The Doctor's Visit

When Jacob departed, Jake hastened to my side with utmost urgency. The entrance swung open abruptly, and I fervently prayed it was not Jacob. A sigh of immense relief escaped my lips as I beheld the presence of Jake.


"What transpired in his presence?" he inquired.
"Merely a bout of dizziness," I replied.
"Come now, my dearest, I am well acquainted with your true nature."
"I am certain he fractured my right wrist, and a searing pain courses through my back."
"My breath eludes me, and my vision wavers incessantly."


"Please, my love, allow me to alleviate your suffering forthwith."
"We could abscond this very moment."
"Jake, we would never succeed in our endeavor."


"Recall his proclamation of embarking on a business sojourn upon our return?"
"That would be the opportune moment to flee."
"Besides, you are the guard assigned to my protection."
"Very well, my darling, I shall devise a plan."
"Pray, come and sit beside me."

He settled upon the bed and tenderly cradled my chin in his hands. A gentle kiss graced my lips, and a delightful warmth permeated my entire being. Our embrace was abruptly severed by the sound of approaching footsteps outside the door. Jake rose to his feet as Jacob entered the chamber accompanied by the physician.

"Everybody, out."
"Doctor, if I may stay?"
"No, Your Highness, I am sure the princess would rather everyone wait outside while I examine her."
"As you wish, doctor."

Jake and Jacob stepped out, and the doctor closed the door.

"I understand that you may feel uncomfortable, but I assure you that I will handle this examination with the utmost care and delicacy.”
“I am here to ensure your comfort and well-being, after all."

“Now, may I inquire if you and your beloved have recently indulged in the pleasures of the flesh?”
“ I understand that you were wed only two days ago, and it is important for me to know for your health's sake."
"I understand that you may be experiencing some discomfort in a certain area.”


“Please, step into the other room and disrobe, wrapping yourself in a soft towel.”
“I will examine you with the utmost discretion and respect, ensuring that you are covered at all times except for the area in question."
"As you lay down on this bed, I must ask - when were you last whipped?”


“It appears that the wound has been tended to, but I must ensure that it does not become infected.”
“Are there any other areas that are causing you pain or discomfort, Your Highness?"
"My aching ribs, they torment me, and I find it arduous to draw breath," I lamented, my voice laced with distress.

"Should you have the ability, I implore you to recline upon your back," the doctor advised, his tone soothing and refined.

With the doctor's gentle assistance, I gracefully shifted my position, settling onto my back. The doctor deftly removed the towel that enveloped my waist. He tenderly draped the covers over me, ensuring my comfort.

Peeling back the protective layer, the doctor revealed the unsightly bruises that marred my delicate ribcage.

His inquiry pierced the air, "Has Jacob, perchance, subjected you to his violent tendencies of late?"

Regretfully, I replied, "Indeed, merely an hour ago, he unleashed his wrath upon me."

Examining the evidence before him, the doctor deduced, "It appears that he has inflicted bruising upon your ribs, causing you great discomfort."

His gaze then shifted to my wrists, which bore additional marks of abuse.

"Pray tell, from whence did these bruises upon your wrists originate?"

With a heavy heart, I divulged, "Last night, he forced himself upon me, employing restraints to confine my movements.

Today, when he struck me, he twisted my wrists behind my back, and I felt a sickening snap."


Gently probing my injured wrist, the doctor's touch elicited a cry of agony as a bolt of pain surged through my arm.

"He has indeed fractured your wrist," he confirmed, his voice tinged with concern.
"Did he also subject you to strangulation last night?" the doctor inquired, his voice filled with empathy.
"Yes, both last night and today," I admitted, my voice trembling with the weight of my ordeal.

"Now, I must pose a question that may cause you discomfort," the doctor prefaced delicately.
"When did your last menstrual cycle occur?"
"It transpired last month," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.
"When is it anticipated to commence?" he inquired further, his tone gentle and understanding.
"Typically, it arrives in the morning," I replied, my voice tinged with apprehension.

The doctor's revelation left me stunned, my mind reeling.

"Considering that today marks the final day of the month, and the hour is now midafternoon, it is plausible that you may considering that today marks the final day of the month, and with the sun reaching its zenith, it is quite possible that you have already conceived, my lady."

"Pardon me?"
"I cannot possibly be with child," I exclaimed.
“I understand your concerns, Your Highness, but if your monthly visitor does not arrive by nightfall, I fear it may indeed be the case."

“May I request a visual examination to ensure that no irreparable harm has been done?"
“As you wish, doctor," I replied.

With a gentle motion, he unveiled the truth.

"Fortunately, Jacob's actions have not caused significant damage."
"I assume this was your first encounter of such intimacy?"
"Yes, doctor," I confessed.
"Well, the silver lining is that it appears you possess remarkable fertility."

"I had hoped for a different outcome," I sighed.
"You do not wish to bear his offspring?"
"I long to bring forth life, but not his progeny," I revealed.

"I comprehend your sentiments.”
“Regrettably, I am powerless to alter the past," he sympathized.
"I understand that you may not wish to hear this, but it may be in your best interest to comply with his desires.”

