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This Chapter includes disturbing topics such as young marriage and uses strong language.
Viewer discretion is advised.
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*Starting Story*
In the 1400s, women were merely seen as objects to show off, have as toys, or as souvenirs. Mistress Julie Estell and her daughters Victoria and Beatrice were no exception.
Beatrice was the youngest of her siblings. Through alliances, She has been engaged to the Crown Prince of the Ossaland Empire since she was 7 years old, fated to be his second wife. As a child, Beatrice was no late bloomer. The minute she stepped outside as a young maiden she caught the attention of many perverted noblemen. Black beautiful luscious hair swayed nearly past her knees, the sky-blue river flowed in her eyes and fireflies danced in them. Beatrice's skin was as golden as the sun and smoother than the site of an open valley, she was a perfect image of a Pecan Foreigner.
All though she seemed sweet and joyful in the public eyes, at home, she was often browbeaten by her 2 haft siblings. She lived in the Count's cold estate with her mother Julie, older brother Brien, and also her nanny since birth Mrs.Maddie. Beatrice's older sister Victoria was embarrassed at the fact her mother was a Mistress and she was treated lowly. Not only that, Victoria was not of the Counts blood. When she became of age without hesitation she married a noble and left the estate.
The Countess of the house Estell is Helena Grey Estell. The evilest stepmother you would wish NOT to have. She was the second-best-liked by the Count even though she was his first wife, making Julie the first best-liked by the Count. Because of this, Helena set her demon spawns upon Beatrice countless times just so she could feel empowered in some shape or form. They would steal the few jewels Beatrice had, paint on her dresses as if they were canvases, and they'd slap her anytime they could find a reason to. It was hell, but Beatrice knew she had to be strong for her mother.
Beatrice's father used to be a kind man. But over time he got hooked on gambling and it changed him dearly. The Count uses large amounts of money, more than the family name can handle, but Helena never fails to get it back somehow.
Soon she couldn't and the household went bankrupt owning the Nobel institution over 3 times the families value, not long after their partnerships were withdrawn one by one. With only a moment's notice, the Crown Prince withdrew from the engagement that lasted for over 10 years with Beatrice. Beatrice was heartbroken. She has never met the Crown Prince, but they have sent letters to each other and they had plenty of pleasant memories together.
The Count fell desperate, knowing his daughters would be of no use without a dowry, he panicked, but then, another door opened. The 1st Prince, Lorcan Leopold Barnum. The Archduke of Ossaland Empire was being pressured into marriage and as an order, he went through with it.
Many Nobles were known for their accomplishments, their power, and even their abilities. Archduke Lorcan had a good reputation, but it was different. He is known as the *Chosen one* in the means of war. His hair covered his wide shoulders and was as black as coal. His eyes were golden and shined in the night. Archduke Lorcan has a very strong and intimidating build but was known for having a beautiful face before he started wearing a black veil. He is recognized as a killing machine, disposing of all those in his path without a slite scratch reflected. For the past 3 years, Duke Lorcan has been serving in the Aebuimore war, he only returned about 5 months ago.
Beatrice wasn't brave, she was a bit shy, quiet, and well-behaved. Just hearing his name made her shiver. After finding out about her father's plan to sell her to the Archduke she was shocked and disappointed, yet calm. Out of her two haft sisters, she knew it had to be her who got sold. Her stepmother would never sit by and watch one of her two daughters get taken. With a happy more so greedy smile, her father sent word out throughout the land and started arranging the wedding as soon as possible.
The plan was to have Beatrice's wedding on the same day as her birthday, which would be the turning of age date as well. This came as a shock to Beatrice. She believed she had more time with her mother and family, but how wrong she was.