Agony

"Madam, how may I be of service?"


The maid's entrance into the room was swift, concern etched upon her countenance like delicate lines drawn by an artist's hand.


"I am quite well, you are released from your duties for the evening," I replied, dismissing her with a wave of my hand.


She hesitated, a plea for understanding in her eyes, but I forestalled any further protest.


"I shall manage, you are released for the night," I reiterated firmly, my tone leaving no room for negotiation.


With a graceful curtsy, she acquiesced and departed, leaving me alone in the silence that followed. The door closed gently, a retreat from the external world that seemed to offer no solace. The room, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, held the hushed echoes of unspoken turmoil. With a weary sigh, I navigated my way to the couch, upon which lay the nightgown he had carelessly tossed at me.

Slipping the delicate fabric over my head, I endeavored to ignore the searing sensation emanating from my entire back and the piercing ache in my thighs. The night now felt like a heavy shroud, wrapping itself around my form in a suffocating embrace.

The room seemed to constrict, spinning ever faster, as if to mirror the turmoil within me. Every step towards the bed felt like a journey through treacherous terrain. He lay there, awaiting my arrival with a smug grin adorning his face. Striving to conceal my anguish, I gingerly reclined upon the bed, the plushness offering a deceptive comfort against the ache that lingered beneath the surface.

His eyes, like predatory orbs, traced every movement, relishing the discomfort etched upon my face. I masked my vulnerability behind a facade of composure, but the pain lingered, a silent companion in the room.

The weight of the night pressed down upon me. I found myself caught in the dissonance between the luxurious surroundings and the tumult within. The bed now bore witness to a silent struggle—a battle fought within the confines of a gilded cage.


“Was that truly a challenge, my darling princess?"
"Have you learned your valuable lesson?"

"Do you believe that a mere act of dominance and restraint, forcing yourself upon me, will shatter my spirit?"
"If so, then you truly do not comprehend the depths of my character."
"I shall not surrender without a formidable struggle."

"In due time, you shall deeply regret that ill-fated moment."
"Are you truly so naive?"
"What could you possibly inflict upon me?"
"I possess all the authority within this realm."
"I could exercise my will upon you, unrestricted, while you remain powerless to resist."

"One day, you shall witness the consequences of your actions upon me today."
"I eagerly await your futile attempts."
"Indeed, I could effortlessly repeat this entire ordeal if I so desired."
"I believe I shall."
"You shall not lay a finger upon me."
"I shall treat you as I please, for I am certain that Jake is doing the same with Vivian."

"I am absolutely certain that he is not, as such behavior would be highly inappropriate."
"Once we return home, they shall be united in matrimony."
"My intention is for you to bear our first son by the time we arrive."
"That shall never come to pass."

"Why do you make such a claim?"
"I shall not allow another night akin to this to transpire."
"My dear, you possess no choice in the matter."
"You do not possess me."
"I regret to inform you, my beloved, but as your husband, I do indeed possess you."

“Although I am wedded to you, I remain an individual with my own beliefs and entitlements.”
“My darling, I know that you were raised with the utmost refinement and grace, and I implore you to remember that.”

“When I pledged my love to you, you relinquished your rights, but I never made such a vow.”
“You are aware, as am I, that it was not necessary for me to do so.”
“Now, please, be silent and obey my commands.”

“I shall never comply with your wishes until the day I depart from this world.”
"That can be arranged."
“I am not intimidated by your threats.”

“What will you do, tie me down or beat me like a coward?”
“I am no coward, I am a prince, soon to be king.”
“I possess you, and you shall do as I command.”

Jacob moved so swiftly that I could not even perceive his motion. I kicked and attempted to scream, but his hand was firmly clasped around my throat, stifling any sound. I struggled to remove his grip, but he only tightened it. The room began to fade, and I struggled to breathe. The last thing I recall before losing consciousness was his lips pressed firmly against mine.

I awoke to a disorienting haze, my mind clouded with confusion and my body wracked with pain. Attempting to rise, I discovered that I was alone, my naked form exposed to the frigid air. My vision slowly came into focus, revealing the extent of my suffering.

I knew that I needed to speak with Jake, to seek solace in his embrace. A gentle knock at the door signaled his arrival, and I breathed a sigh of relief as he entered the room. My heart ached as I struggled to find the words to describe the horrors that had been inflicted upon me.

"He tied me to the bed and forced me to comply," I stammered, my voice trembling with fear and pain.
"When I fought back, he whipped me."


Jake's eyes blazed with fury as he vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice. I could not bear the thought of Jake putting himself in harm's way for my sake.


"Please, my love, do not risk yourself for me," I implored him.
"I will be alright."


While we spoke, I suddenly became aware of my nakedness, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Jake covered me with the cover. I longed for Jake to take me in his arms, to kiss away the pain and fear that consumed me. Our moment was interrupted by the arrival of Jacob, who dismissed Jake with a regal wave of his hand.

