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If You Love Me

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Post by Danry Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:36 pm

I felt his hand collide with the side of my face, and while it stung, I held my ground, gritting my teeth against the pain. He was mad again, for what reason I had no idea. He didn't really feel he needed a reason to put his hands on me. He was my husband, he could treat me how he wanted, I suppose. That's what I get for believing in something that never existed in the first place.

"I don't have the time, or patience, to deal with you or my self rightous brother. You will go to the docks and escort him back here." he grabbed my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his. "You will go straight there, and return. No stopping, no deviating from my instruction. Is that, in any way, shape, or form, unclear?"

"No, Sir." I replied evenly.

"Good." He released me and turned from me, disappearing down the corridor.

I stood there for a long moment, trying to still my rapidly pounding heart. I may put on a tough face, but that man terrified me beyond anything I'd felt before. After I had regained myself, I made my way outside to the carriage. "To the docks, please. We must not be late for Prince Titus' arrival."

The coach ride wasn't terribly long,but it was long enough forme to nearly like lose myself to my own thoughts. The smell of the sea,and the fresh breeze brought me back to reality before I had succumbed.

"We're here, miss." The driver informed me.

"Thank you." I stepped out and decided to wait outside for my husband's elder brother to arrive. Despite the warm afternoon, I had to pull my sleeves down to hide the fresh bruises from that morning. Sebastian was not a kind man, nor was he patient. I had only been there for a few moments, but already I was beginning to feel anxious. If I was late getting back forany reason, no matter the reason, I was going to pay for it. Dearly.

I prayed that everything would be on time, and I could get back to Sebastian. I had enough bruises. I didn't want anymore.

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Post by Machine Man Wed Aug 23, 2017 1:15 pm

The seas had been relatively calm the morning of my my return home. After a long voyage I always felt a mixture of emotions. While I enjoyed the stability of the land and the familiarity of home, the sea offered adventures which I could not normally undertake, being a prince and all. The sea was freedom. The ocean was my mistress, and the only love I felt in those days. The wind blew over my shoulders, filling the sails and pushing us home, as if the breath of the gods themselves were guiding us. I would be happy to see my father, but not my brother, who was undoubtedly awaiting my arrival. He was not a patient man, so when father listed his duties, the welcoming committee earned the deepest scowl.

We floated into port safely, the morning sun brightly showing us our path to berth. I watched as the deck hands leapt into action, tying off the ship and extending the plank so I could disembark. Manner not withheld, I dressed appropriately for a person of my stature and lineage. Rather uncomfortable at times, but that was one of my favorite outfits. After adjusting my clothes, I stepped up and traversed the bridge, stepping foot on the wooden dock and pausing for a moment to realign myself to solid ground. That was the moment I saw her.

My brother's wife. A very beautiful woman, one that I had had strong feelings for since she arrived at the castle. If I had been a better man then, I would have stolen her away from Sebastian that first day, but I was shy back then. Soft, I suppose. I carried those feelings with me wherever I went; though she stayed in the castle almost constantly, I carried her with me wherever I went. I knew that he didn't treat her well, but it was not my place to argur. She was his property, plain and simple.

"Jezzi," I said with a genuine smile. To my knowledge I was the only one who used the nickname for her, our little secret. It was my little way of telling her how I felt, though I doubt she ever fully realized it's meaning or purpose.

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Post by Danry Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:36 pm

The sea air brushed my hair away from my face, gently stroking my face with its cool touch. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply. Oh how I wished I could just board one of the docked ships and run away. If I had been braver maybe I would have, but I feared Sebastian would come for me and I would face a punishment I had never before seen. I let my dreams of happiness and freedom float away on the breeze and opened my eyes once more. What I saw was the Prince I had been waiting for approaching me at the carriage, greeting me with a nickname he had created just for me. No one else called me that, or any other name, as affectionately as he.

"Titus," I smiled, glad to see him, for more than one reason. First, he was on time which meant I wouldnt be late getting back. Second, it was good to see him. He was the complete opposite of my husband, kind and gentle, his appearance, anywhere, seemed to make my day brighter. He was my secret ray of sunshine in a never ending darkness. "I hope your travels were decent, and not too hard on you." I would have smiled wider, but the cut on my lip from that morning had just healed over and I didn't want to rip it open again.

