30
Haynes Palatial Manor, Inman,
Milligan PDZ, Woodbine Operational Area,
29th September, 3061
0100 hours (1700 hrs on local 28 hr cycle)
“My lady, it’s such a shame I couldn’t attend the Day of Honour celebrations. I would have liked to see you,” said Renard Haynes smoothly. “Feel free to make yourself at home.”
“Thank you for your kindness, my lord.” Venice sat nervously in the meeting lounge, her hands gripping the fabric of her dress.
“Haha! My lady, there’s no need to feel so nervous. Why don’t we drop the formalities for today?” Renard grinned, sitting languidly in his chair opposite the long table from Venice. “I would like to be closer to you.”
If I run away, my family will have to deal with the consequences. And if I feign illness and my lie is discovered, I’ll be charged with contempt against the Haynes. Venice tried hard to keep her facial expressions impassive and calm despite her inner turmoil. My parents even had the maids take extra care of my appearance today, since I was summoned to meet with Baron Haynes.
“Nothing but silence and a smile?” Renard’s words jolted her out of her thoughts. He stood up. “You wound me, my lady. Why are you being so standoffish? I’m going to be your husband.” He walked up to her.
Why was I left alone with Renard Haynes? Venice thought anxiously. Father, please hurry back! Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress.
“You know…” Renard plopped himself next to Venice on the cushioned sofa. “I’ve always wanted to engage in a more intimate conversation with you.”
“Oh… I am honoured, my lord.” She could not think of anything else to say.
“Have we ever even had a proper talk before?” asked Renard. “Whenever we ran into each other, you’d offer a polite greeting and quickly find somewhere else to be.” One hand touched her shoulder, sending goosebumps through Venice. “I’ve always regretted not being able to get to know you better.”
She lowered her head, trying to control her fear. “I did not dare presume you wished to speak with me, my lord!”
“Of course I did. You’re special, my lady. Not only are you from a powerful House…” she decided to risk a glance at him, “you’re also very beautiful.” She was shocked to see him moving his face almost next to hers. One hand reached behind her neck for her other shoulder, brushing past her long hair.
He’s sitting way too close to me, what is he playing at? Her panic grew. “My lord, wait!”
“One of my favourite activities, my lady…” He suddenly turned his body weight and strength on her, pushing her down prone onto the sofa, his hands immobilising her arms above her head. “...is catching a bird that’s trying to escape from my clutches and tearing off its wings.”
His grin was evil, and he had a maniacal gleam in his eyes. “I can plainly see that you’re wracking your brain for a way to escape the situation you’re in.” He held her down easily.
She cried, “S…stop! My lord, please stop!”
“Why should I stop? Your father already gave me his permission.”
“What?” She paused her struggle in shock. “What do you mean… ack!”
He brushed one hand along her hair, making her shudder in fear. “Who cares what you think? We’ll be married soon anyway. I’ve gone without the pleasures of the flesh for far too long. Now, do right by your family and try your best to satisfy me.”
She resumed her struggles, trying vainly to free herself from his grasp, but to no avail.
“Think!” He chuckled. “You’re a clever girl. For what other reason would your father leave the two of us alone like this? Do you understand now? There’s no use struggling.”
Ah… He’s right. I understand now. Father deliberately set up this meeting with Renard. Her eyes rimmed with tears, and her whole body trembled. He was afraid I’d do something foolish. She closed her eyes, tears being squeezed out and trickling down her cheeks. He wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t be able to run away… that I would quietly accept my fate!
“Let me g… urk!” Her words were cut off as Renard pushed his body weight onto her, driving some breath out of her lungs.
“Stay still! That’s an order!” He grunted as her efforts to escape intensified. “Stop struggling!” He pushed her hands down again above her head.
I could die here… Venice realised as they struggled. But what of it? Even if I died, who in this place would speak up on my behalf? Even my father chose to turn a blind eye, knowing full well what Renard would do to me. I was never going to find a way out of this.
Her hands finally flopped to the side, devoid of strength as she realised the inevitable.
“Much better.” Renard grinned fiercely. “I prefer my girls meek and pliable. I’ve always had a soft spot for you, my lady. If you behave, I’ll treat you more gently.” He leaned down, his lips approaching hers, one hand tilting her chin up. “Now, lean back and think of the Trivet.”
Ana, you’re wrong. There never was a way out of this… More tears streamed down her face.
Venice, the best person who can help you… is you. You are more important than your family’s honour! Don’t ever forget that. Anastasia’s words from the other day came back to her.
You’re right, Ana. Is this the despicable act I must endure? For the sake of a family who won’t even attempt to protect me? Resolve coalesced in her heart. I am not your puppet!
She forced herself to remain calm, and reached a hand up to Renard’s face. I was so passive back then… it was always Ana who took action. Her hand brushed past Renard’s face, and then clasped onto his shoulder. Her other hand slid along his torso to his back. Renard grinned widely, thinking that she had given in.
Venice forced a smile onto her face. But this time…
“Well, well….” Renard snickered. “It seems like you’ve finally realised your place.” He angled himself for a more comfortable angle, guided by her light tugging. He leaned in.
