
紹介
She is still surrounded by her family and friends, and Tenac. But there are also losses along the way. When she finally starts to become comfortable in her new life, the news of a new outbreak of the sickness reaches Salmis.
All of a sudden it is up to her to fight for a city that abandoned her. Does she really want to fight for it? Or should she walk away and leave her past behind her? The third and final book in the White rose series about Mary.
チャプター 1
Mary fell downward in the darkness. Then she felt hands, not only one or two, but several hands that gently caught her and held her body. Mary felt the hands put her feet down on solid ground and hold her upright until she found her balance. As she steadied herself, she felt the hands let go of her and her blindfold were removed.
Mary blinked against the light and then she heard the first tolling of a bell and loud cheering. Confused she focused her eyes and realised that she was surrounded by aari. She was standing in a room clad in marble with a high ceiling.
Mary looked behind her and there was Tariana, smiling down at her from a ledge that were about three meters above the floor.
“Well done,” Tariana smiled at Mary.
The aari around her shook her hand and congratulated her. There were some she knew, like Procecsa, Mildy and Leana. Then there were her teachers and the ones from the council. Lastly there were a lot of aari Mary had never seen before.
They all looked pleased, and the mood was high. Tariana walked down some steps and came up to Mary. She held her arms out.
“Congratulations, my friend,” she said as Mary accepted the hug from her. “It’s time for the last formal part before we can get the fun part started,” she told Mary.
As she said that, Procecsa stepped up to Mary and Tariana, and five women stood in a circle around them. From nowhere, five large white sheets appeared and the five women used magic to make the sheets into what Mary only could describe as a cocoon.
“Time to shred your linen dress and put on a white one, Mary,” Procecsa smiled.
Tariana and Procecsa helped Mary out of the itching dress and as Mary was about to tell them she didn’t bring another dress, a white dress just appeared, and they helped her dress in it. As Mary felt the white fabric flow around her, she had to fight back tears.
She had made it; she had taken the final step and became the person she wanted to become for so long. In that moment, the white dress represented so much to Mary that it was hard for her to take all her emotions in. As she was dressed and Tariana had braided her hair, Tariana hugged her again.
“You deserve this, you have been so brave,” she said to Mary.
“I’m so proud that I have had the privilege of being your mentor,” Procecsa said, giving Mary a hug.
“Thank you, both of you. I couldn’t have done this without you,” Mary said to them and wiped away a stray tear.
“She is ready,” Tariana said loudly.
The sheets of fabric were removed and the other aari once again came into view. There was a loud round of applauds. Tariana took Mary out into the middle of the room, there a circle formed with them in the middle, surrounded by aari.
“You have accepted the rebirth into a life as aari. We welcome you as the newest member of our family. As a symbol of your power, your dedication and your new life, we give you your badge,” Tariana said in a clear voice.
Leana stepped up to Tariana, holding a white cloth in her outstretched hands. Tariana unfolded the cloth and Mary saw the glistening diamond, surrounded by pearls. Tariana picked up the badge and walked over to Mary and pinned it on the right side of her dress.
Another round of cheers and applauds erupted. Mary couldn’t stop smiling as she placed her fingers over her badge.
“Thank you,” she said, and Tariana smiled.
“Mary came to us from Domne. These days we never get trainees from Domne, and I know many of you were hesitant about how she would do. But not only has she met and surpassed all our expectations. She is the highest scoring student for the past 241 years,” Tariana told everyone. There was a surprised and impressed murmur in the room.
“For her dedication, excellent results and to help her find the right path, the council has decided to offer you the title of protector of the white rose of Treenia,” Tariana smiled and there was another murmur in the room and a lot of nodding.
Mary was floored. It was rare to get a title when you were taken up in the aari. They usually came when you had proved yourself.
Mary knew the name Treenia. She had been one of the Ladies in the old book Mary had gotten from Tenac on her nineteenth birthday.
Treenia had been one of the first Ladies after the country had been divided and she had led with a firm belief that the aari needed to hold every man, woman, and child to the same value. Things like nationality, background, and things like that should not affect the help the aari provided. Mary was a firm believer that Treenia had been right.
