The guards of the Windsor Estate caught us by surprise, and we were forced to be pressed against the wall.
Maxie was slowly approaching us, as if she was a hunter who had trapped a large prey. A smug smile never left her face.
— Beauty, do you rember what I told you?
I didn't say anything.
— If you behave well, I will not punish you, — she deliberately stretched out the following words, — Today you are guilty.
Razor and I are in a dead end from which there is no way out. Most likely, Maximiliana foresaw in advance that we might try to escape, and specially removed all the guards. To create the illusion of freedom for us… Then abruptly raise the nets. A sneaky trick that I was completely unprepared for.
The guy and I exchanged glances. And how to get out of it now?
— We just decided to take a walk in the fresh air, — Razor intervened, — Or is it impossible for us?
— Ah! So it was a walk,» the girl let out an ironic laugh, «In that case, should I report it to my father?»
We turned white.
If the Marquess of Windsor finds out about our escape attempt, it will only get worse. Being the owner of the house, he could have locked us back in the dungeon, or even killed us altogether. This was the worst case scenario.
— N-no! No need!
Looking at our excited faces, Maxie only got more amused.
— What's the matter? So it wasn't just a «walk»?
Maxie knew everything perfectly well, but she still continued to mock. It was pissing off. Who knew that in my youth my beloved heroine had such a bad character?
Despite my anger, I had to add a respectful tone to my speech:
«Please don't tell the Marquis. I promise it won't happen again.»
The girl grinned.
«And what do I get out of your promise?» You broke the rules, and you have to pay.
The second prince wanted to argue, but I held his hand. Now is clearly not the best ti to enter into conflicts. It depended on Maxie what would happen to us in the future, and I tried to negotiate diplomatically. In such a situation, actions in a hurry will definitely not lead to sothing good.
— What do you need? I asked bluntly.
— Hmm? I don't even know where you got the idea that I'm still going to bargain with you.
«If that's not the case, then you would have inford the Marquis in advance,» I said, «but even though you knew everything, you ca alone. This is clearly not for nothing.
Maxie was watching with interest.
— Okay, beautiful. And what can you offer ?
I stumbled. There were few options, more precisely, only one. And I didn't know beforehand if she would find it useful enough to agree. But there is nowhere without risk in the current situation.
«I'll obey you,» I promised, «and I won't try to escape anymore.»
Razor looked at in surprise, and even without words it beca clear that he was very against it. But what else could I do? If this is the only way to protect both of us, I was willing to go for it.
— Eh? Is that how it is? — Maxie ca even closer and looked mockingly into my eyes, — So you promise to be a good girl?
It was humiliating, but I nodded.
When I get out of here, I'll forget being here like a bad dream. But now I was just a powerless prisoner in their hands, ready to do anything to survive.
— And this is interesting, — she laughed, — I like this offer.
I held my breath.
— So you agree?
The girl looked at thoughtfully from top to bottom, focusing her gaze on her face. I have no idea what was going on in her head, and I didn't even want to guess. If only it would all be over as soon as possible.
In the end, she gave out:
— You got it, beautiful. But you promised. If you cheat this ti, my father's punishnt will seem to you only fun, compared to mine.
I swallowed, and despite my own pride, I said:
— I promise.
***
Thus, my «new life» began at the estate of the Marquis of Windsor.
Waking up at six in the morning, Razor and I had breakfast in the servants' dining room, where everyone present looked at us strangely. Most likely, there was not a single person left in the house who did not know about what had happened.
Therefore, almost everyone avoided us, knowing about our origin as aristocrats of Azeroth. The inhabitants of Oberon hated this kingdom, even though they were his subjects. As a result, although all these people did not dare to openly dislike, they threw sharp insults after them. Probably thought we wouldn't hear.
The atmosphere was not pleasant, but as long as we stayed together, we could put up with it.
«Are you really going to let her bully you?» — the prince angrily asked about it when we were sitting in the corner of the dining room.
— And what else can we do, — I sighed, — If Maxie gives us to the Marquis, then everything will be over.
«Even so… You're above her in status. The fact that she's going to push you around is simply unthinkable…!»
— Have you already forgotten? — I smiled bitterly, — In this country we have no rights. It's good if these people at least don't kill us.
Razor pursed his lips.
— I'm sorry… — he said guiltily, — If it wasn't for my idea… That girl wouldn't have caught us.
— Co on. I'm good too. In the end, at least we tried.
