“Do you love him?”
The question was simple, but Alyssa found that she couldn’t answer. As much as she wanted to love, she also knew she couldn’t.
“Well?” Rhiondra tapped the toe of her polished leather shoe on the floor. “Do you love David?”
“Rhiondra, unlike you, I do not have the privilege to fall in love.” Alyssa’s voice faultered as she thought of what she was going to say. “I am a purposed person. We are only meant to do what we are purposed for. I was purposed as a servant. I am to clean and cook not fall in love.”
“That is ridiculous. You should be able to love. In fact, you are able to love because I allow it.”
“It is not as simple as that Rhiondra. Love is not my purpose.” Alyssa tugged on the bottom of Rhiondra’s dress. “Can you stop moving so that I might hem your dress?”
Rhiondra waved off Alyssa’s comment but stopped moving. “It is as simple as that. And, if I were you, I would run away to be with my love. It would be very romantic.”
“It would be dangerous and deadly.” Alyssa stopped her work so that she could look Rhiondra in the eyes.
“But it would also be romantic.” Rhiondra’s eyes took on a faraway look.
Alyssa sighed. “Yes, Rhiondra, it would also be romantic.”
