Jacob Finds the Cabin

Upon awakening that fine morning, I found myself greeted by the delightful aroma of a sumptuous breakfast prepared by none other than my devoted companion, Jake. I began to succumb to the allure of slumber once more, a sudden, piercing gunshot shattered the tranquility of the moment.

My senses heightened, I heard Jake emit a pained grunt, followed by the sound of an object colliding with the floor. Just as I prepared to rise from my bed, the unmistakable sound of footsteps ascending the grand staircase reached my ears.

With impeccable timing, Jacob entered the room.

"My unfaithful wife, entangled in the arms of the man I always knew held her heart captive."
"Pray to tell, Jacob, how did you manage to uncover our secret cabin?"
A sly smile played upon his lips as he responded, "I possess the art of extracting secrets from even the most reticent souls."

Concerned for her well-being, I interjected, "Surely, you have not harmed her?"
"A mere bruised eye is but a trifle," he retorted callously.
"An almost lifeless fiancé is not without its merits."
Indignant, I retorted, "You dare to threaten her very existence, to meddle with matters of the heart?"

"Yet, who is truly at fault here?" he sneered.
"You, who abandoned your marital vows and sought solace in the arms of another."
"We have not transgressed beyond the boundaries of marriage," I protested, desperately clinging to a shred of innocence.

"My dear, running away is an act of betrayal," he asserted with a knowing glint in his eyes.
"I am well aware of the indiscretions committed during your little escapade with Vivian."

With an air of authority, he declared, "You shall accompany me, for it is time to face the consequences of your actions."
"I shall not be accompanying you on this venture," I declared with a firm tone.
"However, if you wish to spare Jake's life, as I have promised, then you shall heed my every command."

It was at that moment that the esteemed physician burst into the room, his presence commanding the utmost respect.

"What is the matter, my dear?" he inquired, bowing low before the king.
"Your Majesty."
"What brings you here, Doctor?" he inquired.
"I was summoned to attend to the young one," he replied, his eyes flickering with worry.

"She is not faring well with her pregnancy."
"Then it is imperative that we return her to the safety of her home," Jacob declared, his gaze unwavering.
"Doctor, I implore you to make haste, for I have just discharged a shot into Jacob's leg.”
"He shall survive, but I cannot bear the thought of him losing a limb."

With that, the physician hastened to the lower levels, his skilled hands ready to tend to the wounded man.

“Now that I have you alone again, my dearest, what shall I do about your impetuous escape?”
“Surely, you would not want to cause harm to the woman who carries your precious child.”
“Fear not, my love, for I have more than one way to discipline you.”
“Come, let us descend the staircase together.”

He enveloped me in his strong embrace, I could feel his power and dominance over me. My heart raced with trepidation as we made our way downstairs. What I beheld there was a sight that chilled me to the bone.
My beloved Jake lay on the floor, his leg bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound. I stifled a scream, unable to comprehend the horror before me.

The doctor rushed to Jake's aid, while my husband, Jacob, pushed me towards the carriage. With great effort, the doctor helped Jake into the cart, as there was not enough room in the carriage.

"Guards, ensure their safe passage to the palace and do not let them stray," Jacob commanded.
"I shall deal with the queen here."
"Get into the carriage," he ordered me.

I hesitated, not wanting to go with him.

"Do you want Jake to die?" he demanded.

Reluctantly, I acquiesced but made it clear that I did not wish to stay.

"You made me a promise when you married me," he reminded me sternly.
"That promise applies to you as well, but you do not follow it." With a firm grip on the back of my neck, he forced me towards the carriage.
"I said move," he growled.
"It is hard to move when I cannot breathe," I gasped.

I found myself trapped in a world of luxury and power, unable to escape the clutches of my husband's iron grip.

He swept me up with a commanding force, pressing me down onto the plush seat.

"Move out," he ordered.

Dread filled me as I contemplated the long carriage ride back to the castle.

"How was your trip?" I inquired.
"I had to return home early, my dear.”
“My wife ran away with another man," he confessed, his eyes piercing into mine.

"You know I am not your wife, Jacob.”
“I am merely your property," I retorted.
"Nonsense, my dear.”
“You are my wife, and I expect you to do as you are told," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

"That is not marriage, Jacob.”
“That is slavery," I protested, my voice rising in anger.
"Last time I checked, I was not a slave."

"If that is how you feel, my dear, I could arrange it," he threatened, his eyes narrowing.
"That is not what I meant, and you know it," I replied, my voice softening.
"What do you want from me, Katherine?" he asked, his voice tinged with impatience.
"My freedom is a good start," I replied, my voice firm and resolute.

"I give you freedom," he declared, his voice booming with authority.
"I let you wander around the castle by yourself, I let you go riding."
"When I say freedom, I mean the freedom to choose," I clarified, my voice unwavering.

