Katherine's Retaliation

We arrived at the grand dining hall, and as I stepped inside, my legs faltered beneath me, causing me to stumble and fall to my knees. A chilling laughter echoed from behind, mocking my momentary weakness.


"It appears that the delicate princess cannot withstand my affection," sneered Jacob.

"I had thought you possessed more strength than this."

"I am far stronger than you perceive," I retorted, attempting to regain my composure.


Swiftly, I rose to my feet and entered the hall with unwavering poise. Upon entering, I noticed Vivian's astonishment, her jaw dropping slightly as she stifled a laugh.


"Good morning, your Highnesses," she greeted us.

"Good morning, Vivian and Jake," we replied in unison.

"I trust you had a delightful evening," she inquired.

"Indeed, we did," we responded.


"How was your evening?" Jacob continued.
"We had a most pleasant evening," she replied.
"I trust your accommodations were to your satisfaction," Jacob inquired further.


"They were most satisfactory, Your Highness," she assured him.
"I am pleased to hear that," Jacob acknowledged.


"Now, let us partake in a meal, for I find myself famished.
"Katherine, pour me a glass of wine," Jacob commanded.
"Yes, my lord," I replied, concealing any signs of discomfort as I rose from my seat.


With grace, I poured his wine and turned to sit back down, only to feel his hand gently grasp my wrist.


"Yes, my lord, is there anything else you require?" I inquired.
"Indeed, there is," he responded.
"Join me at my side."


I obediently moved to sit beside him, but to my surprise, he pulled me onto his lap.


"Are you comfortable, my dear?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of daring.
Though it pained me greatly, I replied, "Yes, my lord."


Breakfast was served, and as Vivian and Jacob engaged in light conversation, I sat in silence, longing for the meal to conclude.


Finally, as breakfast drew to a close, Jacob proposed, "Vivian, Katherine, why don't you spend the morning in the parlor while I attend to some pressing matters?"

"As you wish, my lord," we acquiesced.


Vivian and I arose from our chairs and made our way to the parlor. I was grateful for her silence until we reached our destination. Vivian promptly closed the door and demanded answers the moment we arrived at the study.


"Pray to tell, what occurred last night, Your Highness?"
"Please, call me Kathy, and I am unsure of what you are referring to."


"You know precisely what I mean," she retorted.
"Did you believe that no one would notice the bruises adorning your neck and wrist?”
“Or the way you move as if you have been subjected to a whipping?"


"The rumors are true," I admitted.
"He is precisely as women say."
"Indeed, he is," I concurred.
"However, I would rather not discuss it."


"You are fortunate to be wedded to him," she remarked.
"How am I fortunate to be married to a man who abuses me and treats me as if I am his property rather than a human being?" I countered.
“I only meant that you are fortunate for the jewels and riches that accompany the title," Vivian clarified.


"Those things hold no value to me," I declared.
"I would prefer a man who loves and respects me, one who views me as an equal.”
“ As for the riches and Jacob, you may have them.”
“He is all yours."


"Why, pray tell, are you entering into matrimony with the likes of Jake?" I inquired, my voice dripping with curiosity and a hint of disapproval.
"I beg your pardon," she responded, taken aback by my audacity.
"I simply meant to convey that he lacks the extravagance that one would expect in a partner.”
“After all, he is but a mere guard," I explained, my tone laced with condescension.


"He is not just any guard," she retorted, a glimmer of pride in her eyes.
"He is the esteemed prince's guard, destined to inherit immense wealth and prosperity."


"Do you truly love him?" I pressed, unable to fathom the notion of a loveless union.
"In a marriage, love is not a prerequisite for happiness," she declared, her words tinged with a hint of bitterness.
"He proved that to me last night."


Before I could respond, the grand entrance of Jacob himself interrupted our conversation.


"Excuse me, ladies, but I must whisk away my beloved wife for a delightful escapade," he announced, his regal presence commanding attention.

"Fear not, Your Majesty, we were just concluding our discussion," I assured him.

"Jake awaits you in the resplendent garden, Vivian," he informed her, his voice filled with adoration.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude as she gracefully exited the room, closing the door behind her.


"Now, my dear, it is time for our enchanting ride," he declared, his voice a gentle command.

"Forgive me, but I find myself too fatigued to partake in such an endeavor," I confessed, my voice tinged with regret.

"I have made myself clear, my love.”

“We shall embark on this ride together," he asserted, his tone brooking no argument.

"I do not wish to go," I protested, my voice filled with a hint of defiance.


With that, the scene was set for a clash of wills, a battle between duty and desire, as the luxurious world of the elite unfolded before our eyes.


"Pray tell, did you not acquire any wisdom from the events of last night?" he inquired, his voice dripping with disdain.

"The entirety of the night's proceedings merely served to illuminate your inherent weakness." I cautioned, my words laced with a sense of superiority.

"Exercise utmost caution in choosing your words," he warned, his tone lined with a subtle threat.


"Allow me to reiterate why I remain unfazed by any fear you may attempt to instill within me." I declared confidently.
"You shall soon witness the error of your ways," I retorted, my voice resonating with a quiet confidence.

"No, I shall not succumb to your intimidation," I asserted, my resolve unyielding.

