Chapter Text
If there was one thing the Smajor lineage was known for, it was the regality they held themselves with. Despite being barely twelve years of age and missing his canine teeth, Scott was no exception. His hair was perfectly groomed and his off-white shirt matched his pearl necklace.
He watched the waves of the ocean as they lapped at the shore. It was ironic how often the waters represented freedom in the classics on which he was raised. The Smajor family lived on an island that was a several day boat trip from the mainland. Even if he had been taught to swim in his human form, he would have never been able to survive the swim.
He'd stand more of a chance if he could get his seal skin. However, his parents kept it locked away. There was no chance they'd just give it to him, especially after he let it slip how he longed to leave.
Footsteps echoed down the empty corridor. Scott had learned to recognize the pattern that belonged to Martyn, a young servant around Scott's age.
"I thought I'd find you here. Mr. and Mrs. Smajor won't be pleased to find out you've been staring at the ocean again." Martyn leaned against the limestone railing.
"Mother and Father don't need to know," Scott replied, curtly.
Martyn grinned. "I suppose not."
"What brings you here?" Scott asked. His posture was rigid, his gaze never leaving the view.
"What? I can't visit a friend?"
Scott scoffed. "You and I both know you wouldn't risk being caught consorting with the Smajor heir. You know how my family is when it comes to maintaining image."
"You caught me." Martyn shrugged. "Your parents sent me to find you. They have something to tell you."
"I must be going then. I shan't keep them waiting." Scott turned to leave. "It was good getting to see you."
Martyn beamed. "Best of luck to you."
Scott walked in measured paces as he approached the busier parts of the castle. Servants bowed as he passed, before returning to tidying up and preparing for dinner. It looked like fish and shellfish would be the main courses.
Scott found his parents in his father's meeting room. What he wasn't expecting was to find the current heads of the Doll lineage. Scott tried to hide his surprise. After all, it wasn't uncommon for noble families to deal with each other. Unfortunately, he hadn't hidden it well enough.
"Scott Smajor compose yourself before our guests," his mother hissed, her sharp, judgemental eyes peeking over her lace fan.
"My apologies," Scott said evenly, his mind racing to do damage control. "Pardon my clumsiness. I wasn't expecting to be graced with the presence of such distinguished company."
Mr. Doll's voice was sharp and melodic. "I'm surprised you weren't made aware of our arrival, considering the circumstances."
"Don't be like that, dear." Mrs. Doll fidgeted restlessly with her rings. "After all, this is meant to be an arrangement to be celebrated."
"I couldn't agree more!" His father gave a hearty laugh.
Scott suppressed an indignant sigh. Although, his father wasn't a true Smajor, having married into the family, he could still do to act the part.
"Son," his father continued, "How would you like to meet your new fiance?"
Scott's world screeched to a halt. He sputtered, "What? Elaborate."
His mother shot him a warning glare, but Scott was still reeling too much to care. Sure, he had always known an arranged marriage was a possibility, but he hadn't considered it would come up so soon.
His mother explained with a sweetness that could fool anyone else into believing it was genuine. "The Dolls and the Smajors have decided to put aside our animosities and are cementing our agreement with the joining of our families though our heirs."
Scott swallowed, trying to compose himself. He could go along with the marriage. The family comes first. "The Doll heir? I'm to wed Cleo Doll?"
"Only if you are willing," Mrs. Doll said, softly. Scott recalled she had been pressured into marrying into the Dolls to pull her family out of poverty thus reestablishing the Dolls' appearance of being for the people. She beckoned to someone behind her.
Out stepped a red-headed child around Scott's age. She glowered at Scott.
Scott's expression softened, as he bows. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Cleo."
If Cleo was as unhappy with the arrangement as he was then perhaps they could work something out in secret. The shadows were the only place freedom still lingered.
Cleo's eyes narrowed, losing some of their heat. They don't bow in return. "Likewise."
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you," Mr. Doll said, "but we really must be going. The mainland awaits our return."
"Of course," his mother nodded, curtly. "We look forward to a future of prosperity between our families."
The two family heads shook hands sealing the arrangement. Scott wanted to scream.
The Dolls left with Cleo in tow. This wouldn't be the last time they saw each other.
Scott returned to his empty hall that overlooked the ocean. Martyn was still there.
Scott sighed, his shoulders drooping. "Martyn, I'm making you my strategic advisor."
"Officially?" Martyn joked, concern pooling in his blue eyes as he took in Scott's weary posture.
"I know I'm asking a lot of you, but I need you to keep another secret for me."
"When has that ever deterred me, my lord?"
Scott watched the back-and-forth of the waves as he contemplated his choice of words. "My parents have arranged for Lady Cleo Doll and I to be wed when we turn of age. We have roughly six years between now and then to find a way to derail this arrangement without jeopardizing our social standing."
"Six years is plenty of time to come up with something."
"The contract has already been signed. Parents need the consent of an adult to make this kind of agreement on their behalf. They don't need the permission of a child."
"I did notice that, yeah."
"If I want to go against their wishes, I need to build my own influence. Subtlety takes time and I don't want to waste a second of a finite resource."
"You need to act like a Doll," Martyn said, the realization dawning on him.
"I need the help of a Doll," Scott corrected, "and I think I know of one that might just be on board."