Eighteen Years Later

Gasping for air, I struggled to lift my head, my vision blurred from the pain pulsating through my body. Jacob stood before me, his expression unreadable, the whip hanging limply at his side.


“Have you had enough?" he repeated, his voice a cold echo in the dimly lit room.


I wanted to scream at him, to demand why he had subjected me to such torment. As I met his gaze, something in his eyes stopped me short. There was a flicker of something akin to regret, buried deep beneath the steely exterior.


"No," I whispered hoarsely, surprising even myself with the defiance in my voice.
Jacob's brow furrowed, a hint of confusion crossing his features. "No?"
"No," I repeated, my voice gaining strength with each word.
"I will not be broken by you."


A tense silence filled the air, broken only by the sound of my ragged breathing. Jacob regarded me for a moment, his gaze piercing through the haze of pain. Finally, he nodded, a begrudging respect shining in his eyes.


"Very well," he said, his voice softer now, almost gentle.
"Remember, you chose this path."



With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the searing pain that still gripped my body. As I gingerly rose to my feet, a newfound determination burned within me. No matter what lay ahead, I would not falter. I would endure.

I struggled to make my way to the tub. I rang for a maid and they came running in. As they filled the tub with hot water I wanted to sink to my knees. I could barely stand. I sat in the tub and the water turned a murky red. I repulsively got out of the water. I laid down on the bed.

The doctor rushed into the room, his footsteps echoing with urgency. His face contorted with outrage as he took in the sight before him.


“My queen, did the king do this to you?” he asked, his voice laced with barely contained fury.


I could only manage a weak nod in response, my body still trembling from the onslaught of pain.

While the doctor approached to examine my back, his expression grew increasingly grave with each passing moment.


“Some of these lashes are deep and will require more stitches,” he murmured, his tone somber as he assessed the extent of the damage.


With gentle hands, he began tending to my wounds, his movements careful and precise despite the anger burning within him. He handed me a draft to help ease the pain and encourage sleep, but even as I closed my eyes, my mind remained alert, wary of what might come next.

Suddenly, Jacob strode back into the room, his presence casting a shadow over the already tense atmosphere. My heart skipped a beat as I caught sight of the knife glinting in the doctor's hand.

Before I could react, the doctor lunged at Jacob, desperation driving him forward. Jacob was quicker, his reflexes honed by years of survival in a world where treachery lurked around every corner.

In a swift motion, Jacob disarmed the doctor, the blade clattering to the ground with a chilling finality. I couldn't hold back the scream that tore from my throat as I watched the scene unfold before me.

Jacob gazed down upon the doctor, a mischievous grin adorning his countenance. I shall spare you the mundane intricacies of the ensuing eighteen years. Instead, allow me to swiftly transport you to the pivotal moment of this tale...

Eighteen years have elapsed since that deceitful night. Prince George has come of age at eighteen, his sister Adelaide is sixteen, and Adeline is a tender six months old.

Jacob and I are seated upon the throne, anticipating George's grand entrance at his celebration. Jacob has shaped George in his own likeness. I am aware that George may be in the company of a woman unsuitable for his status.

In the grand ballroom, my eldest daughter Adelaide gracefully glided, captivating the attention of every gentleman present. Jacob, ever indulgent, showered her with affection. Alas, she proved to be a heartless creature. Meanwhile, my youngest, Adeline, nestled upon my lap, her gentle murmurs bringing solace to my tormented life as the queen. Jacob, casting a scornful gaze upon the innocent child in my embrace, displayed his contempt.


“Katherine, must she be present?” Jacob said pointing at Adeline.
“Jacob, Adeline is your daughter, she is part of the royal family.”
“You should have disposed of her as I asked.”


I looked at him in disbelief.


“Your grace, as you have expressed no wish to compel Adelaide into marriage with King Charles' son Alexander, Adeline shall assume that duty.”

Jacob looked at me with a forceful gaze. He did not say anything as George walked into the ballroom. He ascended to the balcony. He gave a quick bow to his father. His attire was highly appropriate for a prince. His hair was a mess, which confirmed my thoughts that he was just in the private embrace of a woman.

His gaze immediately locked with a prominent courtier. The young lady was wearing an emerald green dress that accented her curves. Her hair was in elaborate curls that cascaded down her back.

While George and her danced around the ballroom his hold on her was hardly appropriate. He held her much to close. I watched her as she walked off the dance floor. George quickly followed her. My eyes followed them as they walked out of the ballroom. Jacob eyes met my gaze.


“Katherine, he is eighteen, let him enjoy his birthday.”


I sealed my lips and refrained from uttering a word. Jacob waved me away dismissively. I proceeded to my chambers, where I delicately placed Adeline in her crib. The young one had succumbed to slumber amidst the revelry. Swiftly, I attired myself in a modest nightgown before retiring to my bed. Jacob's presence beside me went nearly unnoticed.

