I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 45: And... Here comes the beating again.

TRIGGER WARNING: VIOLENCE, AND CHILD ABUSE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Henry Spheral is a despicable, cowardly, and utterly malicious man. From what I can recall of Five's memories, he never showed any genuine affection for her. To him, she was nothing more than a stain on the Spheral family name. If it was up to him, he wanted Five dead, but the head of the Spheral Family stopped him as Five still had some kind of use to them. Now, here he is, acting like he's a loving father, publicly showering praise on his so-called "beloved" daughter at the Royal Ball. It makes me wonder if the Head of the Family ordered him to seek me out.

"Your mother and I missed you terribly after you got married," he said, his expression mimicking worry, "You never wrote to us, not once. Your mother was so upset, she insisted that I come to see you. How have you been, my child?" 

The words dripped from his lips, coated in a layer of insincerity, as if he cared. I could hear the hollow echo of his concern, knowing all too well how little he meant it. It was all a show. A performance for the public eye. Something that felt strangely familiar and disgusting at the same time. A vague part of me that was so clear earlier had experienced this from somewhere. A memory that wasn't part of Five's but my own.

Since we were in a public setting, I had no choice but to play along. If he sensed even the slightest suspicion, there was no telling what he might do with so many people watching. I needed to stay in character, or else my carefully planned scheme would fall apart.

"Please forgive me, it's not that I didn't want to write," I said, speaking clearly and calmly, "Being newlywed and adjusting to my duties as Duchess has been overwhelming. I promise to make more time for myself and send letters from now on."

"I see..." His voice trails off as he glances back at the person behind him.

Zwei stood silently, his bright yellow eyes glowing with an intensity that reminded me of the morning sun; sharp, radiant, and unyielding. He watched our every move with the precision of a hawk tracking its prey. I imagined Henry must have felt a chill under that unblinking gaze, but for me, I simply found his eyes mesmerizing and beautiful. Henry, clearly uncomfortable under Zwei's stare, quickly diverted his attention. 

"And who is this young man?" he asked, clearly trying to avoid meeting Zwei's gaze.

Hugh bowed respectfully, his voice smooth as he introduced himself, "Greetings, Your Grace. I am Hugh Salvaster."

Henry's eyes widened with recognition.

"Ah! The famous singer from the LILY Opera!" he exclaimed, "I've heard many wonderful things about you. Thank you for allowing my daughter to perform alongside you during such an important event."

Hugh smiled a warm expression on his face, "The honor was mine, Your Grace. If it weren't for the Lady, I would have found myself in quite a bit of trouble."

"Is that so?" Henry chuckled lightly, "Well, I'm glad my daughter could be of help to you."

Henry then gestured toward me, his tone shifting, "If you don't mind, I'd like to catch up with my daughter."

Hugh glanced at me, his eyes briefly searching for any sign of discomfort or uncertainty as if he sensed something was off with the conversation. I didn't want him to become involved in whatever Henry was planning to do, so I nodded and gave him a reassuring smile.

"I would love that," I said, before adding, "And Hugh, I believe His Majesty and Her Majesty are waiting for you as well."

"Alright," said Hugh with a small sigh of relief before leaving me alone with Henry.