Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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Before evening, we reach the first crossroad. Some of the carriages take a different route, while we continue straight towards the north. We've spent less than a day travelling, but the difference in the temperature is already noticeable. ?How long is it to Kyre?? I inquire. I've never asked before, but I prefer to know how long I'll sleep in a carriage. ?It's about ten days at a normal pace. However, we'll speed up as soon as we reach my territories. The roads are kept in better condition than…-
272 •
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When the air gets chilly, I grab the cover that is lying on the other seat. It's not easy to do so without alerting the Duke, but somehow I succeed. I cover the sleeping man's legs and then fix the blanket on his shoulders. The carriage's seat is too short for him. His legs are folded, while his arms have surrounded my hips. I lean my head on the sidewall of the carriage and close my eyes to rest for a while. I can't fall completely asleep because my shoulders are cold. However, the warmth of the…
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272 •
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When I reach the carriage, my Duke has already prepared everything. The only problem is that he didn't let me change. He's in such a hurry that he asked me to come here straight after the meeting with the Emperor. ?Have you sobered a bit?? I inquire while walking to him. Alexander steps in my direction and hugs me tightly. His arms use so much strength that I can hear my bones crunch. Unfortunately, this can't be used as a signal of his drunkenness. He would do this in any situation. ?I'm sorry,…
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272 •
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The Emperor stays silent for a while before continuing with his speech. I can understand how he's feeling, right now, after admitting that his kingdom is in ruin. That's how I felt when I surrendered. All that I've lived for shattered in a single day. The war did last for years, but only after signing the treaty, I felt that painful burn on my heart. Every day in preparation for that event was long and tedious. At some point, I couldn't wait to just end it all and die. Realising that a winning…
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272 •
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After getting rid of Patricia and making everyone believe she has an affair with Marquise Lindell, I don't have to worry about that man anymore. Anything he says will be interpreted as the crazy hatred of a man in love. Not in love with me, obviously. Alexander has relaxed a bit, seeing how I have everything under control. We go back to our seats, and he tenderly caresses my face. ?Don't make me worry, all right?? he mumbles. I simply nod, hoping to hearten him with a single gesture. I won't…
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272 •
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?Oh, I know who has a beauty mark on her left shoulder!? I exclaim as if I've just remembered. ?Whose body have you examined so closely?? Alexander inquires. He's not even pretending to be jealous. He's just plainly asking. ?I didn't examine anyone. I just saw it by chance!? I say. Just like the mark on my right shoulder could be seen by chance. ?Ah, so that's it!? my Duke seems to realise. ?I won't need to kill everyone with a mark on their left shoulder.? ?No, my dear. You won't need to do…
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272 •
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The end of the dance is near, and I swirl slowly and pass my eyes in the whole hall. I spot George in a corner, looking at me with hatred. He didn't retreat. He just pretended to have accepted his injustice. I turn to my Duke, and I see that he noticed the man in the corner as well. The music ends, and Alexander automatically finds my hand. ?Let's go back,? he mutters. ?I'm feeling a bit thirsty now...? This doesn't sound too good. How much is Alexander planning to drink? ?Are you trying to…
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272 •
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There is a quartet in the corner, playing a slow melody. The music is soft enough to let people talk with an acceptable tone of voice. Everyone is already at their place, sitting and drinking wine leisurely. The hall is noisy. Some dancers are performing their choreographies in front of the Emperor. We walk to the main table, and Alexander sits on the right of the Emperor. I sit next to my husband and move my eyes in the hall. It looks like the whole court is present. Good. The Emperor nods,…
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272 •
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?My brother doesn't know a thing,? Princess Lyland starts. ?But you're both lucky that I'm here.? My Duke moves to the couch and sits there, silently listening to his sister's bragging. He's quietly accepting all the critiques as if he was used to this. ?There is an Ethiro tradition that states that brides have to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,? the young girl explains. Oh, I haven't heard of this tradition either. ?You already have something old…
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272 •
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It's time for me to start getting ready. I have to wear the gown, fix my hair and also apply suitable makeup. Still, lying here is so much more comfortable. ?Whatever happens, don't get away from me,? Alexander murmurs while caressing my hair. He's looking at the ceiling, lost in thoughts and troubled. His heart is beating steadily, but I think he's worried about the unknown threats waiting to cut my throat at the first misstep. ?I have an idea,? I start. ?To bait out...? ?No traps,? he…
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272 •
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