The duke's wife is a man

chapter 7

"Stop joking around Janella" Jaey said interrupting the cold silence between them.

" Jaey you don't have to do it. You can live the rest of your life without worries and we'll break free from this household."

" Janella, hold your tongue. Both you and I will get in trouble if father hears you"

Janella scoffed at the words father.

"Jaey you will finally be free from all the prying eyes, expectations and this suffocating cage father made. You'll finally be able to breath we both know you wanted to leave you have the chance to now."

"You've had enough, Jaey" she whispered almost desparately. Jaey clenched his fist and was unable to look straight at Janella because he knew somewhere deep in his mind he wanted to leave.

"And what about you?" He said almost angrily

"What will happen to you after I leave? Father will punish you. Your future will change! You will be forced to marry the Duke, Janella! And what about the next head!" Jaey said exasperated.

To him Janellas plan to let him escape was futile everything would be too much of a risk Specially when their father, the viscount had eyes watching every where.

And what would happen to Janella if Jaey left? Only he will have the freedom the two of them wanted.

"Janella, you have a brighter future ahead of you-"

"Who are you to assume my future,Jaey?" Janella suddenly said angrily. Jaey was startled. Janella had never lost her composure when they were together nor did she raise her voice against him.

"Mother and father says the same things. Always planning my future as if I am a doll. " Janella said through gritted teeth and clenched fist.

Silence fell between them and nothing was heard but the sounds of the night birds from the distance.

Jaey had never thought of that. Maybe Jaey was acting like their mother and father unaware of what he was doing and forcing the expectations unto Janella. He felt guilty.

Janella never reacted to what both the viscount  said and always ignored them. Jaey had never thought of how Janella might have felt about it.

"I will dictate my own future."

She said fully determined. Janella was no longer the naive little girl that opened the door in that dark room he had and Jaey had finally realized it.

"Still Janella, If I might be able to get away but what about you?" Jaey asked worried.

"I can handle myself. Lady Linda has offered her help to us. A boat will be waiting for you by the coast and it will arrive at the city of Aines where a carriage will take you through a forest."

"I have arranged everything Jaey. You will live in a cabin in the middle of the woods, the air is fresh and nature is everywhere I'm sure you'll love it there. Lady Linda will send you all the necessity you'll need every month."

Jaey was surprised. Janella was well prepared but he was doubtful and worried.

"Trust me, Jaey"

"Give me some time to think..."

Janella nodded "go to the garden by midnight. I'll be waiting, Jaey" she said before leaving and closing the door to Jaeys room.

^

Janella was wearing a hooded cloak waiting for Jaey. She was anxious, she had been waiting for an hour and was afraid and worried but all of her anxiousness disappeared when Jaey arrived.