I was glad to know Prince Titus. He was a genuinely good person, and there were not many men like him around. "Let us get you home, I imagine you must be tired." I gestured toward the carriage, and too used to my husbands brutish ways, I stood by the open door to wait for him to enter.

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Post by Machine Man Wed Aug 23, 2017 11:02 pm

"Quite the opposite, actually. A smooth voyage invigorates the soul." I smiled as I approached my sister-in-law, genuinely happy to see her. I could tell she was happy to see me too, but not for the same reason. Surely she was just happy to be out of the castle for a bit. I didn't know how much Bass let her out, but I suspected that it was only those times when he needed something or he just didn't want to see her. Bloody ass...

I reached the carriage, but paused and offered my hand to the lady. "After you, dear. Beauty before age." She certainly was prettier than I, and I was many years older than she. That didn't do anything to diminish my feelings for her.

After helping her in, I took a seat on the bench opposite of her, as propriety dictated, then waved the coach driver to transport us back to the castle. "So Jezzi, eighteen months is a long time to be away. What have I missed?"

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Post by Danry Thu Aug 24, 2017 2:41 pm

Titus was so kind to me, and had been away for so long, I almost forgot what kindness had felt like. I did not take a single second for granted.

"You haven't missed much. The entire staff has been replaced, twice, since your departure. I'm afraid Sebastian has frightened them off. Finding anyone willing to come to the castle is quite difficult now. That is the only thing of note that has changed." In the safety of the carriage, with none to see or hear, o felt like I could speak freely and be myself. It was a much needed break from my trying daily life inside the castle. "That is not of import, though, please tell me about your travels. You must have seen wondrous things."

I wouldn't lie, I was jealous of his freedom, his ability to travel to distant places, and see new things, experience new places. I, being tied to Sebastian, would never have such an opportunity to do anything of the sort. Again, if I were braver, perhaps. Such was not tje life for me. I had been dealt my hand by Fate, and I had grown to accept it.

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Post by Machine Man Sat Aug 26, 2017 1:47 pm

"Hhmm..." I replied, my eyes turning to the carriage window, watching the world meander by at a trotting pace. "My brother has little patience for anyone." There was sadness in my voice, for I knew all too well how impatient he could be, and how his anger could get ahead of his temperance when that happened. But Sebastian is strong, with a great deal of influence. Getting on his bad side was not a wise move. Even if I wanted to do something about him, failure would result in misery and death.

Jezzie's question brought me back into the carriage, pushing aside my dark thoughts and replacing them with more pleasant ones. "You really should come with me sometime. I have sailed to every corner of the Earth it seems, and every land offers a new challenge and great rewards. The Orient was particularly interesting. Their people are simply, but their culture is rich."

"The traveling itself can be quite dangerous, though. Over the course of my many voyages, several men have fallen overboard, stricken by illness, or just left. A few times I had to get my hands dirty just to keep the ship moving." There was little concern in my voice over getting dirty. Working with my hands kept my thoughts clear and my mind sharp.

"The months have been kind to you, Jezzie. My brothers temper has not worn away your lovely features."

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Post by Danry Sat Aug 26, 2017 3:44 pm

Titus' comment about Sebastian was true. I had faced his wrath many times, whether or not I had done anything to warrent it. I didn't have scars as of yet, mostly just bruises, and a withering psyche, but only time would tell if he would go so far as to mark my skin.

"You know as well as anyone that I would give anything to be able to go with you and travel the world, but he would not allow it. He barely lets me leave the castle walls." I smiled softly with a resigned sigh, turning my gaze out the carriage window. It was my turn to get lost in my thoughts for a moment. I never told anyone this, but since my binding to Sebastian, I had wished that I had died in the house fire that took my birth family. His torment was not only physically draining, but mentally exhausting and I didn't know for how much longer I coukd stand it.

