Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74

~Chapter 26: Intolerable Percy Hughes~

A couple months passed and the thrums of summer and the prospect of a wedding seemed to linger in the air. As promised, Henry hired a tutor in etiquette and dance for Leora, and he was the most bitter man Jiu had ever seen. Leora had originally suggested for another woman to be her teacher, but Henry detested that idea and wanted it to be done by a man. Not just a man, but the most vulgarly insensitive man alive. His name was Percy Hughes, but insisted that Leora was to call him 'Master Hughes', and she was expected to act like a lady 24/7 whenever he was in the vicinity. Percy Hughes was just as despicable in looks. He was a middle aged man with slicked black hair and blood-shot, grey eyes. He carried a cane with him wherever he went, and Leora's palms soon became proof of its presence. Henry seemed quite fond of him, often saying he was the best person for Leora. But Jiu found this statement absurd. Even he was terrified of the tutor and intentionally avoided certain corridors when he heard heavy footsteps. Leora hadn't painted since his arrival to the manor, and even if she wanted to; he ate up too much of her time and broke her body in the process. She trembled with each step, the full extent of her vigorous dance lessons with Percy Hughes weighing on her. And she was no longer allowed to speak during meals. There wasn't one day where she wasn't punished, and Jiu felt sick just watching it.

That lunch time, Leora and Jiu had arrived early and he'd finally gotten to see her like herself again. Jiu chuckled as Leora placed her spoon on her nose, trying to balance it and keep it in place. The door opened, and Henry and Percy Hughes strode in; a cold feeling covering the once happy dining room. Jiu gulped, yet Leora continued her little game, her back to the door.
Percy's voice, sharp as a whip, cut through the air," Leora, what part of 'ladylike posture' do you not understand? Ladies do not contort their faces like a circus performer."
Leora ignored him, which was an absurdly brave thing to do in Jiu's opinion. Percy's hand shot out, gently tapping the underside of the spoon and causing it to topple off.
Leora glared at him," You made it fall!"
Percy's expression was impassive, his eyes cold as ice," I did, indeed. And now, you will stand in the corner and reflect on your lack of refinement until I deem you ready to rejoin the table."
"I'm not a toddler," Leora raised a bitter eyebrow.
Percy's lips curled into a thin, threatening smile," No, you're not. You're a young lady who desperately needs to learn her place and her manners."
He leaned in close, his voice low and menacing.
"And right now, your place is in that corner until I say otherwise."

Leora grumbled under her breath, storming over to the corner whilst Jiu glanced at his plate, feeling bad for the girl. Henry sat down at the table, seeming quite exhausted.
"Thank you for teaching her, Percy," Henry sighed," I can't have her making a fool of me at my own wedding."
Percy cast a sidelong glance at the dinner table and nodded, his stern expression never quite leaving his face. He was made for war, that much was clear to the general.
"This is stupid!" Leora groaned in the corner, stamping her feet a little.
Percy's head snapped towards Leora, his eyes flashing with barely contained anger. He strode over to her, his voice a low, dangerous whisper.
"Watch your tongue, young lady. Your brother is being far too generous in providing you with a tutor."
Leora scoffed," Try me, smart ass."
His face darkened, his voice dropping to an icy whisper," Very well. If you cannot respect the rules set forth to help you, then perhaps you need a reminder of the consequences."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, leather-bound book. Leora raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"A book?"
Percy opened the book, revealing pages filled with intricate diagrams and notes.
"This, my dear Leora, is a record of every transgression, every lapse in etiquette, every display of childish behavior," His finger traced a line down the page, almost longingly.

"You think a few words scare me?" Leora scoffed.
Percy's expression turns predatory, his eyes gleaming," No, not words. But perhaps actions will."
He turned the page, revealing a section headed 'Punishments'.
"For each infraction, you will face a consequence."
Leora glanced at the punishment list, her eyes widened in horror.
"Writing lines? Reading poems? Swat to the wrist?!"
"Yes, and for more severe infractions, extra practice sessions, restricted liberties, and..."
He paused, his eyes meeting hers.
"...corporal punishment."
Leora glanced at her brother in horror; Jiu also glanced at Henry in shock," Seriously, just for a wedding!?"
Henry shrugged.
Percy closed the book, his gaze returning to Leora," For now, your punishment for insolence is writing lines. He hands her the book. Begin writing 'I will respect Master Hughes and behave properly' fifty times."
Leora snatched the book and started furiously scribbling the lines out. Jiu knew Percy's motives, that much was clear. He intended to break her spirit, remold it, and make it his own.