Fiery Betrayal

Chapter 3

The next day, Riavan slowly walked outside to a carriage that was parked in front of his home. The duke and his two daughters stood next to the open door as Riavan and the rest of his family walked down the steps to wish them safe travels on their ride home.

Earlier that morning his father came to his room to get him ready to say goodbye and also to apologize. To lessen his punishment he decided it would be best to go along with his father.

With a deep breath, Riavan bowed to the duke and his daughters.

"Please forgive me for my outburst yesterday." He stated  "I hope that you and your daughters can forgive me. I did not mean to insult either of you in any way. I was just.... thrilled to hear your daughter's excitement over the idea of marriage that I was at a loss for words. I would be honored to take her hand in marriage. If you will allow me to do so."

The duke scoffed at his words but turned to his daughter who had the biggest smile on her face. "You sure you want to marry this one? There are plenty of other suitors out there."

The youngest daughter skipped over to Riavan and lifted his head. She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and wrapped her arms in his. "Yes daddy. He is so sweet and he apologized." With her eyes pleading for his agreement, The duke let out a sigh and turned to Radu.

"Well, it's settled then. A deal is a deal. You all come to my city to live and you will have everything we discussed. However, if he has one of that outbursts again the deal is off. Come on, dear. Let's go home."

The eldest daughter and the duke climbed into the carriage with the youngest one right behind them. She laughed and blew a kiss to Riavan before climbing in as well.

Everyone stood on the steps and watched the carriage leave the grounds of the manor. Once the gates shut Riavan jumped when his father placed a hand on his shoulder and dragged him inside

His punishment was soon to come.

Once inside it wasn't long before the shouting began. Riavan stood in silence as he listened to his stepmother shout at him.

"I can't believe you!!" she screamed "After everything we have done for you! You and your stupid outburst could have ruined everything!"

Riavan kept his gaze low as he fidgets with his hands. His voice barely above a whisper. "I-I know... I am sorry I didn't mean to shout the way I did..."

"You always have an excuse but never do anything to fix it!" Azriel shouted. "Selfish, I could lose the opportunity to become a lord all because you can't learn to keep your mouth shut!"

As the shouting continues, Riavan dug his fingers into the fabric of his shirt. Trying his best to block out the hurtful words he was forced to hear.

Your Worthless, a failure, a disgrace. Better off dead.

Each word felt like a dagger that pierced through his heart, causing it to throb in his chest.  It didn't take long before his stepmother stormed off in anger. Leaving him alone with his father and stepbrother.

"Enough talk, it's time for you to be punished."Radu smiled as he turned to Azriel "We can't let this behavior go unchecked now can we?"

Azriel chuckled at his father's words. His cold laugh sent a chill up Riavan's spine. "Definitely not father, anyone who threatens us must be punished, regardless of if their family."

Riavan quickly looked up at his father in horror as he nodded his head in agreement.

"I couldn't agree more. Azriel, get two of my guards and bring them to my office. We want to make sure this brat won't try and run from his punishment. You are coming with me."

With a chilling chuckle, Azriel walked off to do as his father asked while Radu dragged Riavan into his office and slammed the door shut.