“Thank you, I’m humbled by this, and I will do my best to live up to the ideals of Treenia,” Mary said as she was given a rolled-up scroll by Tariana.
“I have no doubt that you will,” Tariana smiled at her.
“As a symbol of your new path, a new name is given to you. It is up to you if you will add it as a second name, or if you choose to be called by it,” she continued.
The room fell silent as everyone wanted to listen to what her new name would be. Mary was focused on Tariana. She wasn’t sure she wanted a new name. But in the worst case scenario, she could just use it as her second name and never use it, she thought.
“Your new name is Ayyanapia, the one with a colourful soul,” Tariana announced and another round of applauds broke out.
“That was all the formal things out of the way. Now it’s time for the party,” Tariana then said and the quiet room became filled with noises as doors were opened and food and drinks were carried in to be placed on tables that had just appeared along one wall.
“Come on, Mary, you must be hungry and there are lots of people that wants to meet you and talk to you,” Tariana said and took Mary’s hand.
They walked over to the tables that now were filled with food. Tariana put a plate in Mary’s hands and Mary filled it with the delicious-looking finger food. They walked a bit to the side and as Mary started eating there were aari coming up to them and congratulated her and talked a bit. The council member, aari Gregic, came walking up to them.
“Congratulations, Mary,” he smiled and shook her hand.
“Thank you, aari Gregic,” she smiled back.
“I must say that you surprised us when the Lady announced your talents. But you have shown us you are a valid option to become a candidate for the position as the Lady,” he told her.
“Thank you, you flatter me,” she said.
“I’m only speaking the truth, my friend. I haven’t forgotten what you did for Limia. Showing compassion toward someone that has wronged you is an admirable trait,” he told her.
“It was nothing. How is Limia? I haven’t seen her in a while?” Mary asked, hoping to stop the flattery.
“She is good. Thank you for asking. She has been staying at our home in Archam. We have hope that she will be ready to take the assessment again next year,” he said.
“I’m happy to hear that,” Mary smiled.
“I will leave you to the next of the family that wants to congratulate you. I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to your party, so I’ll see you tomorrow,” he told her.
“I think my mom has invited the entire city,” Mary laughed.
“I’m looking forward to taste her food again. She is an excellent cook,” he said and then walked away.
“That was interesting,” Tariana said to Mary.
“It was?” Mary asked.
“Yes. He has been a firm supporter of Axilla for years,” Tariana nodded.
Axilla was one of the other aari that had control of all five of her elements. She and Mary had lunched a couple of times since Mary’s secret was let out. She had been very nice and talked about her own experiences.
“You think that has changed?” Mary asked.
“Yes, I would say he has found a new candidate to support,” Tariana nodded and put a small tomato filled with onion and spinach filling into her mouth.
“Oh, these are divine,” she then said, eating another one.
Sometime a little later, their plates were taken away by someone and a cup of wine was put into Mary’s hand. Mary didn’t usually drink, but she sipped it while she talked to more people.
Mildy and Elena came by to congratulate Mary and they talked for a while about old memories and Mary really enjoyed herself. As the two aari left Mary and Tariana to themselves again, Mary turned to Tariana.
“I have a question,” Mary said.
“Ask away,” Tariana smiled.
“Where am I being placed?” Mary asked.
“Oh, dear me. I have completely forgotten to tell you,” Tariana said surprised.
“You are being placed in the diplomatic area,” Tariana added.
“What? But you never start in the diplomatic area. That is something you earn,” Mary objected.
“I wouldn’t say never. It’s unusual. But then, not many of our trainees speak four languages and get top marks with special commendations in foreign studies,” Tariana smiled.
“Where else would we have put you?” she added.
“Thank you. I’ll do my best to live up to everyone’s expectations,” Mary said, feeling humble.
“Oh, don’t think of it like that. Go out there, do your best, have fun and learn things,” Tariana told her.
“That sounds fun,” Mary laughed.
“And that is what I want for you now. You have been so focused on your studies. Just enjoy life a little, Mary,” Tariana advised her.
“Okay,” Mary nodded.