“It shall alleviate your burden," he advised.
"Yes, doctor," I acquiesced.
"Please get dressed my dear."

"Upon your arrival at your castle, I implore you to adorn yourself in more relaxed attire."
"This will aid in the healing of your delicate ribs, and if you are with child, it shall provide ample space for your precious bundle to flourish."
"My gratitude, esteemed physician."

He bestowed upon me a remedy to alleviate my discomfort.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, it shall not harm the little one."

I entered the bathroom. The doctor departed to converse with Jacob.

"How fares she, doctor?"
"She has sustained bruised ribs and a fractured wrist."
"Is there anything else, doctor?"
"Indeed, there is."
"The welts on her back require attention, lest they become infected."

"What of her vertigo?"
"I suspect she may be with child."
"Splendid news, doctor.”

“May I visit her?"
"Certainly but do remind her to don loose-fitting garments if she is indeed carrying."
"Indeed, doctor."

"I have administered a draft to alleviate her pain."
"Jake, you may take your leave."
"As you wish, Your Highness."

I was settling into bed when Jacob sauntered in with an air of nonchalance.

"My dear, I have heard whispers that you may be with child." I confirmed his suspicions with a nod.
"I pray it is a son," he mused, "for then we shall have an heir to our throne."

“I wondered what would happen if it were a daughter.”
"We shall try again," he declared, "and in doing so, we shall forge alliances with other noble families."

I was taken aback by his callousness.

"You are truly insufferable," I exclaimed.
"You would sell our own flesh and blood without a second thought for the sake of your own ambition."
He shrugged, "If I am not concerned with my wife's happiness, why would I care for my daughters?"

I was aghast.

"Are you suggesting that daughters are nothing more than pawns to be traded for status?"

He looked at me with a cold, hard stare.


"Look around you, my little princess.”
“Do you think your own parents cared about your happiness?”

“You are trapped in a loveless marriage with me, while the man you truly love is engaged to another woman.”
“There is no escape from your predicament.”
“If indeed you are carrying my child, then you are bound to me for eternity."

I yearned to express my thoughts, yet his tender lips were firmly pressed against mine, rendering me speechless.

"Please, do not resist," he whispered.
"You could harm our precious unborn child."

His words fell upon deaf ears, for my determination to challenge him knew no bounds.

"I shall forever oppose you, unyielding and resolute," I declared, my tone dripping with defiance.
"Very well, my dear, I have endeavored to be kind," he responded, his words mixed with a hint of menace.

"You have indeed been kind, and it would be a pity to witness your transformation into a less amiable version of yourself," I retorted, my words laced with a mocking air.
"Perhaps I shall take this a step further," he continued, a mischievous glint in my eye.

"For every instance in which you dare to argue or disagree with me, I shall gradually remove those whom you hold dear."
"That includes your beloved sisters, your cherished mother and father," he added, with calculated intent.
"We shall commence with Jake."

My eyes widened in disbelief as he interjected, "I have already made it clear that I harbor no romantic feelings for Jake.”

“We are merely friends."

He scoffed at his feeble protestations.

"Your words hold no sway over me," he countered, his gaze unwavering.
"I have witnessed the way he gazes upon you, the longing in his eyes when I requested his presence while I sought the doctor's aid."
"Let us not forget the fury that ignited within him upon learning of the possibility of your pregnancy," he concluded, his laced with a hint of triumph.


"I have already stated, he is but a childhood companion, nothing more."
"Arise, my dear, for we shall return to our castle," he declared with a regal air.
"Jake and Vivian shall linger for the forthcoming two days, engrossed in the preparations for their nuptials, whilst we, on the other hand, have pressing matters to attend to."


"What could possibly compel us to cut our honeymoon prematurely?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"For starters, we must divulge the news of your impending motherhood to my esteemed parents.”
“Subsequently, we shall commence the arrangement of a splendid nursery.”


“Upon our arrival, we shall ascend to the throne as the crowned king and queen," he proclaimed with an air of authority.
"I may indeed be with child," I confessed, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
"I harbor no desire to be a queen," I added, my apprehension palpable.


"Fear not, my dear princess, for you shall merely serve as an adornment to the crown, rather than an actual ruler," he reassured me with a patronizing tone.
"I do not fear the prospect of being a queen," I retorted, my voice filled with determination.
"I do not wish to spend the remainder of my days bound to you in matrimony," I declared.


"As the daughter of a distinguished governor, I possess the suitable qualities to ascend to the position of queen," I asserted confidently.
"I have already been well-versed in the intricacies of courtly affairs and the political landscape of our realm," I added, emphasizing my preparedness.
"Dearest, your sole duty shall be to bear my offspring," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I expect no less than three children," he continued, his preference for sons evident.

I attempted to interject. Jacob swiftly silenced me.


"It is considered impolite to interrupt your husband whilst he speaks," he admonished.
"I shall not be silenced," I declared.

"As my wife, it is your duty to maintain silence," he asserted, his tone brooking no argument.
"You shall be present at every occasion that necessitates your presence," he commanded, his authority unwavering.

"Should you dare to defy me, there shall be dire consequences," he warned, his threat hanging in the air.