Chapter Text
- No! No, Aunt, please, no! - you shouted desperately.
It couldn't be happening. No, it couldn't be. She couldn't give you to that man. She knew, knew how harsh he was, knew he hated your guts. How could she agree to this marriage?
You glanced at Lord Steven that was seated opposite you. His lips were curved in a cruel smirk.
Your Aunt was merciless. She was blinded by Steven's riches. You couldn't make her change your mind. But maybe... Maybe you could beg the Lord himself to leave you alone?
- Steven, please, - you folded your arms in a prayer. - Mercy.
The man leaned in to tuck a loose strand of your hair behind your ear. He patted your cheek:
- I told you I'm going to have you. I warned you, didn't I?
A tear ran down your face. You didn't want to spend the whole life with this man. You didn't want to be surrounded by hatred for the rest of your days.
- I'm begging you, - your soft whisper only rose anger in your Aunt.
- Where are your manners, girl? Didn't I teach you them? - she tsked disappointed and gave a bright smile to your now fiance. - I hope you will correct her attitude to your liking, my Lord.
The blond gave your Aunt a nod and rose from the table.
- Bend over, - he ordered.
- What? - this couldn't be happening... Not in your own home.
- Bend over the table, - the man repeated sternly.
You frantically searched for at least one compassionate face in the household but there were none.
- But... But I'm not your wife yet, - you tried to back away from all of them. - You have no right!
A strong hand wrapped around your neck and bend you forward, pressing your cheek into the table.
- You think they care? - Steven whispered quietly. - Look at them. They are goddamn scared of me.
He was right. Noone would defend you. You were on your own.
- Please, Steven, - tears were staining your face now.
The blond just pressed you further into the table. His hand grabbed the hum of your dress and tugged it up. Some more layers off, and you were left with the naked bottom.
The first smack made you gasp. It wasn't painful but it was unexpected. You tried to focus on your breathing. You wouldn't shout, you wouldn't sob. You wouldn't give them this satisfaction. Nor to Steven, nor to your household.
You suddenly felt that your hatred towards Steven had dulled a bit because of the blinding rage you felt towards your Aunt and her family. Your family as you previously thought.
Another smack brought you back to reality. Smack. Smack. Smack. The Lord wasn't hitting hard. As if it wasn't really a punishment. No, it was a demonstration of his power over you.
- Good girl, - you heard a low hum. - That is enough for now. You are already miserable as it is, no need to add more to it.
Steven carefully rearranged your clothes and helped you to get up. His eyes were studying your face. But you couldn't look up at him, couldn't meet his eyes. And you also couldn't look at your family. You were so hurt, felt so betrayed.
- So, it's settled, - the Lord nodded to your Aunt and gestured to his men to get his carriage ready.
You glanced around the room. Noone was sorry for you, noone wanted to comfort you after his horrible humiliation.
How did it come down to that? How come the man that was practically your enemy showed you more mercy than them? Spared you? You felt sick.
- Can I come with you? - you whispered quietly.
The Lord froze. He tilted his head a bit to look at you. You knew what he saw. A pathetic, miserable girl. Tear-stained face. Bitten lips. You were disgusting. Weak.
- Yes, - Steven nodded. - You can.