Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74

~Chapter 31: Let me out~

At 6pm, Percy went to Leora to give her a dance lesson and expect an apology from her for being struck and cowering in her room instead of meeting him in the designated place for dance lessons. He couldn't care less about any of Jiu's threats. He intended to make her realise he was one not to be trifled with. Leora hadn't noticed Percy entering her room, and was busy combing her hair, absentmindedly and distant.
Percy leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, watching Leora as she sat at her vanity, brushing her hair. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were cold.
"You're late."
Leora sighed, looking at him in the mirror," So what?"
Percy pushed off from the doorframe, striding into the room. His heels clicked against the hardwood floor, the sound echoing ominously.
"So what?" he echoed, his voice mocking," So what that you keep me waiting? So what that you're late for our lesson?"
Leora glanced at him, bitterly," You're never ha-..."
She trailed off spotting a large bruise on this left cheek.
"What's that?"
Percy's hand instinctively went to his cheek, feeling the tender skin.
"None of your concern," he snapped, his eyes flashing with annoyance," Now, are you going to stand there gawking all day, or are we going to have our lesson?"

Leora let out a long sigh, turning in her seat to face him with a scowl," I thought you wanted me to apologize for earlier?"
Percy's lips curled into a cold smirk," An apology? How considerate of you to remember. Very well, I'm waiting."
He stood there, his posture rigid and expectant, the air between them thick with tension.
"Well? Go on then."
"Not happening," Leora huffed, meeting his gaze with her own smirk," You deserved that hit I gave you. Clearly someone else agreed, too. That bruise wasn't from me."
Percy's smirk faded as quickly as it had appeared, his expression turning stony.
"Your precious bodyguard was a little overzealous, but rest assured, he won't try it again," Percy's smirk returned, and he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial whisper.
Leora glanced away, confused, furrowing her eyebrows," 'Bodyguard'?"
"Yes, your bodyguard," Percy repeated, his eyes never leaving Leora's face," The one who's been following you around, keeping a watchful eye. He's quite devoted to you, isn't he?"
"Jiu?" Leora scoffed," He's a friend, not a bodyguard."
Percy's expression soured, as if the idea of Jiu and Leora being merely friends was laughable.

"Keep telling yourself that, princess," He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm," Now, let's get this lesson underway, shall we?"
"No," Leora shook her head," I want to know what you mean. Jiu punched you?"
Percy's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching in his cheek.
"It seems your little friend doesn't know his place," He said, his voice low and dangerous," He overstepped. But don't worry your pretty little head about it."
Leora growled, glaring at him," You don't seem to know your place either, Percy. How do you think my brother would feel? After all, he is the one who gave you this job. That you're getting involved with his guests and getting under their skin, whilst you're supposed to be shaping me into a well-mannered, able to dance, Victorian woman for his wedding. I daresay he wouldn't be very impressed."
Percy's smirk faded, his expression turning serious.
"You think to threaten me, little girl?" He asked, his voice low.
"Call me a little girl, but your very job is on thinner ice with each insult and punishment you give me," Leora crossed her arms," You've forgotten your place, Percy Hughes. And I'm here to remind you."

Percy's face flushed with anger," You overestimate your power, Leora. Your brother hired me to make you presentable, and that's exactly what I intend to do. Even if it means putting your little pet in his place."
"He is not a pet or an accessory!" Leora snapped," He is my friend! Why will no one understand that!?"
"Because he's clearly infatuated with you," Percy retorted coldly," And it seems he's not the only one. Your brother's guests have been whispering about you two. It's quite unbecoming, really."
He crossed his arms, his gaze unyielding, his voice dripping with disdain.
"A foreign man and a common one at that. You think your brother would approve of you cavorting with the likes of Jiu? He's probably expecting you to set your sights on some titled gentleman, not a...a..."
"Hold your tongue!" Leora yelled.
"A...a...what, Leora?" Percy taunted, leaning in close," Say it. Say the word that's on the tip of my tongue. The word that describes exactly what Jiu is. Go on, say it."
Leora sharply punched Percy, something no noble woman should ever do," It was my fist on the tip of your tongue, clearly!"
Percy stumbled back, clearly shocked. His hand flew to his jaw, rubbing the reddening spot where Leora's fist had connected. He stared at her, his eyes wide. And then, he laughed. A deep, booming laugh that filled the room.
"Oh, Leora..."