"Your attempts to instill fear in me are futile," I scoffed, my voice tinged with amusement.


"Perhaps you should reconsider," he suggested, his tone imbued with a hint of menace.

"You shall never succeed," I declared, my voice filled with unwavering certainty.

"Time shall reveal the veracity of your claims," I stated.


“Very well, then I shall forcibly escort you outside," he threatened, his tone conveying a sense of authority.

"I implore you, refrain from laying a hand on me," I warned, my voice laced with a touch of indignation.


He lunged towards me. I instinctively retreated, my movements graceful and poised. Hastily, I sprinted towards the door, my gaze steadfastly forward, refusing to glance back. With a resounding thud, I forcefully shut the door, granting me a fleeting moment to navigate the corridor.

Determinedly, I made my way towards the staircase, my steps purposeful and deliberate. Ascending to the pinnacle of the staircase, I was tantalizingly close to reaching the sanctuary of our chamber when a force propelled my body against an unyielding wall. The impact was excruciating, as if every bone within me had been shattered into a thousand fragments.



"You shall deeply lament your futile attempt to flee," Jacob whispered seductively into my ear, his voice dripping with a tantalizing blend of menace and allure.


With a swift yet graceful motion, he relinquished his grip on me, only to swiftly ensnare my delicate wrists behind my back, asserting his dominance as he propelled me towards our chamber. Once inside, the force of his aggression propelled me with such intensity against the lavish walls that my vision momentarily blurred, leaving me disoriented and dizzy. The resounding click of the lock echoed through the room, sealing my fate within this luxurious prison.

With an authoritative slam, the door was sealed shut, leaving me at the mercy of his commanding presence. A surge of excruciating pain coursed through my being as my fragile form collided with the unforgiving ground, accompanied by a sickening crack resonating from my wrist. The sheer intensity of the agony radiating from my right wrist, where the bones had snapped, was overwhelming.


"Rise," he commanded, his voice laced with a mixture of dominance and expectation.

Despite my trembling and weakened state, I summoned every ounce of my inner strength, standing tall with unwavering resolve, my chin held high in defiance. Jacob launched a series of relentless strikes towards me. I instinctively raised my arms in a valiant attempt to shield myself from the onslaught.

After several futile attempts, his fist connected with my eye, catching me off guard and causing a searing pain to surge through my being. A swift blow to my stomach followed, leaving me gasping for precious breath. Despite the relentless assault, I refused to succumb, determined to prove that he would not break my spirit.

Overwhelmed and gasping for air, I crumpled to my knees, my body adorned with a tapestry of bruises, my indomitable spirit remained unyielding. I fought to regain my breath and quell the trembling coursing through my weakened form, I remained resolute. Fear did not consume me, for I was resolved to deny him the satisfaction of victory.



"Have you had your fill, my dear?" His voice was smooth as silk, but I could not answer, for I was still catching my breath.

"Now, let me tell you how this shall proceed," he continued.

"You shall accompany me on a ride or face dire consequences."



I dared to question him, "What more could you possibly do to me?"

A sly smile crept across his face, "My dear, I could do much worse than that.”

“ I could make you hurt in ways you cannot even imagine."



Slowly, I rose to my feet, "I shall go with you, but may I rest first?”

“I am quite exhausted."

"As you wish," he replied, his voice low and seductive.



I made my way to the bedroom. Once there, I lowered myself onto the bed, wincing as I examined my broken wrist. I lay back on the plush pillows. My vision began to blur, and a wave of dizziness washed over me.


Suddenly, he appeared in the doorway, "What are you doing?”
“I thought you had business to attend to?"


He said nothing as he crawled into bed beside me, his arms wrapping around me in an iron embrace. His lips brushed against mine, and then he closed his eyes, feigning sleep. I drifted in and out of consciousness, unsure of how much time had passed. When I awoke, I screamed in terror, for I knew that my fate was sealed.



"My dearest, what ails you?" Jacob inquired.

"It was merely a frightful dream," I replied, attempting to quell his worries.

"Pray, do tell me of its contents," he implored.

"It was nothing of consequence," I reassured him.


"Shall we proceed with our ride?" he suggested.

"Jacob, I am feeling quite unsteady," I admitted.

"I fear I may tumble from my steed."

"Nonsense, my dear," he chided me gently.

"You need only hold onto me."


I attempted to rise. A sharp pain coursed through my body, causing me to cry out.


"Jacob, I require medical attention," I gasped.

"What ails you, my precious?" he inquired.

"I feel a stabbing pain in my ribs, my vision is blurred, and I fear you may have broken my wrist," I explained.

"Calm down my love," he soothed me.

"I shall fetch the physician at once."


Jacob departed. He stopped at the door of Jake and Vivian's chambers.



"May I enter?" he called out.

"Enter, Your Highness," Jake replied.

"What brings you here?"

"Kathy requires medical attention," Jacob informed him.


"Would you be so kind as to keep her company until I return?"
"As you wish, Your Highness," Jake replied dutifully.

"Where is Vivian?" Jacob inquired.

"She has gone for a ride," Jake informed him.

"I decided to rest, as I had a restless night."

"Pre-wedding jitters?" Jacob commiserated.

"Indeed," Jake agreed.