The remark about my beauty brought me back to the present, and I chucked shyly, color appearing on my cheeks. "Oh Titus, you flatter me. Even he has the sense to know not to damage my face too much. It would be nice to escape, even for a night, just to experience one wonder of this vast world." Even though I wished for it, dreamed of it, I knew deep in my heart that it would never happen. Sebastian would only allow it if he were no longer among the living, and at the rate out marriage was going, he would likely outlive me by years.

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Post by Machine Man Tue Aug 29, 2017 7:14 pm

"Hmm," was all I could reply. I could have kept speaking about traveling, filling Jezzie's head with fantasies of far-off places, but I knew it would only make her feel worse. My brother was unreasonably hard on her, which drove me to the point of wanting to murder him. But I could not be the one that encouraged her to take any action against him, as it would only result in her injury, or worse, and I would be the one responsible.

I tried to smile when we reached the castle gates, but the realization that Jezzie was little more than a slave or prisoner to my pig of a brother pulled the joy out of my heart. Deflated, but a decent actor, I turned to the beautiful woman across from me, while the carriage window was covered by drapery, and kissed her hand, respectfully. I inhaled deeply the smell of her skin, the fragrance she wore light but clear. She smelled amazing.

"It is an honor to share this time with you, Jezzie. I wish we had more to spend with each other."

Maybe it was too bold, or too presumptive, but I had to let her know that she wasn't alone. I couldn't tell her how I truly felt about her without breaking her oaths to her husband, for as long as my feelings were secret, she would not be suspected of any wrong doing, and neither would I.

With a final glance, I stepped out of the carriage and into the sun, waiting for the Princess to step out as well before approaching the stairs, at the top of which stood my father. I knew he did not wait for me, but for Jezzie, and there was absolutely nothing wrong with that.

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Post by Danry Tue Aug 29, 2017 9:40 pm

I wasn't sure why, but Titus kissing my hand, speaking to me that way, made my heart jump in my chest. But I couldn't let it show. When he exited the carriage I took a moment to gather myself before I followed him out gracefully. I looked up at the castle, and while I had dreamed of living there my whole life, I dreaded going up its steps now. My husband was there somewhere waiting for me. To hurt me. I knew it deep inside my soul. As soon as I would go inside he would find me. I wasn't late, so I dont know what I could have done to upset him.

I turned my gaze to the steps and I saw Sebastian and Titus' father, the king, waiting at the top. I ascended the stairs and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty." I greeted him with a smile. Like titus, the king had always been kind to me. They were such a drastic difference from Sebastian I could hardly believe they were related in any way. How could someone so twisted and cruel come from someone as loving and kind as the king? He treated me, not like a daughter-in-law, but as his own flesh and blood. He made me feel welcome in that foreign home.

I did feel like he could have done something about the way his son treated me, but he would not. It was not his place to question the way his sons wife was treated. I belonged to Sebastian, something he made quite known, and he would treat me anyway he wished. "How are you faring on such a lovely day?" I didn't get to see the man often, and I enjoyed his company, so I liked to speak with him whenever I got the chance.

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Post by Machine Man Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:09 pm

I watched as the king and Jezzie disappeared into the castle's interior. I couldn't help but smile, seeing how my father doted on the young woman as if she were one of his very own children, though I was deeply grateful that she wasn't. My feelings for Jezzie would have been slightly taboo in this region, but certainly not unheard of. It was easy to see why I felt for her the way I did, even if my brother took it for granted.

Speaking of my brother, I decided to go look for him, to have a chat about Jezzie and the possibility of taking her on a voyage with me. I couldn't make it out to be my benefit, of course, for he wouldn't respond to anyone's benefit but his own. But if i could convince her that it would be in his best interest, he might just let me take her away. Then... who knows. Perhaps we could simply escape this life and lead a new one for ourselves.

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Post by Danry Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:00 am

I walked, and talked, with the King for quite some time. I enjoyed his company, and time seemed to fly by while we were together. He asked about my life in the castle, and like the good girl I was, I avoided every abusive moment I could think of. Excitedly I told him how I loved the vast gardens at the rear of the castle, but was saddened when I saw no roses. They were my favorite. He told me that they would add roses immediately; he wanted his Princess to have the things she liked. That made me smile. My father, the one who adopted me, was the same way, but could never afford much. I didnt mind, it was the thought that counted, and it was the same for my father-in-law. He didn't have to do all the wonderful things he did, and I think part of it wsd guilt over letting Sebastian have me.

