The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

24) Please

A/N - just going to put a trigger warning here❌

Annabelle's POV

The authorities sat in our drawing room awaiting our presence. I quickly refreshed my face before standing tall and making my way down the stairs with my hand looped through my husbands arm. His support was very much appreciated. I remained composed as the daring eyes of the authorities studied my features.

So many questions ran through my mind. Who did this? Who is this man? Why our gardens? Do they think this is us?

My heart felt as though it ought to escape my chest.

"Your grace" The first officer lowered his head and removed his hat.

"I regret to inform you that the body we discovered has still not yet been identified. For in fact it seems this gentleman was from out of town. Do you know anyone who would try to place your titles and virtues in displeasure?" His eyes pierced through my soul.

"I'm afraid I do not". My tone sharp, I fear my heavy breathing may be giving away my true fear.

"I see, I would like to leave my men on guard for the next two weeks. I would like them to surround your castle grounds. However, this would require your permission. Please take note that this will ensure your safety and I assure you we will find out who did this and what the motive is."

"I believe I speak for the both of us, we would very much agree to your offer and if there is anyway we can assist you or your men. Please do let us know." Colin spoke so confidently. I suppose the title he know bears isn't all that bad.

Colin locked eyes with me, I absorbed his reassurance.

"Very well. I shall bid you both goodbye for now. Please don't hesitate to contact any of us" the officer lowered his head once more before leading his men out.

"Colin, I" My shaky voice faded.

"You do not have to speak my love. I understand. You should rest, for you have troubled eyes and you look rather pale." His eyes traced my face as he took my hand in his and lay his arm around my waste. Guiding me up the stairs and to our bedroom.

I don't feel I will ever recover from this situation. How could I?

Colin lay with me all night, through my slight tears and my heavy heart. He stayed through it all.

The next morning I woke before the sun had risen. My ears full of Colin's heavy breathing. I watched his face as he slept, he was my knight in shining armour last night. He is my person. Just when I feel I couldn't love him anymore, his support, his loyalty, his love. It's something quite unlike any other soul I have come across.

I lay watching him for quite some time, the sun began to shine, but it still lay low. I grew restless. Taking my corner of the sheets, I lightly removed myself from our bed. I took my robe from the stand beside my door and left the room.

Making my way towards the second floor I opened the doors to the balcony which over looked my gardens. I felt the breeze take over my skin, a shiver through my spine. Nothing quite like the morning air to help a weary mind. My father once said that to me, on one of his good days. I watched the greenery, the tall trees brush together in the wind. The birds chirping in coordination to one another. I felt at peace.

A rustle came from behind a large plant in the corner of the balcony. My fear from the events that took place yesterday came back. I took a step back, tripping over what I can only assume was my own feet. I fell to the ground. My back rested on the white fence. The only thing that stood between myself and the fall to the ground.

I studied the plant. A male figure popped out.

"Do not scream or I will hurt you." His filthy appearance and crooked teeth. I recognise his face, but can't picture where from.

I rapidly nod my head in agreement.

"I require your assistance. The man found in your woods yesterday. Oh don't look so shocked." He tutted and I feared his boldness. "Your family, they had this coming. You see, your father promised so much to me pet. Though it has been some time since he passed. I am yet to receive payment." He stepped closer to me.

"Here are your options. You either sign over half your land to me, or I shall have to think of other ways I may find payment... from you."

Lord Westington. Right before my very own eyes. I couldn't find the strength to  pull myself from the ground. I stayed glued to the floor. How was I to recognise him, he looks so rough.

"Well?" His impatient tone made me petrified. This man, his previous intentions... how am I to possibly get myself through this.

"Please, you must leave now if you wish to spare your head. Colin will be out any moment." Tears ran freely down my now pale cheeks.

"Oh deer, don't be so foolish. I've just seen him. Fast asleep." He stepped closer to me. Towering over my small frame.

"Remember if you scream, I will kill you." He pulled a sharp object from his pocket.

"Please" I begged as he kicked my face to the ground.

My lose tears turned to sobs. He gripped my wrists with his left hand pinning me to the ground. I thrashed in his grip. Praying he would somehow come to struggle at my movement, but this only tempted him more. He began to feel his way through the top half of my night dress.

I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. All I could find was the word "please".

This led to a knew to my stomach. The pain almost sending me into a deadly state.
I couldn't breathe. This was it. This time I'm truly ruined.

His hands travelled further down my body, reaching an area only Colin had been. I began to shake more vigorously. 

He reached for his own region after lifting up my night dress. At my entrance there was a pause. As if all the world around me was on mute. I could see what was happening but I couldn't hear nor could I move. As though is suffered from locked in syndrome.

The silence broke as four of my guards came running through the balcony doors, throwing the bastard off me.

I looked down, pulling my night dress to cover my dignity. When I noticed a pool of blood. My vision betrayed me as my head fell back to the ground.

I could just make out Colin's figure,
I could feel his grip on me. But that was  all. I felt still.