INDULGENCE - KILLER X READER (Medieval AU)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Duty

***PRINCESS (Y/N) POV***

Celebratory dinners had once been a thing I had enjoyed.

Amazing food, lively company, beautiful music. A chance to unwind from everyday royal life.

The joy had been spoiled for me now, permanently.

My stomach flipped and tumbled as I stared down at the piles of gourmet food before me, my hands clenched tight in my lap, over the already damp material from spilled liquor, courtesy of my future husband.

I was dwarfed by his presence to my left, his elbows bumping me repeatedly as he went about his drunken merriment, lapping up every lick of attention our guests provided. He smelled of perfume and wine, which further aggravated my guts.

"I offer my congratulations, My Lordship, Your Grace. You make such a stunning couple." Lady Hancock approached, curtseying before us. She was amused by the sight, that much was obvious, and I began to hate her for it.

"Well, thank you, My Lady!" Doflamingo slung his heavy arm over my shoulders and dragged me close into his side, again spilling some of the contents of his goblet down my front in the process. "I feel like the luckiest man to ever exist! A fine couple indeed, do you not agree, my love?!"

My only desire is for someone to poison him. Or me.

All I could manage was a single nod. I had already had my initial breakdown over this news, and I was sure it would not be the last, but now I was stuck in some kind of semi-catatonic state, feeling ill and longing for death.

Marco, who was sat further down the lengthy table, continued to steal glances my way, full of concern and guilt, though Lucci continued to force his attention away from me. It seemed calculated, almost, but perhaps I was just imagining it.

Killer was much further away, on the opposite end of the grand dining hall, but I could feel his gaze. It was something I had learned to recognise, and for the most part, I watched him right back. His presence, however distanced, was like a lifeline right now. I think he knew that too.

The repeated congratulations and compliments from Lords and Ladies alike had me tearing the flesh from my own palms, and eventually it all boiled too close to breaking point. Gritting my teeth, I stood, but Doflamingo's hand flew out to seize me.

"Where do you think you're going, my love?" He questioned, suspicion rich in his deep tone. He suddenly sounded much more sober than he had seemed.
"To the bathroom, My Lord. Is that acceptable?" I had to stay polite, for my own sake, but I wished for nothing more than to drive a fork through his shaded eyesocket.

It took him a few long moments, but eventually he released me, smiling crookedly with perfect teeth.
"Of course, My Love! Hurry back, for every moment without you by my side his torturous..."

Die.

Holding my breath, I slipped away from the table and out into the hall, almost running to the bathroom, no matter how hard my heels made the task. I stank of him, and even when I tried to breathe again, he was all I could smell, all I could taste.

Bile and acidic wine fell from my painted lips into the basin as I lurched over. I was sick to my stomach, trying to play the happy bride to be, even though I was hardly even attempting to pretend.

Disgusting. I hate him. I hate father. I hate this castle. Everything is wrong...

Dabbing at my mouth, I took a moment to calm myself before opening the door, but to my absolute horror, it was blocked by a large, familiar frame.
"My apologies, Your Grace, but I couldn't bear to be without you a moment longer..." Doflamingo purred, almost leering towards me. His height alone was terrifying, but knowing exactly what kind of man he was made that fear a thousand times worse.