.

The man looked convinced and let the lady go. "It can't be helped. Do you want me to send someone to accompany you, miss?"

She shook her head firmly. "Oh please, do not trouble yourself. I'll return as soon as I'm done with my business. Do enjoy the event while I'm away."

As she turned away, Akeelah couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. She was now free to find her friends who were somewhere in the field.

"Akeelah?" A familiar voice called out.