Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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What I intended was to find a room! Not to hide behind some bushes. Can this even be considered hiding? We're standing in between a bunch of trees, but they're not enough to obstruct vision. Groups of ladies and other couples are walking together in this big garden, and someone might have a similar idea. This place would become crowded, in that case. Hasn't this cunning war commander already realised it? ?Alexander,? I whisper. ?I don't think I can do this...? ?Is my Duchess shy?? ?I think I…-
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I face Patricia in the hallway. She glares at me silently. She's a bit too cheeky for a mere maid. What gives her such confidence? I turn my gaze away, pretending to be bored by her presence, rather than annoyed. Her eyes are full of fury as if I made her suffer who knows what pain. At least, she's smart enough not to say anything. How can a maid get away with harassing a noble? I can't understand the Ethirians, really. It looks like I'll have to do something on my own. The main issue is that I…
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272 •
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I pass the night quite calmly, for someone that was poisoned. The Duke warmed the room, and he made sure that I ate properly. He even touched my forehead to check my temperature. I was afraid Alexander would continue to inspect just for the sake of it. Yet, he didn't ask me to show my wounds, for once. He brought a carafe to my side of the bed and a glass. Then, he lay down next to me and talked with me late into the night. He caressed my hair and hugged me gently, making attention not to touch my…
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272 •
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The Duke considers Kate's words and walks to the maid who's cleaning the carpet. He stops gazing at me in search of answers, maybe understanding that it was all a ploy. ?Were you the one that collected the food from the kitchen?? he asks in a cold tone. The young girl lifts her head and stares at the Duke, frightened and trembling. Her eyes are wide opened and her fingers clenched on the rag she's using to clean up the mess. I can imagine the thoughts that are passing in her mind. I felt like her a…
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272 •
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I startle when the doors are opened, but the Duke doesn't let me get up. He surrounds my hips, keeping his arms on my lower back not to press on the bruise. Even though the bruise is on the front. I don't have time to think about my husband's real intentions, because a few maids storm in with the food. ?Oh, dinner!? Alexander exclaims with such a happy face. I look at my fingers playing with his shirt. I'm quite embarrassed to be seen in such a position by the help, while Alexander doesn't seem to…
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272 •
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After talking with the Emperor, and rejecting his offer, I walked in the imperial gardens and observed the flowers and fountains there. I arrived in the room a few minutes ago, but I haven't taken off the clothes. I can't do it alone, and I don't know where Kate is. Nor any other maid for that matter. I sit on the sofa and lean back, trying to ease the pressure of the corset on the bruise. The Emperor asked me what I wanted in exchange for my counsel, and I didn't change my mind until the end.…
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272 •
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Princess Lyland's words stay in my mind for the whole day. I brood until tea time, starting to realise that the Duke's worries must have been triggered by the incident. What if he really feels guilty for the maids' behaviour? It isn't his fault, in the end. He even warned me not to trust them, so I always assumed he knew how those women were. Shall I tell him not to think about it too much? When tea time comes, I consider not changing clothes and walking around like this. Still, the Duke said…
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272 •
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I just decided to get out of my room and take a short stroll in the garden. I've worn a simple black gown. The doctor said not to wear the corset, so I am allowed to walk around like this. Right? With Kate's help, I tied my hair in a complicated style, and I've also drawn a silver line on my eyelids, just like any girl in Polis would do. The girl that smiled back on the mirror was more similar to Queen Theodora than the gloomy Duchess of the last few weeks. Even if I'm a captive, even if I'm…
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272 •
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In the end, Kate and I talk late into the night. We fall asleep when it's almost dawn, so I moan in a complaint when the sun rays reach me from the window. This early and this annoying can only be my Duke. ?Weren't you tolerant?? I mutter. ?Why did you march in here so early?? ?Look at the time, wife. It's not early.? I glance at the big watch in a corner. Indeed, it's already eight o'clock. ?Time for medicine,? I sigh. How long did Alexander wait before barging in like this? In the…
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272 •
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Kate helps me wash and change clothes in the evening. She doesn't say a thing when she sees the bruise on my belly and those on my forearms. I'm sure she noticed the scratches on my palms as well, but she doesn't ask. I'll have to explain before she has time to reach the wrong conclusions, but I'm not in the mood right now. I would have to talk too much, and my throat is coarse because of the long chat. Kate has told me all about the Palace's people, and also about the new governor. He really…
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272 •
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