Chapter 474 Discovering Mary’s Escape
Ashley was shocked. "No, no... that's not necessary... I can't trouble you with this. Let the maid do it."
Ethan gave her a mischievous smile. "Are you shy? There's nothing about your body I haven't seen before. The maids can be rough with their hands. I'm afraid they might hurt your wounds. I'd better do it myself."
As he spoke, Ethan began unbuttoning Ashley's clothes without waiting for permission. Ashley tried to resist, but her fingers were trembling and weak - she was no match for him.
"How... how can you do this. I told you I don't want to keep seeing you."
Only Ashley knew how guilty she felt saying those words.
Ethan's hands paused while wringing out the washcloth. His eyes lowered, a flicker of pain in his heart. He laughed softly, "I know. Once I've cleaned you up and applied the medicine, I'll leave."
Ashley's face turned crimson. She couldn't win against him.
She had no choice but to let him remove her clothes. With each movement, her face grew hotter and her heart beat faster.
Finally, Ashley closed her eyes and pretended to be somewhere else.
Ethan carefully washed her body, gently avoiding her wounds. His movements were tender, as if he were handling a precious jewel.
After an agonizing hour, he finally finished cleaning her and applying the medicine.
"There," Ethan said. "The maid will bring you breakfast soon. Eat and then rest."
"Okay."
"I have matters to attend to. I'll see you tonight."
"Fine."
In her mind, Ashley was pleading, 'Please leave quickly, I can't hold on much longer.'
Ethan gazed at her longingly before turning to leave. The moment the door closed, Ashley let out a deep breath. She had been holding her emotions in so tightly that sweat had formed on her forehead from the tension.
She exhaled deeply, feeling like a deflated balloon. Recalling how Ethan had just bathed her, her face instantly turned as red as an apple.
Noticing the ointment was almost gone, Ethan called for the doctor. "We're running low on medicine. Has that special remedy you mentioned been procured?"
"Your Highness, I've learned that Asclepius is coming to a research facility in Gold Valley District. I plan to meet him today to purchase the medicine."
"Good. Make it quick," Ethan replied. "We can't run out."
After giving his instructions, Ethan turned to Ian. "How are things in the dungeon?"
"Your Highness, Mary is still undergoing punishment."
Ethan's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes burning with vengeful intent. "Let's pay a visit to the dungeon."
The two men made their way there.
Upon seeing Prince Totti arrive, the guards stood at attention, zealously tormenting the woman bound to the cross. When the head guard spotted him, there was a flash in his eyes before he turned and fled.
"How many punishments has she endured?" Ethan asked.
"Your Highness, only five types so far. Each one was administered a hundred times. When she was near death, we gave her the special medicine to revive her so the punishment could continue."
Ethan nodded with satisfaction, examining the disheveled woman.
Her hair was matted and covered most of her face, leaving only a vague outline visible.
Ethan frowned; this face didn't look like Mary's!
With this thought, he stepped forward, pushed back her hair and lifted her face.
When he saw her features, fury ignited in his eyes.
"Your Highness," Ian exclaimed in shock, "what's happening... this... isn't Mary..."
A cruel, bloodthirsty smile curved Ethan's lips. In that moment, he resembled a predatory beast about to devour someone. In a cold, harsh voice he commanded, "Useless fools! The prisoner was switched and none of you noticed! Guards! Arrest everyone who's been on duty these past two days for questioning!"
At his command, all the surrounding guards were seized.
Ethan turned and strode away quickly. Ian hurried after him. "Where are we going, Your Highness?"
"To the Earl's manor!"
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