Chapter 39 - Law Is Law
I'd like to refuse Princess Lyland's kindness, but it doesn't look like a wise thing to do in my situation.
In the end, I have to accept one stranger more in my surroundings.
I return to my chambers and wash with warm towels. I clean the wounds on my hands with hot water, and then I wear a simple dress, one of those that the Duke prepared especially for .
It's still early, I won't be able to get rid of the maids for so more, so there's no use in wearing a nightgown.
Still, I lie on the bed and close my eyes, trying to think about sothing joyful. I think about my early childhood when my brother was born. I only have a brief mory about that, since I was too little. I rember how my mother told to take care of him because no one will be a better friend to .
After a while, I can forget about what happened and relax on the bed. I turn to the side, and the sounds of a conversation co to .
?I was starting to like the Duchess,? a maid whispers to another one. ?It's a pity that sothing like this happened. Do you think the Duke will divorce??
?Divorce? He can't ask the Emperor to take back a decision he made in front of the whole court. He will just kill her to get back his honour. It's the right of every husband that is betrayed.?
?But the Duke likes the Duchess!? the first one notes. ?He won't be able to kill her just like that.?
?I know, but he has to. Laws are laws...?
Laws? Is there a law that says that a husband has to kill his wife? By the way, I didn't betray anyone!
?We won have to bear with it,? the maid sighs. ?The Duchess sure was reckless, though. She should have been more careful.?
Their words breach into my heart, as I open my eyes abruptly.
Will Alexander really kill ? I've done nothing wrong, so he should be more understanding.
I can't sleep for the whole night, and the only positive side of this story is that the Princess's maid convinced the others to leave alone. She sat on a chair in a corner and embroidered for the whole ti.
If I wasn't going to die, I'd ask her to teach . However, it would be a waste of her ti.
I turn restlessly in bed until she gets up and brings a cup of tea.
?This will help you sleep, your grace,? she whispers.
I accept the cup and sip the liquid, even though I don't want to sleep. I don't want to waste my last hours.
I write a letter to my brother. I'll ask Alexander to send it to Asteria after my death.
I also place back the jewels I hid for ergency situations. I should still try to run away while I can, but I don't have any energy left. It's better to just get it over with.
What's the point of struggling to live? There is nothing, out there, for . My brother's position is safe in Asteria thanks to my mother's relatives, but my appearance would put him at risk.
I'll just let him know that I'm dead so that he can stop waiting for .
Maybe, I should end it with my own hands. At least, I would make sure not to feel pain in the last monts of my life.
Yet, I can't hurt myself. I'm not brave enough, and I don't want to end up in hell. It's simpler to just wait.
In the morning, Patricia and the other maids barge in as if nothing happened.
I sit on the dressing table, and she starts to comb my hair. Her hands are brusquer than usual, but there's no use in complaining. Who would pay attention to a sentenced to death?
I look at my pale face, and I smile. The end result is a weird grimace, so I stop trying. I will just be rembered with this gloomy expression.
?I want a dark purple dress,? I say.
A couple of maids run to the closet to search for a suitable attire, while I consider wearing the gown of my first night of marriage. It's not purple but mauve, but I like it as well.
When the doors are slamd open, I wince on my seat, but I don't move from here. I still have so dignity.
?Have you heard of knocking?? I ask, rather naturally.
The Duke looks at , and then at Patricia. She has my hair in one hand and the comb in the other.
All the people in the room are staring at the Duke with surprise. So of them are in the middle of doing sothing, so they froze in a weird position.
?Get your hands off her,? the Duke murmurs, and he moves his eyes away. ?And leave, all of you!?
I see Princess Lyland's maid bowing quickly and running away. She's probably returning to her master.
The other maids follow in silence. A few risk stealing a last glance to , and I stare back at them coldly. I don't want them to rember a frightened Duchess, so I smile bitterly.
?And you don't need to co back,? the Duke adds before they can close the door.
Of course, a dead woman doesn't need servants.
I turn back to the mirror and finish the work Patricia left at half. I then braid my hair simply, trying to look as tidy as I can.
I walk to the wardrobe and open a drawer.
?Can I change clothes first?? I ask.
The Duke nods, and I take out the purple dress.
At least, I won't die in front of many people. And also, my corpse will look in order.
If the Duke doesn't overdo it.
I glance at him, and my stomach turns on itself. His face is furious, and his breathing nervous.
I change as quickly as I can, trying not to anger him even more.
Reviews
All reviews (0)