I didn't realize how long we had been walking together until one of his advisors came up and said they couldn't put off his meeting for any longer than they already had. He bid be goodbye, kissed my hand, and went on his way. I smiled, and turned to search for my husband, but I didn't need to. As I spun around, I came face to face with him. Immediately my smile fell.

"S.. Sebastian.."

"You've been gone quite a long time." He spoke slowly. "I thought I gave you clear instruction."

"You did." I began to step back as he approached me. "I was just-"

"Just what? Hm?" His tone got darker.

"I.. I was just walking with the King.." I murmured, panicking as my back hit the wall behind me. I was cornered.

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Post by Machine Man Tue Sep 12, 2017 3:11 pm

I wandered the halls for several minutes after checking his quarters and finding him gone. That was not uncommon, but I began to feel a pit expanding in my stomach, an empty void that threatened to pull me in completely. My pace quickened, my feet no longer padding gracefully down the stone hallways, rather pounding hard, sending echoes in both direction.

That's when I hear it, the sound of my brother's voice. He sounded agitated, likely at Jezzie. My fists clenched as I rounded the corner and the couple came into view. My heart beat furiously in my chest but I couldn't let it show, choosing instead to wear a mask of indifference, my eyes remaining deadlocked on Sebastian. If I gave the slightest indication that I cared for Jezzie as more than just a sister in law and glorified slave, he would undoubtedly become suspicious of my motives.

"Brother, there you are. I have returned with gifts from the lands across the sea and thought you might join me to have a look."

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Post by Danry Tue Sep 12, 2017 5:27 pm

My saving grace. My knight in shining armor.

Titus rounded the corner, and drew my husbands attention away from me. Immediately Sebastian took a step back and turned his back on me. Not like he wouldn't hit me in front of his brother, but he must not have been as angry and he had seemed. Or perhaps he was just going to take it out on me later. That thought sent a horrible shudder down my spine.

"Titus, what a pleasant surprise." Sebastian remarked as he stepped away from me. "I had assumed you would be resting after your travels." The cold glare on his face revealed exactly how he felt about his brother interrupting his 'discipline', but he didn't say that out loud. He may not have verbally abused me in front of others, but he hadnt a problem with physical. Seemed a bit backwards to me, but I remained silent, and very still.

"I will speak to you later." Sebastian regarded me with a look that could freeze over Hell, but I still didn't speak. I gave one short, sharp nod, and moved around him. As I passed Titus I whispered my thanks. I don't know if he heard me, but I dared not say it any louder. As soon as I rounded the corner I took off at a dead run, my heart pounding out of my chest. If Titus had been even a second later, I could have a fresh bruise on my face. Or worse.

I headed straight out to the garden, the cool breeze accompanied by the scent of the flowers was able to call me down. I would have to thank Titus later. Whether or not he knew it, he saved me from something I knew I didn't do wrong.

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Post by Machine Man Tue Sep 12, 2017 6:39 pm

I didn't dare acknowledge Jezzie's thank you, but I couldn't not make a gesture, as she was a princess after all. I dipped my head in respect, addressed her with the typical 'Your Highness', and let her depart from her husband's company with grace and dignity. I had no way of knowing what my villainous brother had said to her, or, worse, did to her. He and I were not friends, not close like I was with our other brother, or my father, but there was at least a buffer of respect in position between us.

"No. I had business that needed my attention. Father asked me to inform the scholars when I returned, to update their charts. Then there is the matter of the gifts, and I must find a new seamstress. My tailor didn't craft any of my clothing correctly. You wouldn't happen to know one, would you?"

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Post by Danry Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:35 pm

Sebastian watched me leave with disinterest, then looked back at his brother. "No, I do not." He paused just then, thinking. He may not have got on with his brother, but he wouldn't let him walk around like a slob. As the next in line for the throne, Sebastian felt he should look the part more than himself or their brother. "Have my wife. Wasn't that what she did when she was a peasant? I'd rather her keep her hands busy, and under supervision, than wandering the grounds getting into things." He didn't think much of his wife, or even notice how Titus felt about her. He just figured if she was with Titus then he would know where she was; he hated needing to search for her. "Now that that's settled, lets move on. I have other things I need to get to today."