The second Prince sighed heavily.
We looked gloomily at our plates, where instead of the previous huge selection of dishes, there was only one unleavened oatal. I never thought that soday, in the role of the Archduke's daughter, I would survive under such conditions.
Well, can I at least lose weight?
But I didn't have ti to finish even this ager breakfast, because a servant quickly ran into the dining room, informing that Maxie was looking for .
I had to say goodbye to the guy and head to the training ground. Since I beca Maxie's personal maid, I had to accompany her everywhere. And with her rhythm of life, it seed quite tiring.
The girl's usual daily routine included sword training with other knights, which lasted from early morning until the evening. In the remaining hours, she studied with her personal tutor.
In other words, I had to spend most of the day outside in the scorching sun, waiting for her to need sothing from . On the playground, Maxie was sparring with knights from the House of Windsor, but when she noticed , she smiled fleetingly.
As a sign of greeting, I nodded to her and sat down under a tree, watching her swing her sword. And for this I have to get up at six in the morning every day…? That's really a loss.
While I was watching the fight with a bored expression, I thought about this.
If so far I have not interfered in any way with her fate, then the future life of the ntor Brisney should go the sa way as in the original plot. In other words, very soon, she will lose all her relatives.
Since I knew almost all of her biography by heart, I was aware in advance that in the near future the Marquess of Windsor would decide on a coup. Despite the fact that throughout his life the man was the first knight and the right hand of the king, he renounced his title after seizing power over their country Azeroth.
Feeling injustice for his holand, Rodrigue Windsor simply could not calmly look at how his ruler beca soone else's puppet. And, moreover, to contribute to the further humiliation of their country. He decided to give up all awards and beco an independent aristocrat.
In fact, in secret, he had been preparing a coup for a long ti to remove the weak king from the throne. However, in the original, this attempt of his will completely fail, because of which the entire family of the Marquis will be executed. Only Maxie will be able to escape, after which she will swear revenge.
The coup should happen in a few years. In the novel, when Razor successfully seized power, he began to deal with traitors extrely harshly. He stopped the actions of the Marquis of Windsor the very first, and after his death, put his pawn on the managent of Oberon. In general, this was the reason why Maxie was so eager to overthrow his power.
But how events would develop now, I had no idea.
If Razor, who has beco my ally, does not arrange a coup, will the Marquis's idea turn out well? Will he really be able to lead the governnt? It was a question that was difficult to get an answer to in advance.
In any case, thanks to my knowledge of the ntor's family, I understood why the Marquess of Windsor kept us. After the successful uprising, he planned to use and Razor as a «human shield» to prevent Azeroth from attacking and thwarting him. After all, it was in the hands of the king and my father that the main power in the country was concentrated.
I could only hope that after that, they would really let us go. And so that the Marquis's plan does not drag on for too long.
After all, I didn't want to stay in this place for a long ti.
While I was imrsed in myself, I did not imdiately notice soone's footsteps nearby. Then she started up, and saw the Marchioness of Windsor above her.
This kind woman was the only one who treated us well in this place. I couldn't not be grateful to her for that.
— Madam!
I hurriedly stood up and bowed.
— It wasn't worth it, — the mistress of the estate smiled, — I just went out to get so air. There is no need for unnecessary ceremony.
I nodded, and eventually we both perched on the grass. Maxie didn't interrupt her workout for a minute, and we watched her from afar.
It was awkward at first, but then Obelia Windsor confessed:
— I'm sorry that because of my husband's plans, you found yourself in this position.
The woman looked guilty, although she had absolutely nothing to do with it.
— Nothing, — I sighed, — Thank you for helping us then.
— It's nothing. It's the least I can do.
It seed amazing to that soone like her would treat us warmly. In fact, our parents were enemies of her country, but she did not feel hatred at all. Did such bright people still exist in this world?
While I was looking at her in silence, the Marchioness of Windsor said:
«Tell if you need anything.» Although I cannot go against my husband's plans, I want to make your stay here easier.
I nodded.
— Thank you, madam…
We sat in silence for a few more minutes before Maxie didn't call for the first ti.
— Hey, beauty, co here! I want to drink.
I sighed, and picked up the jug that I had brought with beforehand. The Marquise and I nodded goodbye to each other.
I headed towards the training ground, while the woman remained in the shadows. A sad smile appeared on her lips.
— Emily… Your daughter has already grown so much.
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