While Jake left the room I pleaded with him not to abandon me. I knew that I was in the hands of a powerful and dangerous man, and that my fate was uncertain. All I could do was pray that Jake would find a way to rescue me from this nightmare.


"At last, you have awoken from your slumber," a velvety voice murmured.
"What transpired last night?" I inquired, my voice laced with curiosity.
"Fear not, my dear, for I have ensured that our destinies shall forever intertwine," he replied, with confidence.

"Never," I defiantly declared, determination resonating in my words.
"For how long shall you persist in this charade, pretending that you possess a choice in this matter?" he questioned, his tone tinged with amusement.
"As long as it takes," I steadfastly responded, refusing to yield.


"What were you and Jake conversing about?" Jacob inquired, a hint of suspicion creeping into its elegant timbre.
"He was merely offering his assistance," I replied, concealing the truth with practiced finesse.
"We both know that to be a falsehood," he retorted, a sly smile evident in his intonation.

"I do hope he appreciates the surprise I have bestowed upon him this morning," he mused, a mischievous glint dancing in your eyes.
"Undoubtedly, he shall be consumed by fury, realizing that you are mine alone, forever out of his reach," Jacob declared, a possessive edge seeping into his words.
"Especially after discovering the depths of our passion last night, a realm he could never fathom," he whispered, relishing in the knowledge of his shared secret.

"Why would he harbor jealousy or fury when he possesses Vivian?" I questioned, feigning innocence.
"We both know his true sentiments towards Vivian," Jacob replied knowingly, his tone filled with understanding.

"Now, arise and adorn yourself, for we are tardy for our morning breakfast," Jacob commanded, his authority undeniable.
"Furthermore, you appear rather disheveled," Jacob added, a hint of smugness underlying its elegant reproach.


I endeavored to suppress any audible expression of distress as Jacob, with an air of forcefulness, abruptly yanked me away from the opulent bed and propelled me towards the direction of the closet.


"Hasten your attire, swiftly," he commanded, forcefully shutting the door behind me.


My fervent desire for something more relaxed was met with disappointment, as the closet contained solely form-fitting garments. Amongst them, I selected a modest dress that appeared to offer the most freedom of movement. Wincing slightly, I gingerly pulled it down over my figure. Alas, I was denied the opportunity to enhance my appearance with makeup, for Jacob burst through the door without warning.


"Jake and Vivian await our presence, and it would be remiss to keep our esteemed guests waiting," he declared.


The descent down the grand staircase proved to be an excruciating ordeal. Throughout the journey, my gaze remained fixated upon the resplendent golden embellishments adorning the walls, while the portraits of past monarchs seemed to cast their expectant gazes upon me. These portraits, depicting the lineage of royalty preceding him, served as a constant reminder of the gilded cage in which I found myself trapped, a place I could never truly call home.

I found solace in the silent stride of Jacob, for his presence granted me a moment of respite. Contemplating the notion of veering from his path, I pondered whether he would even take notice of my departure. Alas, my weary frame protested, rendering me incapable of ascending the stairs undetected.

Thus, I resigned myself to endure this plight with a forced smile, while my every step was a precarious dance to avoid stumbling. In the depths of my musings, I wondered what thoughts occupied Jacob's mind. Surely, he harbored resentment from the events of the previous night. I should have acquiesced to his desires, yet my stubborn pride prevailed.

A wince of pain contorted my countenance as the memory of the whip's sting resurfaced. Anxiety gripped me, fearing that the dress I wore would betray the marks of my punishment, evoking a torrent of tears. The scars etched upon my back would forever bear witness to the torment endured.

The recollection of his passionless kiss still sent shivers down my spine, while the immobilization of my limbs ignited a fiery rage within. What terrified me most was Jacob's apparent pleasure in inflicting pain upon me. Desperately yearning for his embrace, I longed for Jake’s reassurance that all would be well.

In the present moment I found myself transported back to that tender memory of youth. The yearning for Jake's reassuring presence was palpable, an ache that echoed through the chambers of my heart. I remembered how Jake, in our youthful days, had been my steadfast pillar of support.

My mind drifted back to the grand introduction at the royal court, where the weight of expectations had pressed upon my shoulders. A spill of the prince's drink had been the reason for my distress, a stain on the resplendent gown that mirrored the stain on my confidence. In that moment of vulnerability, Jake, with a sense of purpose, had sought me out of the grand ballroom.

Despite my initial attempt to shield myself from the world, Jake remained undeterred. With a quiet determination, he approached, bridging the distance between us. The grandeur of the court faded away as he cradled me in his embrace, a sanctuary from the judgmental gazes and the oppressive atmosphere.

In that hushed sanctuary, he wiped away the tears that betrayed my inner turmoil with a touch as gentle as a whispering breeze. His words, like a balm to my wounded spirit, reassured me that tranquility would once again reign. In the cadence of his voice, I found the promise of strength and resilience, an unspoken vow that he would always be there to lend his unwavering support. I yearned for that same reassurance, a silent plea for Jake to once again cradle me in his embrace and whisper words of comfort