“It’s almost two o’clock in the morning, and you have had a long day. Why don’t you sneak out and go back to your room and get some sleep before going back home in the morning?” Tariana said.
“But everyone here is here for me,” Mary objected.
“Most of them have already congratulated you. Now it’s more of an excuse to party and have fun. As you are the last to do the final test, they will go extra wild tonight,” Tariana chuckled.
“Okay, just one question. Where are we?” Mary asked.
“If you go out that door, you will end up in a hallway, take left and take the first stairs to the right. You will end near Sesca’s office. You’ll find your way from there,” Tariana smiled.
“Thank you,” Mary nodded.
“Congratulations again Mary. I’m so, so proud of you,” Tariana said, giving Mary a hug before gently pushing her towards the door.
Mary followed the path described by Tariana and found herself outside her mentor’s office. From there, her feet found their own way. The sanctum was quiet and almost deserted. There were just a few riders walking in the hallways. She almost bumped into a prospect as she rounded a corner.
“My lady,” he bowed before rounding her and walking away.
Mary looked at his back as he vanished down a side corridor. My lady, she thought, and lifted one of her arms and looked at the simple white fabric on it. She was an aari. It hadn’t really hit home until that moment. She giggled, partly because of the butterflies in her stomach, partly because of the vine.
Happily, she skipped the rest of the way back to her old room, took off the dress and got into bed.
最新チャプター
#108 Epilogue
最終更新: 1/7/2025#107 107, The ceremony
最終更新: 1/7/2025#106 106, The meeting and the greeting
最終更新: 1/7/2025#105 105, The tent in the valley
最終更新: 1/7/2025#104 104, All thanks to the dessert
最終更新: 1/7/2025#103 103, A surprise
最終更新: 1/7/2025#102 102, What to be called
最終更新: 1/7/2025#101 101, A decision
最終更新: 1/7/2025#100 100, A house
最終更新: 1/7/2025#99 99, Niwil
最終更新: 1/7/2025
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裏切られた後に億万長者に甘やかされて
エミリーと億万長者の夫との結婚は契約結婚だった。彼女は努力して夫の愛を勝ち取りたいと願っていた。しかし、夫が妊婦を連れて現れた時、彼女は絶望した。家を追い出された後、路頭に迷うエミリーを謎の億万長者が拾い上げた。彼は一体誰なのか?なぜエミリーのことを知っていたのか?そしてさらに重要なことに、エミリーは妊娠していた。
捨てられた妻
自己発見の旅は、彼女をパリという活気溢れる街へと導いた。偶然の出会いを重ねるうちに、カリスマ的で自由奔放なアーティストと親しくなり、その人物は彼女が今まで知らなかった情熱と芸術と解放の世界へと導いてくれる存在となった。
物語は、臆病で見捨てられた妻から、自信に満ちた独立した女性への彼女の変貌を美しく描き出す。指導を受けながら、ロクサーヌは自身の芸術的才能を発見し、キャンバスを通じて感情や願望を表現することに心の安らぎを見出していく。
しかし、彼女の変貌の噂がロンドン社交界に届き、過去が彼女を追いかけてくる。ルシアンは自分の過ちの重大さに気付き、離れていった妻を取り戻すための旅に出る。物語は、捨て去った過去の生活と、今や大切なものとなった新しい自由の間で揺れ動く彼女の姿を予想外の展開で描いていく。
三年続いた結婚生活は離婚で幕を閉じる。街中の人々は、裕福な家の捨てられた妻と彼女を嘲笑った。六年後、彼女は双子を連れて帰国する。今度は人生を新たにし、世界的に有名な天才医師となっていた。数え切れないほどの男性たちが彼女に求婚するようになるが、ある日、娘が「パパが三日間ずっと膝をついて、ママと復縁したいってお願いしているの」と告げる。
溺愛は時に残酷で 〜大企業社長と口の利けない花嫁〜
ブサイクな男と結婚?ありえない
しかし、結婚後、その男は決して醜くなどなく、それどころか、ハンサムで魅力的で、しかも億万長者だったことが分かったのです!