While the two of them talked, or did what ever they did, I stayed in the gardens. Apparently word had gotten out, from the King I could only assume, that I had wanted roses. I could see some gardeners ready beginning to expand to make room for the flowers. I smiled softly, sitting down on a bench to watch them. To me gardening seemed peaceful, calming, and I had grown up doing nothing but getting my hands dirty, so the thought of being able to take care of my own flowers made me happy.

They would be the only things I would be able to treat as my own. Sebastian would never have children with me, Titus and their brother weren't married yet, so there was no children running around that I could help take care of. If I could just have one thing that I could do on my own, to call my own, I would be happy.

"Princess," my handmaiden approached me tentatively. She told me news that I had been dreading, and sadness swept over me. My father, down in the village, was dying. He wouldn't last a fortnight. Sebastian would never allow me to see him, to say goodbye.

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Post by Machine Man Thu Sep 14, 2017 6:56 pm

'Have my wife...'

If Sebastian had any idea how much I wanted to hear that, how long I had waited to have her for myself, he would have slit my throat while I laid in bed a long time ago. He may despise her presence, but she was his property, and Bass was fiercely possessive of his property. Anyone that dared to take her away from him would meet an ill fate, if he had his way with it.

"If you are busy, I will take your gift to your room. Safer there than with the carriage driver. You attend to your business. I will see you at dinner." I clapped my brother gently on the back then turned, impatiently leaving him to walk his path alone. It was difficult to be cordial to such an evil man, but he was my brother. How could I not at least try?

What I had brought back for my brother was quite a find, in my opinion. While I thought it an odd practice, the peoples I visited crafted ornate weapons, but left them dull, serving more as decorations than weapons. This particular item was a sword, it's blade gleaming and perfect. The handle was platinum with golden accents, rubies set in the hilt and on the bottom of the grip. It didn't seem to matter how much light there was; it gleamed as if the sun shown directly on it at all times.

I didn't bother knocking, so lost as I was in thought, when I reached his room. It wasn't a lack of respect. I really just forgot that I was walking into his room rather than mine.

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Post by Danry Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:46 pm

Upon hearing the news that my adoptive father was dying, even the gardens felt suffocating. I had to go. Not leave, per se, but just walk. I needed to move around, go somewhere to think, I couldn't sit still and remain calm. Excusing myself from my handmaidens presence, I went back inside the castle and roamed its corridors. I tried to think of every possible thing other than another person leaving my life that I would never see again.

Every time I heard someone walking in the hallways I would just turn a corner and continue my journey. I had no idea where I was going but I just didn't want to think anymore. After several minutes of aimless wandering, I found a sitting area in a section of the castle I had never been to before. Lowering myself into one of the chairs, I covered my face with my hands and let my sadness overtake me. Sebastian wasnt going to let me say goodbye to the man who raised me, who saved my life and took me in as his own child. I hadn't seen any of my family, my father or two brothers, since my arrival to the castle and I missed them terribly. Sickness had taken our mother some years ago, and I wished I could see her again; I wanted her to hold me as she used to, caress my hair, and tell me everything was going to be okay. But it would never happen.

My sobs were quiet, sorrow hidden behind my hands. I felt like this was just another instance in my life that was attempting to tear me down, weaken me, and I couldn't stand it. I hated Sebastian for limiting me. I hated him for his abuse. But I hated myself more for holding onto the dream that he was still the same caring child that I met in the park, that had given me his jade stone necklace and promised to marry me and love me for eternity.

'Stupid, stupid girl...'

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Post by Machine Man Sat Sep 16, 2017 11:59 am

After placing the sword on their bed, I headed back out into the public areas, taking care of my affairs one at a time until everything was completed. I was in desperate need of rest, and I could not find Jezzie, so I decided to head back to my room and try to sleep. Nightmares often found me while I slumbered, but not that afternoon. I slept better than most babies after a good cry.