His laugh instantly faded, a harsh look in his eyes.
"You just made a grave mistake," Percy said, his voice low and dangerous.
He advanced on her, his tall frame looming.
"A lady does not strike a gentleman. Ever."
His hand shot out, grabbing her wrist in an iron grip. Leora screamed, thrashing and writhing desperately.
"Let go!" Leora yelled.
Percy yanked her against him, pulling her close," You've forced my hand, my dear."
Leora screamed, thrashing desperately, trying to escape. Percy half-dragged, half-carried her to the large, heavy wardrobe, wrenching open the doors. He thrust her inside, despite her struggles, and slammed the doors shut. He locked them from the outside, her muffled protests echoing from within.
"LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT RIGHT NOW!" Leora screamed, furiously, thrashing against the doors.
Percy ignored her screams, moving to sit at his desk. He took out a sheet of paper and began to write, his hand steady.
He called out over her continued yelling," Scream all you like, Leora. No one will hear you."
Leora tried to force the doors open with all of her strength. It was no good. The doors creaked and shook under her force, but remained firmly locked. Percy looked up from his writing, his expression unchanging.
"You're wasting your energy, Leora. The locks are reinforced. You won't be getting out of there anytime soon."

"Why did you put me in here!?" Leora yelled.
"Because you needed to learn a lesson," Percy called back, eerily calm," A lady does not strike a gentleman. And a noble woman certainly shouldn't be throwing punches. Now, you'll have some time to reflect on your behavior."
"In a wardrobe!?"
"Yes, in a wardrobe," Percy confirmed, returning to his writing," It's quiet, dark, and you won't be able to escape. Perfect for reflection, don't you think? Besides, it's not like you can't breathe in there."
Leora melted onto her knees," You're trying to kill me..."
"Hardly," Percy chuckled, not looking up from his paper," Just teaching you a lesson. You'll survive, I'm sure. And when you emerge, you'll be a better behaved lady, won't you?"
With an angry scream, Leora shoved her entire weight and anger upon the wardrobe door. She broke the door, and came out, heaving with anger. Percy looked up, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as Leora burst out of the wardrobe. He stood slowly, his chair scraping against the floor.
Leora limped a little, injured from the ordeal," That's it... I've had it... I'm getting you fired..."
"Is that so?" Percy sighed, his voice low. He began to slowly unbutton his waistcoat, his eyes never leaving Leora's face," Then come here and make me."

He spread his arms wide, inviting her to approach. Leora raised an eyebrow.
"Afraid I won't make it easy for you, my dear. You want to have me fired? You'll have to physically remove me from this house first," Percy began to roll up his shirt sleeves, his movements deliberate.
His eyes glinted challengingly. Leora immediately pounced on him, screaming in anger. Percy caught her around the waist, twisting so that her back hit the wall. He pinned her arms above her head, his face inches from hers.
"Physical force, hm?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper," Very well."
Leora struggled against his grip, managing to kick her leg upwards to hit his crotch. Percy grunted in pain as Leora's kick connected with his groin. He doubled over for a moment, releasing her arms. But he quickly recovered, his face twisted in anger. He grabbed Leora's ankle and yanked her leg out from under her, sending her crashing to the floor. Leora grabbed his shirt in the process, dragging him down with her. Percy landed heavily beside her, his breath huffing out of him. He glared at Leora, his eyes stormy.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Leora," he growled, grabbing both her wrists and pinning them beside her head.
Leora tried to kick him off, desperately.

Percy easily avoided her kicks, using his body weight to press her into the floor.
"Enough," he snapped, his voice harsh.
He released one of her wrists to grab her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"You're only hurting yourself with this tantrum."
Leora's angry yells faded into breathless pants as she stared up at the monster pinning her to the floor. Percy's gaze flickered to her mouth, then back to her eyes. His breathed heavy.
"You're strong, but you're no match for me, physically."
He slowly released his hold on her, sitting back on his knees. Leora turned away from him, crying angrily on the floor. Percy watched her for a moment, his expression unreadable. He glanced away as the house made an ungodly and disturbing groan. Percy shrugged it off. He stood up.
"Get up," he commanded, unkindly," We're not done with our lesson yet."
The girl scrambled up, scrubbing her tears away.
Percy gestured to the desk," Sit down."
When she complied, he began to unbuckle his belt, the leather groaned ominously. Leora noticed and shook her head, desperately; fear in her eyes. Percy paused, his eyes meeting hers.
"You should have thought about the consequences before you attacked me," he said coldly.
He finished unbuckling the belt, snapping it sharply.