Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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?What happened to you, my Queen,? Kate asks as soon as the Duke has closed the door. ?What has that brute man done?? ?What brute man?? ?The one that just got out. That man came to the Palace, soon after you surrendered. He collected some of your dresses. I thought he was just a looter or some kind of pervert, so I didn't stop him. Also, you ordered me not to intervene. But he didn't touch a single jewel.? Oh, so that's how he got the dresses in Polis' style. He sent a couple of my original…-
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The doctor visits me in silence, poking the borders of the bruise with a complicated expression. When I startle, he stops pressing and steps back with a complicated expression on his face. ?Were you wearing a corset when you hurt yourself?? I nod and look at Alexander. ?It doesn't look too serious,? the doctor says, in the end. ?I believe that the corset has caused this bruise, and it will take time to heal, but there isn't any damage to the internal organs.? I look at the bruise and, indeed,…
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272 •
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The Duke looks at me while I munch some bread. ?Eat everything,? he orders, and I grab some meat just to please him. I'm still in his arms, and he doesn't look too dangerous from this close. His body is warm, and his hands are comforting me. ?Are you feeling better now?? he inquires, and I nod convinced. It feels so wonderful to be out of danger. Since I won't die now, I can even dare to sleep. ?I won't kill you, no matter what.? ?Then why are you stating conditions?? ?Because I'm taking…
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272 •
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I sit down on the sofa, followed closely by the Duke. ?What happened?? he asks, whispering not to scare me more. I clench my fists and straighten my back, but my mouth doesn't answer to my commands, and I remain in graceful silence. ?I talked with Martia. She told me that a man breached in the garden and assaulted you... How are you feeling?? He looks quite worried. Of course, he wants to know whether I've really betrayed him. ?The Princess arrived in time,? I utter with a voice that's more…
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272 •
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I'd like to refuse Princess Lyland's kindness, but it doesn't look like a wise thing to do in my situation. In the end, I have to accept one stranger more in my surroundings. I return to my chambers and wash with warm towels. I clean the wounds on my hands with hot water, and then I wear a simple dress, one of those that the Duke prepared especially for me. It's still early, I won't be able to get rid of the maids for some more, so there's no use in wearing a nightgown. Still, I lie on the bed…
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272 •
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?You girls go back to your stroll, you don't need to pay attention to us,? the man says, getting up and walking to them. I take the chance to fix the shawl on my shoulder and move the hair behind the ears. I won't look presentable no matter what I do, so I just move the locks away from my eyes. Now, several people are looking at me. Most of them are girls or servants, and they're staring at me with contempt. Their accusing eyes won't move away, and no one looks willing to help me. I get up on my…
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272 •
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When the Duke leaves, he tells me that he won't come back for a couple of days. I nod, apparently uninterested. In truth, I'm glad that for once he let me know about his schedule. It makes me feel a bit more relevant. I also get permission to use the study at my discretion, which means that I won't get out of there for the whole time. When the Duke has left, the maids walk in and start with my usual morning routine. After finishing dressing, I walk out of the room and bump in a messenger. ?From…
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272 •
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Maybe, it's because of the hormonal imbalance; or maybe, it's because the Duke is so warm. But I sleep like never before. I even have a weird dream. I know it's a dream because I'm back in Polis and because I can see myself from outside. I'm sitting at my desk, scribbling something with a focused expression. I've never seen myself with such a face, though. I lift my gaze from the paper and look in the eyes of the person walking in front of me. ?You're here,? I say, smiling brightly. It's…
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272 •
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?Your grace!? I start, more surprised by his move than bothered. ?I told you that I'm indisposed. It means that we can't...? ?I know, I know,? he whispers, emulating my low, conspiratorial tone. ?I'm not trying to do anything!? I blink surprised. ?I just wanted to warm my Duchess up,? he continues as if he's talking of the weather. ?You seem to be freezing.? ?And how do you think to warm me?? He grins cunningly and caresses my cheek tenderly. Then, he moves his hand to the back of my head…
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272 •
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?Who is the second lady?? the Duke continues, with no fear nor anxiety. Why would he fear my reaction, anyway? ?I think her name is Bertha. I didn't see her personally, but I heard rumours about you two...? I confess, bowing my head and looking down for a second. I'm feeling horrible about using gossip as a weapon, but I don't have anything else. ?Lady Bertha is a cousin of mine. She went back home two days ago, so I wanted to greet her.? ?Why do people talk, if you two are related?? ?She's a…
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