Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
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?Don't talk like that,? the Duke whispers in what sounds more like a request than an order. His voice is so desperate that I turn my head and openly look at him. His eyes are not glaring anymore, and he looks exactly like a puppy that was scolded by its owner. ?Don't think of yourself as a prisoner, and don't be so polite to me...? he continues. I startle when he stretches out his hand, but I don't step back when he moves the hair from my shoulder. ?And don't be so afraid. I won't hurt you.?…-
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After a while, when the Duke understands that I've ended my talk, he gets up. He walks to the chimney and takes a chunk of wood, and he stokes the fire. ?You want me to show to the court that I appreciate my bride, is it right?? he asks, gazing at the flames. ?I don't have much to offer you in return, but I will make it worth the bother,? I say. I look at my fingers, hoping that my words aren't the last I will say in this cold palace. When my shoulders are covered with a heavy shawl, I wince,…
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The only bright side of this long day is that I can finally retreat to my rooms with the excuse that I'm tired. I dismiss the maids as soon as they finish taking my clothes off, and I sit in front of the mirror to clean off the makeup. I haven't ever dreamed that I would, one day, pretend to be tired after a shabby tea party. Me: the Queen that never sleeps. The moment the door is closed, though, I hear a knock. ?Come in,? I say out loud, without even turning. This late, it can only be one of the…
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My wish is fulfilled by some compassionate fairy because I don't see the Duke for the whole week after our marriage. In the end, I've had to leave my chambers and venture into the palace. I was invited to drink tea with some noblewomen, and my personal maid advised me to accept at least this request. I guess she wouldn't have talked if she didn't have a good reason to. She's not the least concerned about my image, so the one that told her to counsel me is the Duke. ?It will be a small…
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272 •
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The first thing that I notice when I walk into my chambers is that they're more vast than the Duke's. The waiting room has a small sofa and a few armchairs. From here, there are two doors. One brings to the bedroom, while I have no clue what the other room is. I'll find out, sooner or later, so I just follow the maid absent-mindedly. The furniture is first-class, even though there is too much. The bedroom is large but full of stuff. The bed is a mahogany four-poster bed, with blue curtains…
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272 •
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I inhale deeply and organise my thoughts. Why is it so hard, convincing a man to make love? I release the clench on the sheets and caress the Duke's face as he did with me. My fingers slip on his neck, followed by my eyes. I dare to fasten my arms behind his neck, and I lift my head intending to kiss him. If my move is too bold and annoys the Duke, I'll just start crying and ask for forgiveness. I'm allowed a few mistakes, right? He presses a finger on my lips, stopping me before I can touch his.…
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When a solitary ray of light filters through the curtains, I open my eyes. For a moment, I think that I'm still in Polis: under siege, yet safe. I'm used to getting up early, so I don't feel too tired. However, my muscles ache because of the long journey and all the emotions from yesterday. I'm also thirsty, because of the wine. As my eyes start to discern the shapes of the objects in the room, I remember that I'm no more a queen. From today, I'm officially a commoner. I smile, feeling the freedom…
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My heart is beating fast, and my soul is afraid. Actually, rather than scared, I feel nervous. Who knows in what state would I be if I didn't drink all that wine? After the Duke and I finished eating, he accompanied me to the bedroom. The Duke called the servants to take away the food and turn the chandeliers off. Then, he left with an excuse. Now, the room is dark, except for the corner where a lantern is glowing. There is a nightgown ready for me, but I'm too tired to wear something I'm destined to…
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I eat, trying to keep my movements as slow as possible. In the Empire, they don't use forks. They eat with a small knife and their fingers. At least, there are two bowls of scented hot water on the table, so that one can clean their hands between a course and the other. The chicken is juicy, and a lot of different spices and ingredients dance on my tongue. It's such a complicated receipt, but it's likeable. Not to mention that I'm starving, so I would be complimenting even stale bread. Ethirians…
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When the water starts to cool down, it's time to end the bath. I've been staring at the Duke for the whole time, and he didn't turn even once. I don't know his name yet, but I can't bring myself to ask. He has been reading a book for a while, using the light of a small lantern. The rest of the room is illuminated by the giant chandelier pending from the roof. It has tens of candles and some pretty stones that reflect the light all over the place. When I was brought in the throne hall, it was…
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