The following dawn, a shrill cry roused me from slumber. Swiftly, I adorned myself in attire. The nurse was already attending to Adeline. I traced the source of the cries to the grand chamber. Seated in the center was the maiden from the previous eve. Her gown was disheveled, as was her hair. Jacob occupied his throne with George at his side.

Jacob attentively absorbed George's narrative. The damsel appeared troubled. Jacob allowed her no opportunity to plead her case. He was on the verge of passing judgment upon her when I intervened. I was well aware of Jacob's capacity for harshness.


“My lord, let her keep a position in the castle.”
“Adeline will need an attendant soon.”
“So be it.”


The guards graciously escorted the young lady away from the chamber. While the chamber gradually emptied, Jacob's firm grip enclosed my wrist. The sharp pain of the slap resonated across my countenance. Alas, such ill-treatment had become customary for me.



“Do not ever speak against me in my own throne room.”
“Yes my lord.”
“You are dismissed.”


I offered a swift bow as I departed through the threshold. It was not the first occasion that Jacob banished women on account of George's detestable conduct. He had condemned the previous unfortunate ladies to isolation on a secluded island beyond the ocean.

I knew that the guards would have taken the young woman to a servant's room. I quickly walked down to the servant's quarters. I could hear he sobbing from inside the room. I gently knocked.


“Enter” she replied timidly.


She curtsied as I walked into the room.


“There is no need for formalities my dear, Charity.”
“I was once in the same position that you are in.”
“My lady, why would you stand up for me?”

“I have been in your position.”
“I also need somebody that I can trust to take care of Adeline.”
“I am also a good friend with your father.”


At the mention of her father, the young lady paled. He had publicly disowned her. Her life went from one of luxury to servitude. I gently wiped away her tears.


“It will be alright.”
“ I will not let harm befall you.”


I walked her to my chamber where Adeline lay sleeping in her crib.


“Adeline’s life will always be in danger.”
“Her father is a cruel man, who wanted a son.”
“Are you willing to safeguard her?”
“I will do my best, my lady.”


I dismissed her presence as Jacob entered the chamber. Swiftly, he had me pressed against the wall. A groan escaped my lips at the abrupt force.

Jacob's lips crashed against mine. A surge of conflicting emotions coursed through me. His touch was electrifying, igniting a fire within me even as I struggled against it. His unpredictable nature was both exhilarating and terrifying, drawing me in and pushing me away in equal measure.

I could feel the intensity of his desire in the way his hands roamed my body, his movements possessive and demanding. With each kiss, he seemed to be trying to imprint himself upon me, leaving no doubt as to the depth of his passion.

Beneath the heat of the moment, there lingered a sense of unease. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something dark lurking within Jacob, something that threatened to consume both of us if we weren't careful.

His lips trailed down my neck and his hands tightened around me. I found myself surrendering to the intoxicating chaos of our connection, willingly losing myself in the tumultuous whirlwind of our desires.

Lost in the moment, I allowed myself to be swept away by the fervor of Jacob's touch. His lips left a trail of fire down my neck, igniting every nerve ending with searing intensity. With each caress of his hands, I felt myself unraveling, surrendering to the raw passion that pulsed between us.

The world around us faded into oblivion. There was only Jacob and the consuming heat of his desire. Time seemed to stand still as we danced on the edge of euphoria, teetering between pleasure and pain with reckless abandon.

Just as I thought I couldn't bear another moment of the overwhelming sensation, Jacob's touch softened, his movements slowing to a gentle rhythm. In that tender moment, I glimpsed the vulnerability that lurked beneath his hardened exterior, a vulnerability that mirrored my own.

For a fleeting instant, the tumultuous whirlwind of our desires stilled, and in its place bloomed an unspoken understanding.

Now I know what you are thinking. I still loved Jake with all my heart. That would never change. Jacob could be as nice as he was cruel. Sometimes I felt drawn to his charm and handsome physique.

His eyes blazed with anger as Adeline cried. I raced forward before he could reach her. I gently caressed her in my arms as I tried to stop her crying. Jacob was getting more mad by the minute. I rang for her nurse. She hurried and carried the child away.


“Why do you insist on her being in your chambers?”
“She is safer with me.”


Jacob scoffed.


“Do you believe that you could stop me?”
“Adeline was never meant to be born; I wanted a boy.”


I tried to reason with him. He shoved me against the wall yet again. His hand covered my mouth. My head was spinning from the sudden impact.


“One of these days, your mouth will get you in serious trouble.”


He let go of me. I resisted the urge to fall to the floor to catch my breath. He gave me a mock bow as he walked out of the chamber. I could simply escape. I could take Adeline with me and escape. I knew that I would not get that far. Where would I go? Jake my love has been dead for eighteen years. My parents were long gone. I would endure for the sake of my daughter. I pulled myself together. I walked into the dining hall for lunch with my head held high.