The Earl's Daughter (Benedict x OC)

Heroine in distress

Benedict's P.O.V.

I was still curing my hangover due to last night. But remembering that Lilith mouthed the words I love you made my heart shatter. If she marries Lord Nachtnebel I will never marry hoping one day he will leave and we can be together. I tried to paint to get my mind off of her, but she was my muse. Her imperfections like how she hated her nose but I loved it because it just fit her perfectly and made her who she was. I wanted to make a gallery collection just of her to show the world what I see but without her I have not been able to paint. Since everyone was out and about I decided to get out of my room and show everyone I'm not dead. When I entered the living room I could see my mother and Collin both curing their hangovers as well. One of the maids brought me a drink because they knew I was going through it as well. Suddenly, the door swung open with Ear and Countess Radcliff gasping for air. Everyone came out of their rooms when they heard the Countess scream. I rushed over to talk to them.

" Earl Radcliff, what is the meaning of this house call?" Anthony asked calmly. " Lilith, was taken. Nachtnebel has been blackmailing us for months and finally took her," Countess Radcliff explained, frantic. " When did they leave!" I asked. " They just left but I am only one man I can't fight him." Earl Radcliff proclaimed. " We trust you please, we know you love our daughter," Countess radcliff. " I will come with you and Anthony and Collin can get their horses ready and meet us." I responded. " Thank you, you can take Barak since Joanne rode him here." Earl Radcliff replied. " Countess, let me get you some tea," Daphne said walking towards her. " Thank you, dear." The Countess responded.

I rushed outside and jumped onto Barak. I knew he was fast and I needed him to achieve that today. Earl Radcliff brought General and a pair of Lilith's gloves to catch a scent. General took a few minutes but when he picked it up he howled and started to run. Lord Radcliff and I chased after him and soon so did Anthony and Collin, she needed to be alive. I couldn't bear to lose her. We checked every carriage and I didn't see her beautiful face. I was starting to lose hope and start to venture into the countryside. I could tell Anthony and Collin were getting tired so I let them leave and it was just lord Radcliff and I searching. We spent hours looking but it was starting to get dark so we bunked in a nearby inn for the night. I didn't want to sleep or eat but I need to have some strength. I walked down to the inns' dining room and saw Lord Radcliff eating stew by himself. I sat down next to him and had a bowl and some ale. I didn't want to drink too much cause I didn't need a hangover during my search but I did want to numb my nerves. I just hope Lilith doesn't have a scratch on her from him but I know that she has hurt her so many times. All of these thoughts just clouded my head.

" You remind me of myself when I was younger." He said, breaking the silence. " What do you mean?" I asked. "I was a musician, playing my violin whenever I wanted too. But when duty called I gave it all up, I sometimes play for the girls when I get the chance," he explained. "Did you teach lilith?" I asked. " Yes, but I have to ask a question?" He replied. I nodded. " Do you love me daughter?" He answered. " Yes, but I know she is indecisive at the moment so I can wait till she is ready." I said. " Well, whenever that may be I give you my blessing, treat her right." he said. " Thank you, hopefully we find her tomorrow." I replied. He nodded back.

We walked back to our rooms and slept till the early morning then began to ride again. Once again we gave General the gloves but it wasn't much help since it rained in the night. It was dark and stormy, I feared we wouldn't find her because nobody was on the road except us but Earl Radcliff knew this road because this is how they got from Germany to the ton. We were about thirty miles from a port so time was running out for us to find her. I was starting to get worried that we would never find her but I couldn't think about it. I noticed a brown Carriage that looked worn down, something a lord who never rode in so I ignored it and tried to keep moving but Earl Radcliff kept staring at it till something clicked in his mind.