The Invasion of the Castle

Pray tell, my lord, what is the current state of affairs?”
“Alas, my dear, I am uncertain.”
“Jake, escort the queen to the safety of her chambers.”
“As you wish, your majesty.”

With great haste, Jake guided me towards my regal abode.

However, our progress was abruptly halted when Jake let out a cry of anguish. Our gazes fell upon a crimson pool, for a malevolent intruder had stealthily approached Jake and thrust his sword into his flesh. Swiftly,

Jake retaliated, impaling the assailant's abdomen with his own blade. Both combatants collapsed to the ground in a tumultuous struggle. I rushed to Jake's side without delay.
Feebly, Jake managed to muster a smile.

"Katherine, I deeply regret this unfortunate turn of events."
"Jake, you must not blame yourself for this misfortune." "Katherine, I implore you to heed my words with utmost care."
"Jake, you must conserve your strength."

I urgently summoned assistance, and Macy swiftly emerged from my chambers.

"Macy, fetch aid at once!"

She promptly dashed down the corridor. I cradled Jake's head tenderly upon my lap.

"Katherine, I beg you to listen attentively."
"No matter the outcome, you must safeguard yourself and your unborn child."
"Jake, you speak as if this is our final farewell."
"I have witnessed wounds of this nature before, and alas, they are often fatal."
"There is naught that can be done."

He gracefully extended his hand towards me, his touch as delicate as a feather.

"My dearest Katherine, I am deeply enamored with you," he whispered, his voice dripping with affection.

In a moment of sheer terror, I let out a piercing cry for assistance, as his breath grew faint. We remained locked in that embrace for what seemed like an eternity, until finally, someone arrived, only to find him lifeless. Tears cascaded down my face, mingling with my anguished screams. It was Jacob who reached us first.

"Katherine, what has transpired?" he inquired urgently.
"This man, he assaulted us," I managed to utter, my voice trembling.
"Jake sustained injuries as we sought refuge in my private chambers."

Without hesitation, Jacob enveloped me in his strong embrace. I glanced down. I noticed my hands stained with crimson, a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded. The sound of Vivian's horrified shriek echoed through the corridors as she ascended the stairs. With a gentle yet firm grip, Jacob guided me towards the sanctuary of my chambers.

"Katherine, are you and the baby unharmed?"
"I am unscathed," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Jacob, there is something I must confess to you," I began.

"What is it, my love?" he inquired.
"You were right," I confessed, my voice trembling with emotion.
"I have fallen deeply in love with Jake."

A flicker of understanding crossed Jacob's face as he absorbed my revelation.

"We risked everything to be together," I continued, my voice filled with a mixture of remorse and longing.
"Even now, we were planning yet another escape."

Jacob erupted into laughter, his rich, melodious chuckles filling the air.

"Are you truly serious at this moment?" he questioned, his voice dripping with incredulity.
"Last night, Jake and I were in each other's company," I declared.
"Your mother was indeed correct; I was indeed with Jake that fateful night," I added, my tone unyielding.

However, I was ill-prepared for the sudden and forceful blow that landed squarely on my delicate countenance. My hand instinctively flew to my cheek, aghast at the unexpected assault.

"If it weren't for the fact that you carry my unborn child, I would surely end your existence this very instant," he seethed, his voice filled with a chilling menace.
"I am well aware that Vivian is your mistress," I calmly acknowledged.
"I, on the other hand, am entitled to a mistress, while you, my dear, are forbidden from having a lover," he asserted, his voice dripping with entitlement.
"My lover, alas, has met an untimely demise," I revealed, my voice tinged with sorrow.

Without warning, he struck me once more, the force of the blow leaving no doubt that I would bear the marks of his aggression. He then seized my delicate wrist, forcefully dragging me out of the room. While we passed by, I caught a glimpse of Vivian, her eyes brimming with tears, her heart undoubtedly breaking for Jake.

I fought back the tears threatening to spill from my eyes as I beheld Jake, his once handsome visage now marred by blood, sprawled lifelessly in the hallway.

Jacob continued to pull me along, descending the grand staircase and venturing into the hidden passageways reserved for the servants. With each step, I grew increasingly aware of our destination. The dungeons awaited me, a place of darkness and despair.

"Jacob, you are causing me great pain," I pleaded, my voice trembling with both physical and emotional anguish.
"I care not for your suffering," he retorted callously, his words devoid of any compassion.

He turned the key, unlocking the door with a flick of his wrist. With an air of authority, he guided me down the dimly lit corridor, leading me toward a secluded chamber at the far end. Once again, he deftly unlocked the door, forcefully thrusting me into the room.

"Jacob, pray tell, what do you intend to do?"

I braced myself, anticipating the impending blow as his hand ominously rose in the air. In a matter of seconds, he had me pinned down on the hard bed. His hand, firm and unyielding, pressed against my delicate throat, depriving me of the very essence of life. Desperately, I clawed at his hand, yearning for a breath of respite.

Finally, he relented, removing his hand from my throat, and allowing me a fleeting moment to inhale.

"I cannot bring myself to end your life, for you carry within you the precious gift of a child," he declared, his voice dripping with malice.
"Rest assured, my dear, I shall make your existence an infernal torment."
"Tell me, did you engage in carnal pleasures with him?" he sneered.
"We were never intimate," I replied, my voice trembling with fear. He scoffed at my response, his disdain noticeable.

"For how long have you been entangled in this illicit affair?" he interrogated.
"Since before our sacred union," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Why did you deceive me?" he demanded, his anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Would it have made any difference?" I questioned.
"Not truly, no," he admitted, his tone filled with bitter acceptance.

"What, do you intend to do now?" I inquired, my voice trembling with trepidation.
"I cannot inflict punishment upon you, not while you carry our unborn child," he conceded, his voice laced with a hint of regret.
"This shall remain our dark secret," he declared, his voice filled with a chilling finality.
"Not even Vivian shall be privy to this truth."

He graciously allowed me to rise from the ground.

"Have I caused any harm to our precious child?" he inquired.
"I believe not," I replied, my voice calm and collected.
"Allow me to elucidate the course of action.”
“You shall ascend the stairs and cleanse yourself, while I ensure the safety of our fortress.”
“Once you have our offspring in your arms, we shall discuss your retribution."

With that, he permitted me to ascend the stairs. I made my way up. I endeavored to suppress my tears. Upon entering my chambers, I was struck by the sight of Jake's body having been relocated and the blood meticulously eradicated from the carpet. The sound of Vivan's anguished wails echoed through the corridor, and I pondered whether her distress was genuine or a mere facade. Hastily, I shut the door behind me, seeking solace in the sanctity of my quarters.

"Madam, doth thy well-being remain intact?"
"I am unscathed."
"I have divulged all to Jacob."
"How did he receive such tidings?"
"As I had anticipated."

Hastily, she escorted me to the bath, where she promptly drew a luxurious soak. Once I immersed myself, the water turned a crimson hue, and a solitary tear cascaded down my cheek, unbidden.

"Jake perished whilst shielding me," I lamented.
"It is solely my culpability."