Yes, this is the right position… her knee slammed into his crotch with all the strength she could muster. For me to strike!
“Gaaaahhh!” Renard fell off her and collapsed onto the floor. Venice sat up and reached down to grab her shoes, which had fallen off. She started to dash off.
“You stupid bitch!” Renard roared in anger, holding his crotch in agony. “******! Not again! I’ve been hit in the exact same spot as last time! Wretched girl, you’ll pay for this!”
Venice didn’t hear any of that, having already left the room, her mind quickly assessing her options as she ran. She thought about procuring some poison. She could leave a letter explaining what Renard did to her and leave Inman after feigning her death by poison. That was the only way to keep herself and her family safe.
Although… she did not really care anymore about her family nor its honour. Even if they disowned her, she was confident that Anastasia would take her in.
She gasped, coming to a stop.
“Lady Codina?”
“Oh.” She found Raymond Haynes standing in front of her.
“My lady, what brings you here to the manor?” he asked gently. “And where are you going in such a hurry?”
His eyes scanned her appraisingly, and she saw them widen as they took in her state of disarray, and a coldness settled in behind his spectacles when they fell onto the bruises on her throat and face.
“My lady, how can I help? Shall I pretend that I didn’t see you? Or perhaps you’d like some assistance sneaking out of the manor safely?”
Help me? What could he possibly do to help me? Venice thought, her mind racing. Then the thoughts suddenly gelled together, and it made perfect sense. She jolted in an epiphany.
“My lord, please let me rest in your room for a while.” She pleaded. Only a member of the Haynes family is capable of stopping another member of the same family. This way, I won’t have to drink any poison. And if my guess about his ambitions are correct…
He stared at her, obviously assessing the situation and her motives as well.
And while my high-handed family may suffer some consequences, they won’t fall completely to ruin! She stared back at him, her eyes imploring for his help. Please understand the meaning behind my request!
“Pardon me.” Raymond took her shoe from her hands.
Yes, even I know what an absurd idea this is, but there is no way out of the predicament I’m in. Raymond crouched down and gently slid the shoe back into her foot. The chances are slim, but I must take control of my own destiny!
Moments later, they were in his room. It was, as she suspected, filled with books, but surprisingly well-organised and neat.
“You may rest for as long as you need in here. If you need anything, just ring on the intercom and the servants will attend to you.” He nodded respectfully to her. “I shall take my leave then.”
She clenched her hands, mustering her courage for what she knew she had to do next. If I do this… how would Count Haynes react? But more importantly, would Raymond go along with my plan? No, there’s no point agonising over it now. I’ve passed the point of no return.
She took several quick steps towards Raymond,, just as he opened the doors to leave. I have no choice but to see this through to the end!
Her arms wrapped around him in a tight embrace just as he was about to step out the door, her hands clasping together to hold him in place.
“My lady… what is the meaning of this?” He asked in surprise.
“My lord… it’s been decided that Baron Haynes and I are to be married. I’ve just come out of a meeting with him.” She kept her face down, her voice sad. She knew that he would understand the unsaid implications of her words.
Raymond had a hard look on his face.
She continued, “My father wants a scion of House Codina to become the next Countess of the Trivet,” her hands squeezed tight against each other, “which means that House Codina will throw their support behind whoever I am with so that they may become the next Count.”
“My lady…” He turned around to face her squarely.
She finally looked up at him. “I’m sure you know full well what I’m trying to say.”
“Why would you offer me this?”
His tone has changed completely. “Well, because I don’t want to marry Renard.”
He smirked. “Simply because you do not wish to marry my brother? What a childish reason.”
She knew he was trying to test her commitment to her course of action. “Let me rephrase that then. Because my life matters far too much for me to tie myself to Renard.”
His hands around her wrists, he gently pried her arms off his torso. “And if I reject your offer?”
“It makes no difference. Either way, I’m going to tell everybody that you and I became intimate here today.” Her tone was adamant. “And I intend to make it a reality.”
“The Church won’t be happy.” He pointed out. “Premarital sex is officially frowned upon.”
“They never cared when Renard was going to take me. Why should they care now?” Yes, this is a gamble. If Raymond and I became lovers, I might be able to turn things around. She lifted his glasses off his face. “My lord… I trust you will not refuse me.”
“What if I’m merely an ignorant fool who let himself be seduced by you?” Raymond’s face was stern, utterly serious now. Bereft of his glasses, she saw the cautious strategist who always hid his talents and charisma under the guise of a nerdy bookworm.
He finally reveals himself. She smiled. “If that’s the case, then the fault is mine, for it would make me a terrible judge of character.”
He sighed. “You’re getting more and more reckless. Must be your friend’s influence.”
“Huh?” She blinked in puzzlement while he carefully laid a hand on her shoulder, drawing her close while the other hand slowly brushed through her long hair.
“You’re the one who asked for this, my lady.”
As he leaned in for a kiss, she let his glasses fall to the floor.
---------------------------------
Not much I needed to change from the original story. Maybe a touch of modernity here and there (using the intercom instead of a bell to summon servants). Otherwise, this is a very old trope - a woman seeking out a man for protection against another man.
Recent Posts