Captive Heart

Chapter Five 7/14/22

I first started with my abusive father. How he hit me. How scars were left in place of his whips. He was a drunkard and a bastard who only used me, his own daughter, to relive his anger. Because of my birth into the world, my family went into bankruptcy. So I was left believing I was the reason for their downfall. For a long time, I believed I didn't deserve a thing in the world. I believed I was nothing. Until the Baron had one day brought in another child. Who looked similar to me. But the difference was that he treated her as if she was gold. He took my food and gave it to her. He clothed her with the best, while I was treated in rags. For many days and nights, I starved, locked up in a corner of the house, while hearing his and her laughter.

Strange.

Was that love? It certainly seemed like a much better version of it. I was told many times that the Baron loved me. For that was why I was still alive, for that was why I at least had clothes on the back of my body. The maids often gossiped around me. Speaking badly, not caring. I felt dead. Not alive. That was no love. That was how I'd heard of the Grand Duke wishing for marriage. I had to escape and give myself a chance for that freedom. Anywhere but there. But I did recall the night before my escape, the Baron had wanted me to sign some papers. I believed he was already planning me for marriage. But I refused and left that night crying, bloody and beaten. In amazement, I'd somehow managed to make it to the North with the help of some wandering nomads. Thankfully. As I finished, I could feel tears forming in the tips of my eyes. I watched as the Grand Duke stared. Unsure of what he was thinking.

"Princess... I promise to give you a much better life here. But, beyond a marriage proposal." He whispered, not wanting to rush over the emotions. "If you wish, our marriage can be canceled. And I will still give you the best of what I have."

"No. Grand Duke. I still wish to be married to you. I don't think I mind anymore." I smiled a little. He inched forward even closer. This time, taking me and embracing me. He hugged me until I couldn't feel anything around me. Until it was only him and me. I cried even harder than I'd ever. Tears of sadness, remembrance, and joy.

"Princess... the Grand Duchy will always be a home you can rely on."

I looked at him, smiling. Our faces inching ever closer. It seemed as if he wanted more than just a marriage. He wanted me. But before we could kiss. He quickly backed away, a little nervous.

"I'm afraid, it's only custom to kiss after marriage... here in the Duchy." He nervously smiled, unsure of whether or not he would be able to hold himself back.

"That's quite alright. I admit... I've never kissed someone before." I chuckled.

"...me neither." He smiled. "I suppose we're in this together. My mother has... ahem! Has taught me quite a bit. So no need to fret. I'm sure we'll be fine."

"It seems you have a close relationship with her. I remember Fiona telling me that you'd be quite pleased with me for choosing a dress your mother had made."

"I'm very excited for you to meet her. She's kind, loving, and sweet. I hope she can be a mother to you as well."

"What about your father?" I asked. For a moment, I saw a look of emotions flash over his face. Anger? Sadness? Despair?

"I'd wished we didn't talk about that bastard."

"That's alright." I smiled, grabbing his hand and holding it. "I suppose... since we are to be married soon. I expect us to get used to each other in a way." His ears instantly reddened up.

"Ahem. I suppose so. Let's take a seat. We have all night." He said, grabbing the basket from my hand. "Would you like a cookie?" 

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YAYYAYAYAYYA he's such an amateur. PFFFFFT