By the time I woke, it was time for dinner. The smells of roasted beast and vegetables filled the air, causing my stomach to rumble angrily. After splashing some water on my face to wake up, I changed clothes and headed downstairs, following the aromas. Father was already seated at the table, speaking to one of his advisors who also joined us often for dinner.

"Father. Viceroy Callus. Smells like my favorite foods." I smiled gratefully.

"Of course they do, son. How could we not celebrate your return? It was a perilous journey in both directions." Small talk filled the air as we waited for the rest of the family to show up so dinner could be served.

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Post by Danry Sun Sep 17, 2017 1:09 am

I sat alone in that chair for quite some time before I was able to regain myself. I wanted to avoid seeing anyone on my way to freshen up as it looked like I had been crying. It wasn't a complete lie to say I was, but I didn't want anyone to know; in most people's eyes I was a strong, brave girl,and I intended to keep it that way. Unfortunately as soon as I had made myself look well again my dear husband found me.

Not too long into his angry lecturing the smells of supper permeated the air,and again he told me we would finish our conversation later. I made absolutely certain to cover my arms as well as I could so my fresh bruises couldn't be seen. If someone saw as commented on them it would only be worse for me later.

Sebastian and I entered the dining hall together, and with a smile I greeted everyone seated there already. I waited until Sebastian was seated before I sat down myself knowing better than to dare sit before him. I made that mistake only once. I ended up with several bruises and a busted lip by the time he had been done with me, and I want sure I could go through it again. Their brother joined us shortly after, and with everyone there for Titus' celebratory return dinner, we were served.

I waited until the meal was nearly complete before I decided to request my husbands permission to go to the village to see my dying father. I figured he couldn't deny me my request in front of the family. "Sebastian," I began slowly, "I received word today that my father has fallen ill. I would like to go and see him before it worsens. Would you-"

"You are only to go if you are accompanied." He cut me off with an icy glare; Sebastian knew why I chose then to ask. "I am far too busy to go on such a menial errand."

I knew he was going to deny me, and for a brief moment I felt like I might cry again. But I held it in, and my expression remained blank. "I see."

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Post by Machine Man Mon Sep 18, 2017 5:43 pm

Unlike my less-than-courteous younger brother, I stood when Jezzibelle entered the room, as any gentleman should. In my travels I had seen less civilized people revere the women as they sat down to dine, a concept that I both admired and found to be underappreciated among my own kin. My father was excluded, of course, for his status as king placed him above all others, and his age made it increasingly difficult.

When Jezzie spoke up about her father, I felt a wild wave of emotions flood over me. I was overwhelmed by sadness and sympathy, but caution and fear for her safety muted my expression to a face almost completely passive and uncaring. I couldn't seem too disinterested, for it was no secret that Bass and I shared different views on how to treat women in a relationship. My brother's interruption brought anger to my blood, boiling it hotter than melted gold. I wanted to throttle him. If it hadn't been for the food in my mouth I would have likely cursed the bastard.

"If I may," I said after a swig of wine helped me wash down the bit of pork I had been gnawing on. "I have completed my business affairs faster than I expected, and have nothing planned for several days, in case our voyage was delayed. If it pleases you, father, I would be willing to escort Jezzibelle to visit her dying father."

The king's eyes lit up brilliantly at my offer. He wouldn't go against his son on many subjects, as his kingdom needed to see the royal family as a united front. But father was also an opportunist, and seized the chance to comfort his daughter in law every chance he got.

"Excellent! Thank you, Titus. It's all settled then. You will accompany Sebastian's wife and see that she returns safely." I could barely hide my satisfaction. I wanted to rub it in my brother's face, but that would not go well for Jezzie. But I looked to her with excited eyes. She would have her wish after all.

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Post by Danry Mon Sep 18, 2017 10:48 pm

I looked up at Titus and the King, my heart swelling with joy. They were going to allow me to see my father; I don't think I could have ever expressed how happy I was about it. "Thank you, Your Majesty, Your Highness." I smiled softly, my cheeks heating up some. They were so good to me.

From the corner of my eyes, however, I saw the dark look that twisted Sebastians features, his hands clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He couldn't go against his father's wishes and deny Titus to accompany me, and he couldn't change his mind without looking like a petty child. I could tell with the way he looked at me, that he thought I was to blame. He would not be in that position if I had not brought it up in the first place. A pit of dread formed in my stomach and I found myself no longer hungry.