憎しみから情熱的な愛へ
毎日が地獄のようです。夫は私に対して心理的な暴力を振るい、まるで玩具のように扱います。優しい言葉など一度も聞いたことがありません。
最初から全て計画されていたのでしょう。私との結婚も、ただの復讐劇の一幕に過ぎなかったのです。私の心も体も、彼の復讐の道具でしかありませんでした。
夜になると、その冷たい視線に怯えます。彼の足音が近づくたびに、体が震えてしまいます。逃げ出したい。でも、どこにも行き場所がないのです。
こんな結婚生活、誰にも想像できないでしょう。表向きは、私たちは理想の夫婦のように見えるかもしれません。でも実際は...私の魂は日に日に摩耗していくばかり。
これが私の現実。悪魔との結婚生活。終わりが見えない暗闇の中で、私はただ耐え続けるしかないのです。
億万長者アルファ契約恋人
私たちの関係は契約に過ぎなかった。彼の本当の愛する人が戻ってきたとき、もう私は必要とされなくなった。契約を破棄され、消えろと言われた。
五年という月日で、彼の凍てついた心も私に向けて溶けるのではないかと思っていた。なんて愚かだったのだろう。
荷物をまとめて、去ることにした。彼には告げずに......私には残り三ヶ月の命しかないということも。
午後七時、グリフォン騎士団長のプライベートジェットが空港に着陸した。沈みゆく太陽が鮮やかなオレンジと赤を月の明るい光に譲ろうとしている頃だった。
到着してわずか三十分後、彼は私をダウンタウンのペントハウスに呼び寄せるよう命じた。
億万長者のシンデレラ
そうよね、これはただのビジネスだもの……
でも、彼の触れる手は温かくて……誘惑的で……
「処女なのか?」突然、彼は私を見つめた……
*****
エマ・ウェルズ。卒業を控えた女子大生。継母のジェーンと義姉のアンナから虐待を受け続けてきた彼女の人生で、唯一の希望は王子様のような恋人マシュー・デイビッド。世界一幸せな女性にすると約束してくれた人。
しかし、彼女の世界は完全に崩れ去った。継母が老人から結納金として5万ドルを受け取り、彼女を嫁がせることに同意したのだ。さらに追い打ちをかけるように、愛する恋人が親友のビビアン・ストーンと浮気をしていたことを知る。
土砂降りの雨の中、通りを歩きながら、彼女は絶望の淵に立たされていた……
拳を握りしめ、決意した。売られる運命なら、自分で売り手になってやる。
豪華な車の前に飛び出し、立ち止まる。自分の処女は一体いくらの価値があるのだろう……
*****
デイリー更新
支配する億万長者に恋をして
田舎のブルックス家に引き取られたリース・ブルックスは、姉の代わりにマルコム・フリンとの婚約を突然押し付けられることになった。
フリン家からは育ちの良くない田舎者として蔑まれ、読み書きもできない粗野な殺人鬼だという悪意に満ちた噂まで立てられてしまう。
しかし、リースは誰もの予想に反して、卓越した才能の持ち主だった。一流のファッションデザイナー、凄腕のハッカー、金融界の巨人、そして医学の天才として頭角を現していく。
彼女の専門知識は業界の黄金基準となり、投資の大物たちも医学界の権威たちも、その才能を欲しがった。アトランタの経済界を操る存在としても注目を集めることになる。
(一日三章ずつ更新中)
売られた氷の女王
ドレスと下着を受け取り、バスルームに戻ろうとした私を彼女は制止した。彼女の命令を聞いた瞬間、心臓が止まりそうになった。
「ここで着替えなさい。見せてもらうわ」
最初は意味が分からなかったけれど、彼女が苛立ちを含んだ目で見つめてきたとき、言われた通りにするしかないと悟った。
ローブを脱いで隣の白いソファに置く。ドレスを手に取ろうとしたその時。
「待ちなさい」
心臓が飛び出しそうになった。
「ドレスもソファに置いて、まっすぐ立ちなさい」
言われた通りにした。全裸で立つ私を、彼女は頭からつま先まで念入りに観察した。その視線が私の裸体を確認していく様子に、吐き気を覚えた。
