Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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In the end, I don't get out of my chambers for the whole day. Except for a fast walk in the garden that I can't skip without alerting everyone. Seeing my bad mood, the maids don't come too close. I change into my nightgown as soon as the sun sets, and I cuddle near the chimney, wrapping myself with a cover. I look at the flames for an hour or two, until the Duke walks in my chamber with his usual, relaxed demeanour. ?How is my Duchess feeling?? he asks, noticing that I'm rolled on an armchair like…-
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When I reach my room, I send my maids away, and I collapse on the bed. I don't even notice that I've started crying, but I don't want to stop. It's the second time in a few days that I end up sobbing, it's becoming bothering. However, I prefer crying my soul out to keeping this piercing pain in my chest. Lady Elisabeth hit my most sensitive point: my undeniable failure as a ruler. Complaining and whining won't solve anything, but I need to stop for a few minutes and despair. Despite my bold…
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After the small incident where I voiced my mind too freely, the ladies didn't dare to touch any diplomatic topic again. The rest of the afternoon passed with small talk and gossip. When all the ladies left, Princess Lyland expressed her thoughts about the party with a simple, short 'well done!'. Now that I think about it, I haven't done anything except drinking tea, but I feel so tired. I stretch out my hand and cut a piece of cake. I was so nervous that I didn't eat anything, and it would be a pity…
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Sooner than I thought, the day for the tea party came. The weather permits us to stay in the garden, so I can breathe some fresh air while waiting for my guests. Princess Lyland is the first to arrive. She brings two other girls with her. ?It's customary, in the Empire, to take some friends with you at informal gatherings,? she explains. ?This way, I will be able to invite you to the next party I will attend and present you to my friends. Isn't it a nice idea?? I nod and smile, relieved that this…
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272 •
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The weather, today, isn't warm at all. There's this icy wind that freezes my bones, and the clouds are hiding the sun. Maybe, it will rain. After strolling in the garden for the whole evening, I walk to the Duke's study, in search of someone that can help me. Luckily, I meet Pericle in the hallway. ?Do you have some time?? I ask him. ?Of course, your grace. What can I help you with?? ?I'm supposed to actively participate in social events. What does it entail, exactly? How much would be…
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272 •
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In the end, the Duke solved my dilemma on his own. He stayed with me, in the bed, and he couldn't help but take the opportunity to embrace me tightly. He dragged me in his arms. To keep me warm, he said. However, he didn't take advantage of his strength to force himself on me: he just slept with his head on my shoulder. His hands did wander on my body until he found a comfortable position. Yet, his touch was gentle and careful, nothing to do with the sensual caresses of a while before. I fell…
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When I've finished to dry myself, I walk to the bed and lie down, not paying any attention to the Duke. He notices my complicated mood, and he sighs beaten. He strolls to the bed and reaches out to me. I turn to the side, not even glancing at him. ?Is my Duchess really intending to sleep this early?? he whispers, too close to be ignored. I clench my fists but don't move. I have to stay true to my intentions if I want to succeed! In a few weeks, the Duke will stop controlling my every move, and…
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When I return to my room, in the afternoon, I find the Duke sitting on my sofa and leisurely drinking tea. ?What are you doing here?? I utter, surprised. Who let the Duke in? Well, it's a stupid question. Who wouldn't let the Duke in, other than me? ?I'm waiting for my Duchess. We haven't slept together in a while...? ?It's early, you're supposed to visit me in two days,? I comment, walking towards the dressing table. The maids start to untie the laces and free me from this heavy dress. When…
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In the end, I overate. The Duke entertained me with small talk, and I had to play along and answer to him. However, it wasn't that horrible. When he's made sure that I'm not ill and that I've finished my plate, he offers to walk me back to my chambers. ?I know the way,? I utter, sure that he's plotting something. ?I'd like to spend more time with my Duchess, but you need to rest. Don't take away from me the few minutes of walk from here to your door...? ?Will you really stop at my door??…
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272 •
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I pass another two days plotting during the night and slumbering under the last sun rays during the day. The maids leave me some space, seeing that I'm doing literally nothing all the time. I'll have to make something about them, and I'm starting to see a way to deal with my disloyal servants. Last night, I chose a few jewels, and I hid them with the wine. I've prepared a bag and a dark mantle. It was the most I could do, for now. I can't keep food, since I don't know if and when I'll escape, but I'm…
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