"You gave me no choice in marrying you, in bearing your children," I continued, my voice rising in anger.
"Katherine, I am doing as a husband should," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering.
"I am firm because I do not want to lose you."
"Jacob, can you not see that by doing so, you are making me hate you?" I replied, my voice filled with frustration.
"You never really liked me anyways," he retorted, his voice cold and distant.

Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt.

"Why did we stop?" Jacob asked.
"It is getting too dark to travel,” said the driver.
"Make camp and bring Jake to a tent along with the doctor."
"As you wish, your majesty."

Jacob graciously whisked me away, his presence exuding an air of opulence.

"Pray tell, dear Jacob, to what destination are we bound?" I inquired.
"To our sumptuous abode, my esteemed companion," he replied, his voice dripping with elegance.
"Why settle for slumbering within the confines of a mere carriage when we possess a sanctuary of unparalleled grandeur?"

Perplexed, I questioned his rationale, unable to fathom the extravagance that awaited us.

"Jacob, why would we forsake the comfort of our carriage for an alternative resting place?"

A knowing smile graced his lips as he revealed his secret.

"My dear wife, I have brought forth a bed of utmost magnificence on our sojourn."
"A testament to my unwavering commitment to regality."

"As the sovereign ruler, it is my divine right to indulge in the utmost comfort.”
“ Thus, I ensured that no expense was spared in acquiring this bed, befitting of my royal stature."

Within the confines of the tent, a resplendent bed beckoned. With utmost grace, Jacob guided me to its plush embrace, just as the vigilant guards ushered in Jake. His countenance, though difficult to discern amidst the haze of medication, betrayed hints of discomfort.

"Doctor, is he sufficiently stable to engage in conversation?" Jacob inquired.
"Indeed, Your Majesty, I have administered ample doses to alleviate his suffering," the physician assured.
"Excellent, you may withdraw," Jacob commanded.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," the doctor acquiesced, bowing before exiting the tent.

"Now, Jake, do enlighten me on the events that transpired," Jacob implored.
"I was merely fulfilling your request, protecting the queen," he responded, his voice tinged with loyalty.
"Why venture beyond the castle walls?" Jacon probed.
"Whispers of a potential uprising reached my ears, and I could not fathom risking her safety," he explained, his dedication evident.
"Did you share her bed?"

Jacob inquired, his voice betraying a hint of possessiveness.

"No, Your Majesty, we never shared the same chamber," he swiftly clarified, his loyalty unwavering.
"Is this indeed the truth, my dear?" Jacob turned to me, seeking affirmation.
"Yes, my lord, it is an undeniable verity," I responded, my voice gentle and sincere.

"Like I have previously stated, we are but dear friends, bound by a profound connection," I declared, my words resonating with conviction.
“It appears that I may have slightly overreacted upon receiving a letter informing me of your sudden absence, my dear companions.”
“I must express my deepest apologies for the regrettable act of shooting you, my friend.”
“I humbly request your forgiveness for my impulsive behavior.”
“Fear not, for all transgressions have been pardoned.”
“I must admit, I would have reacted in a similar manner had I been in your shoes.”

“Rest assured, dear captain, your esteemed position remains intact.”
“I am immensely relieved to know that our beloved queen is unharmed.”
“However, I must inform you that I shall be departing once again tomorrow morning.”

“Pray tell, is the castle now secure?”
“Indeed, sire, I firmly believe it to be so.”
“Excellent, my good fellow.”
“Let us refrain from any further unforeseen journeys for you and our queen.”
“To ensure her safety, I shall assign additional guards to stand watch outside her chamber, with one stationed within at all times.”

“My lord, if I may interject, please understand that this decision is made solely for the protection of both you and our unborn child.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
“Now, Jake, if you would kindly excuse us, I must have a private conversation with my beloved wife.”
“Guards, please assist your captain.”

The guards gracefully escorted Jake away, and a wave of unease washed over me. Jacob, ever the gentleman, turned back to face me, his eyes filled with remorse.

"My dearest, I must apologize for hastily jumping to conclusions," he murmured, his voice dripping with regret.
"I ought to place more trust in you, my love."
"Thank you, Jacob, for your understanding."
"Tomorrow, I am obliged to return to the negotiations of the treaty," he continued, his tone tinged with concern.

"Will you be able to manage in my absence?"
With a reassuring smile, I assured him, "Yes, Jacob, I shall be perfectly fine.” “I am surrounded by a retinue of exceptional men who will protect me."
"Will Vivian be accompanying you once more?" I inquired.
"Indeed, my darling, her diplomatic status is crucial in ensuring the success of this treaty," he explained, his gaze unwavering.
"Please understand, I never doubted your judgment, my lord."
"Rest well, my love, for tomorrow shall be a demanding day," Jacob advised, his words laced with concern.

He prepared for slumber. I felt a surge of gratitude for his consideration in granting me some solitude. With a tender kiss, he turned onto his side, leaving me to my thoughts. That night, I managed to find some semblance of rest, yet my heart yearned to be cradled in Jake's embrace.