I did not leave my seat until the meal had finished, politely excusing myself. Sebastian followed soon after. He didn't say much, just grabbed me by the arm and brought me to the washroom. "You will wash my back tonight." He snarled. I could tell he was angered, not only by the tone, but by his request. Normally he would have one of his mistresses bathe him, not wanting me near him. Something was going on, something awful was going to happen, I could just feel it.

"Of course," I responded, doing my best to mask the fear in my voice.

I, respectfully, turned my back as he stripped down and stepped into the tub. Despite being married for quite a while, I had never seen him fully nude, and nor has he seen me. Truthfully I was afraid to, but I didn't have a reasonable explanation. Instead of dwelling on it, I turned and began to wash him, as was my duty as his wife. Everything was going well during the duration, or I thought it was; Sebastian didnt speak a single word to me the entire time. When I was rinsing him off was when it got bad.

He suddenly grabbed me by the back of my head, and pushed me under the water. Fully clothed, the greater part of my upper body was submerged in water. I pushed hard against him, struggling to push myself up and out of the water, but I couldn't get a good grip on the tub. After several seconds he finally released me, and I fell back to the floor, coughing and gasping for air. Tears burned my eyes, but I just bit my lip, refusing to cry in front of that monster.

Sebastian stood up, pulling a cloth around his waist. He stepped out of the tub, grabbing a long, wooden paddle, and approached me.

"S-Sebastian.." I gasped.

"How dare you!" He roared angrily, bringing the wooden weapon down on me. "You made a fool out of me," he hissed. I yelped as the paddle came down on my back, my skin stinging. "In front of my father, my brothers, you filthy peasant!" Again and again he brought that paddle down upon me, screaming at me, and I cried out, begging him to stop, but he wouldn't. After several minutes of enduring his ruthlessness, he finally stopped and threw it at me. "Get out of my sight. I do not care where you sleep, but it is not in my chambers tonight."

Not tempting his temper any further, I stood up and ran from the room. Tears rolled down my face, my whole body aching. I didn't know, nor did I care, where I went. I just had to get away from him.

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Post by Machine Man Tue Sep 19, 2017 5:31 pm

I could feel the tension in the air between father and son, husband and wife, and brother to brother. Jezzie's joy left her face quickly, draining away like a wine bottle turned upside down. It would be a rough night for her, and I couldn't help but curse myself silently. My greedy and selfish drive to spend time alone with my brother's wife would cost her greatly. How could I be so incredibly stupid?

When they left, I looked to my father, once again alone with me. He sighed deeply, rubbing at his eyes as if the world would become clear and he would have all the answers he needed to fix things.

"You know he will mistreat her again tonight because of what I did. Father... please do something."

The king sighed again, his old bones aching and creaking as he stood, moving toward me at a slow but steady pace. Despite his age and his weakness, he was not helpless. "I cannot, Titus, no matter how I feel about it. She is his wife, and therefore he owns her. If I contradict that now, everyone in the kingdom will be begging me for divorces. We would fall apart."

"So we do nothing?" My voice was heavy with anger and frustration. I hated Sebastian. I hated his very existence, and all I could think of was ending him and taking his wife.

"I did not say that. He won't dare compromise his position in public. He's too proud to let everyone know that his marriage is a sham. I cannot intervene, nor can I be completely aware of the actions of my other children." My father was giving me a message, telling me what I could do without telling me.

Of course I would wait to see if I could possibly bring him back to sanity, and I would have to be smart. I smiled to the king and excused myself from his company, strolling through the halls on my way back to my quarters. It was late, and I felt like soaking in some hot water and forgetting ab...

"Jezzibelle?" I knew that voice anywhere. I could hear her sobbing echo through the stone corridors. "Jezzie...!" I called again and again until I found her, tears pouring from her eyes like a terrible storm. Her upper half was soaked through, and I was sure that the cold wind blowing through the halls did not feel pleasant to her. Immediately I rushed to her, catching her in my arms and hugging her close.