髪を肩の後ろに流し、人差し指で私の胸元を優しく撫で、視線は乳房で止まった。そして更に続く。ゆっくりと脚の間へと視線を移動させ、しばらくそこを見つめた。
「足を開きなさい、アリス」
彼女が屈んで、より近くから見ようとした時、私は目を閉じた。レズビアンでないことを祈るばかりだったが、最後に彼女は満足げな笑みを浮かべて立ち上がった。
「きれいに処理されているわね。男性はそういうのが好きなの。息子も気に入るはずよ。肌も綺麗で柔らかいし、適度な筋肉もついている。ギデオンにはぴったりね。下着を着けて、それからドレスを着なさい、アリス」
言いたいことは山ほどあったけれど、全て飲み込んだ。ただ逃げ出したかった。そしてその時、私は心に誓った。必ず成功してみせると。
アリスは18歳の美しいフィギュアスケーター。キャリアが絶頂を迎えようとしていた矢先、残酷な義父によって裕福なサリバン家の末っ子の妻として売り渡されてしまう。アリスは、見知らぬ少女と結婚しようとする美しい男性には何か理由があるはずだと考える。特にその家族が有名な犯罪組織の一員であることを知って。彼女は冷たい心を溶かし、自由を手に入れることができるのか?それとも手遅れになる前に逃げ出せるのか?
離婚後、ママと子供が世界中で大活躍
本来の花嫁である義理の妹の身代わりとして。
2年間、彼の人生で最も暗い時期に寄り添い続けた。
しかし――
妹の帰還により、彼らの結婚生活は揺らぎ始める。
共に過ごした日々は、妹の存在の前では何の意味も持たないのか。
結婚の終わり
まるで怒り狂った牡牛の前で赤い布を振るようなものだった。アンナは怒りが込み上げてきた。男の傲慢さにはほとほと呆れる。一年前、彼女は何とか脱出できたのだ。結婚した後、彼は彼女をギリシャの ancestral城に幽閉し、飽きた玩具のように捨て去ったのだ。
そしてそれだけでは足りないとでも言うように、彼は最も卑劣な行為に及んだ。街のアパートで愛人を囲い始めたのだ。彼女―つまり妻である自分が、がらんとした城で待ち続けている間も、彼はその女と夜を共にし続けた。まるで彷徨える魂のように。
エロス・コザキスは心に誓った。今度こそ、妻を取り戻すのだ!
そして彼女を、本来あるべき場所である自分のベッドへと連れ戻す。彼の下で彼女の しなやかな体が抑えきれない情熱に震え、二人の間で燃え上がる消しがたい炎を満たすため、何度も何度も深く愛し合うのだ。
数年間は彼女を素足で妊娠させ続け、子供を何人か産ませる。そうすれば、彼から離れるなどという考えは完全に消え去ってしまうだろう!
禁断の欲望
私はもう一度頷き、彼らに近づいた。まずはザイオンから始めた。手を彼に滑らせると、まるで噴水のように反応した。「おお!」と自分に言い聞かせた。直接触れないように泡立てていたが、彼は「手を使えよ。触ってもいいんだ」と言った。もう地獄にいるのだから、少し楽しんでもいいかもしれない。そんな邪悪な考えが頭をよぎった。
私は彼を撫で始めた。彼のうめき声が聞こえた。
ソフィー・デルトロは内気で純粋、内向的なティーンエイジャーで、自分が透明人間のように感じていた。彼女は三人の保護者である兄たちと共に、安全で退屈な生活を送っていた。しかし、アメリカのマフィアの王とその二人の息子に誘拐される。三人は彼女を共有し、支配し、征服する計画を立てていた。
彼女は罪と暴力の世界に巻き込まれ、禁断の関係に強制され、捕らえた者たちのサディスティックな性的快楽を奨励し称賛する学校に送られる。誰も信じられない。ソフィーが知っていたと思っていた世界は存在しなかった。彼女は自分の深い欲望に従うのか、それとも闇に飲み込まれ埋もれてしまうのか。周りの全ての人が秘密を持っており、ソフィーはその中心にいるようだ。残念ながら、彼女は禁断の欲望の対象だった。