****Just wanted to give a brief trigger warning before reading this chapter vulgar language and abuse occur.****
Juliana
The table was cleared from the dinner plates by the end of our story. I sat there quietly with my father and Leo's friend, just staring between us. Then they were both staring at me as if I just grew three heads. I suppose Leo felt my uneasiness and squeezed my hand. My father's face was turning red and I could tell he was mad, but about which part?
"Well I can truthfully say that I am shocked. I'm also relieved that you ditch me for a girl!" He friend said chuckling. I heard a soft growl.
"But she isn't just a girl!" I barely heard Leo growl to his friend. "Peter, please stop." He said more calmly.
My father cleared his throat catching everyone's attention. "I think it is time for you two to be leaving. " He said as he rose from the table heading towards the sitting room. I could feel Leo tense up next to me and I had a gut feeling that what happen next was going to be monumental.
"Actually, I would like to take Juliana back to the castle with me. I of course would like your blessing before I do so." Leo's words were said as a question, but his tone was more as a command.
My father stopped in the doorway of the dining room and turned back and with clear rage in his eyes you could tell he was about to explode. "I mean no disrespect but I do not give my blessing for you to take my daughter to the castle." My father spoke with a clenched jaw trying to show some form of self control.
"With all do respect," Leo began sarcastically, "I plan on taking her back to the castle whether you like it or not." He finished as he rose from his chair and smashing his fist into the table. I jumped out of my chair from the shock and stumbled back.
"Alright, I think this is the time for us to leave." Peter said awkwardly trying to nudge his friend out of the dining room and towards the door but it was no use. Leo pushed past him and stalked towards my father. "Hey Leo... do you hear that? I think that is your mom calling!" Peter said as he tried grabbing Leo's attention. It was too late.
"How dare you come into my house and break bread with my family and think you can take what is mine from me! I don't care if you are the prince of this kingdom! YOU WILL NOT TAKE MY DAUGHTER FROM ME!" My fathers face was red with rage and you could even seen a vain sticking out on the side of his neck. "Now leave before you regret it." He commanded.
Leo looked distracted as my father was yelling at him then as if something my father said caught his attention he was back. "You are right and I am sorry sir." He said calmly. "I do hope that with your permission that Juliana and I could visit with each other again." He said in a calmer tone.
My father looked shocked at his sudden change in demeanor, "I supposes that would be fine but Silas would chaperone the occasion." He said with a sly smile hoping that would discourage Leo.
"That would be fine with me, but I want to make sure Silas is okay with this arrangement." Silas simply nodded his head still wide eyed from the sudden shift of their conversation. Leo then turned around and walked towards me. "Will you see me out?" He said looking into my eyes with a shy smile. I was lost in his golden eyes watching the green flakes dance inside his irises. I felt safety and warmth. I also saw something hidden in the depths as if there was something else there wanting to get out. "Ahem." Peter cleared his throat obviously annoyed at us. I simply nodded my head and led them to the door. Leo drew me in for a hug and I breathed in his scent. He smelt like the woods after the rain settled. "I cant wait to see you again." He whispered low enough for me to hear. They walked out the door and mounted their horses and were gone. I closed the door and rested my back against it with a wide smile on my face. Then my father came into view and you could feel the anger radiating off of him. The smile quickly disappeared and fear set in.
"It seems like I need to teach my whore of a daughter a lesson." The vain was popping back out of his neck. "It seems like you are not ready to get married. It seems like you like to sneak out to go be a whore!" He continued as his voice was suddenly yelling at me. He was towering directly over me and I was shaking because I knew exactly what was about to happen. My father took his belt in his hand struck my arm. I cried in pain and the he continued whipping me with his belt not aiming for any particular spot. When he was finished he looked down at me, "I hope you think twice before sneaking out again!" He left me there crying while hugging my knees to my chest and shaking.
Silas came some time later and helped me to my room. I had finally stopped crying but my body was sore. He had drawn a bath for me and was leaving the bathroom hanging his head. Before he left the room he whispered, "I am sorry." I understand why Si never comes to me aide. He came to my aide a couple years ago and father broke his arm for interfering with my punishment and it only made things worse for me. I know it kills him to see father do that to me, but we both know it is better if he doesn't try to stop him.
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Thank you everyone for reading my book! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! -Mariam