INDULGENCE - KILLER X READER (Medieval AU)

CHAPTER FOUR: Lend an Ear

"(Y/N), dear, eat your meal. If it goes cold you shall end up with a pained stomach."

I glared daggers at my step-mother from the other end of the table, my food remaining untouched, steam fading away as it sat before me.
"I refuse to partake until I see an end to this nonsense." I growled, my fists tightening around the material in my lap when my father bared his teeth.

"Nonsense? The only nonsense is your inability to follow orders!" He barked, one of his skittish servants refilling his thrice empty wineglass. "Your duty as Princess is to marry a high-born man and give me heirs! Princes!"

But I'm the rightful heir!

"Sweet girl, Hina married your father by Hina's father's command, and your mother before me." My father's wife, Hina, tried to talk me down, but it only irritated me more, especially the way she spoke in third person.

"An event that likely contributed to her decision to kill herself..." I muttered bitterly, flinching when a heavy fist slammed down upon the table.
"Enough! Your chosen suitors shall be arriving on the 'morrow! You shall treat them with respect, and you shall make them believe you will make a fine wife!"

I fought the urge to bang the table as hard as he had, but I knew it would result in nothing but punishment, so I just sat there, grinding my teeth over the sides of my tongue, tasting the faint tang of copper.

"Tell Hina about your new ruffian guard. Has he been doing well on his first day?" The youthful woman across the table asked, trying to ease the tension. I had no personal issue with Lady Hina. She was not cruel to me, but her kindness was shallow and only out of obligation. I merely resented the fact that she sat where my mother once had.

"Yes." I responded through grit teeth, finally picking up my fork and poking at the seared fish on my plate. "Ser Killer is very respectful and has already proven my assumptions correct. He is a fine guard."

Neither my father nor my step-mother seemed convinced of what I was saying, but at the very least they chose to hold any negative comments.
"In the morning a tailor shall pay visit to your quarters to fit you for a new gown. On the fortnight your engagement shall be announced. You should consider yourself blessed that I am giving you any input at all." My father took a swig of his wine, and I stood abruptly, a servant catching my chair before it could fall.

Two weeks...

"Pardon my leave, Father. Step-Mother. I suddenly feel unwell. Have a pleasant evening." I spoke flatly, unable to force any form of polite tone into my voice before curtseying and turning to leave.

The moment I stepped out the door, Killer was at my heel, having been waiting in the hall for my exit. Not a word was spoken for the longest time, the only sound being my heels clicking against the stone floor, and Killer's boots only seconds out of time.

Instead of my room, I stormed my way out into the vast garden, continuing until I felt as though I was far enough away from the castle, and my family, before I dropped down into a skirted squat, hiding my face in my covered knees.

"Are...you okay, Your Grace..?" Killer asked cautiously, having stopped a few feet away. I knew I likely looked a pathetic fool, but I needed to vent, and he was less likely to be ever-prying like Perona.

"Killer, tell me, what are your thoughts on political marriage? Forced marriage?" I asked him, my voice taut to near breaking point.
"If I'm honest, Your Grace, it sickens me."

I'm glad you feel you can be truthful with me.

Uttering a frustrated laugh, I brushed a hand back through my hair, likely causing it to look a right mess.
"I must say I have to agree with you..." The garden wasn't completely silent, buzzing with the song of lustful cicadas, filling in the short while where no human words were spoken.