"Sssshhhh... it's okay, Jezzie. It's alright."

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Post by Danry Tue Sep 19, 2017 8:16 pm

I fell into Titus' arms shivering from the cold, and my own fear. I didn't care if it was improper for my husbands brother to be holding me so close, comforting me. I needed it. My body ached, and though I was cold, my skin felt hot; I would imagine it was from the beatings.

"I don't know what to do." I hiccuped. "I can't go back.. He told me.. To sleep somewhere else.. I don't.." I could barely speak I was crying so hard. I clung to him tightly, praying that Sebastian was far away somewhere and didn't find us like that. He would jump to conclusions and I would likely be punished. Harshly.  "I just.. Wanted to see.. My father.." Once again I dissolved into a sobbing mess. I just couldn't understand how I could be married to such a pompous ass. More than once during that moment did I wish that I had died in the fire, more than once did I curse Sebastians name in my head. I hated him with every fiber of my being. Why couldn't I have married Titus? He was so kind to me.

"Where am I supposed to go?" I whimpered. "What am I going to sleep? I.. I don't have any clothes..."

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Post by Machine Man Wed Sep 20, 2017 7:24 pm

That was the final straw. My brother had been responsible for many shed tears, but I could no longer tolerate the abuse to his wife. I could no longer live with the guilt that I was condoning his beatings and his threats. It didn't take learned man to put the pieces together. Her clothing, soaked only on the upper half. The bruises. The fear. He had gone too far, and I wouldn't allow it for one more second.

"Come, Jezzie. You'll stay with me." Gently I turned her around, keeping Jezzibelle in my arms while I escorted her to my chambers. I lived on the same side of the castle as Sebastian, but in a different quarter. She would be safe with me that night, and we could work out a resolution to her problem in the morning.

I didn't care what it looked like, escorting a hysterical princess to my chambers. As far as the staff was concerned, Jezzie was more like my sister than a love interest. Part of the rouse I had formed when I first realized how I felt for her. If Bass ever suspected that she had been unfaithful, he would have full authority to really brutalize her, and I would not let that happen.

As we neared, I happened upon one of my chambermaids, apparently preparing to retire herself. "Gilda, before you rest, I need you to fetch a change of clothing for the princess. Bring them to my quarters straight away, and tell no one what you are doing and why. Do you understand?"

Gilda nodded and hurried off as I escorted Jezzie into my room and shut the door behind us. "Come, sit by the fire," I beckoned, reaching forward and grabbing a blanket to drape over her shoulders as we passed by my bed.

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Post by Danry Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:29 pm

I wanted to deny Titus' generous offer, but I couldn't. If I politely declined I would have no where else to go. It was most definitely not proper for a married woman to sleep in a man's room, one that was not her husband, but I couldn't refuse. The whole way to his quarters I kept glancing ober my shoulder, afraid that Sebastian would come from anywhere and rip me from his brothers arms. I couldn't take it anymore.

"I am frightened, Titus." I whispered, sitting down by the fire. "What more can he deny me? Why is it such a crime for me to see my father?" I covered my face with my hands, the movement sending sharp pain down my back. Thankfully when he had beaten me, most of the hits were on my torso and arms, and not my face. I dont think I would have been able to face my family with the bruises of my latest beating.

When the woman returned with fresh clothing for me, I gratefully accepted the items. She kindly offered to help me change, and I agreed, letting her lead me into one of his connecting rooms. I wouldn't have let her help me, but I could barely move. Every twitch of my muscles sent horrid pain through my body. It only took a few momemts to change, but I stayed in the room for a few minutes more to gather myself.

Gilda exited the room, and went straight to Titus. Unbeknownst to me she told him about the hideous bruises covering most of my upper half. The look on her face was horrified, but she swore to not tell a soul what she saw, and excused herself from the room to rest for the night.

When I came back into the room I felt more comfortable than I had in ages. Being a princess now I had to dress appropriately for my status and that included fine silks, and layered gowns. It was nice, but I missed my simple outfits. Loose dresses made of comfortable material, soft and not tight. That was what Gilda had provided to me, and it made me think of home.

"I greatly appreciate your kindness and hospitality, Titus. I would not wish to impose on you."

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