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"Lorencio Edward Bennet! What is the meaning of this!? Have you any clue what hour it is!?"
Cateline's voice roars laced with annoyance. The flickering candlelight illuminates the family's tired gazes.
"Mother, I do apologize for this matter is of the utmost importance," his voice floats as his fists remain clenched at the sight of the villainous woman.
"My love, are you alright?" Shelton shuffles over to his side grasping his face. Lorencio bites back his harsh tone as he slips away from her unwanted touch.
"I'm fine." His shrill voice startles the redhead as her pupils widen.
The confusion and alertness rise within as she finally spots the towering physician in the corner.
Her mind screams at the thought of his betrayal. Her head swishes back to her betrothed, wondering if he'd figured her out.
Impossible.
She bunches her gown as her body sways with anxiety granting Lorencio space.
"Mother, Father, and my dearest sister, I sincerely apologize to you all," his voice trembles with the thought of guilt and Shelton's betrayal.
Jocosa's eyebrows fall as the sudden apology takes her aback. "B-Brother what is the matter?"
"There is a traitor amongst us. A snake. A vile creature who bears responsibility for the attempted attack on my sister."
The room bubbles with silence as Lorencio's head rises and swivels.
His slender finger directs the attention to the stagnant redhead.
"Princess Shelton."
Her face beams with surprise as she begins sputtering to avoid the accusations. "My prince! I assure you I would never dream of such a horrendous act."
"Ah, but you did! You carried my sister into that forest under false promises with the intent to take her away from us!" His tears descend as his speech begins to falter.
"I-I would never!" She wears a deceiving expression as she continuously denies the accusation.
"The physician has already confessed. This facade of yours is useless," he stops her yammering as she remains stunned. Her freakish gaze falls onto the cowering Reginald.
"Well, well, well," Cateline's lips tremble in seething rage.
Shelton's eyes dart away from the angry gazes. "I did what was necessary."
"I beg your pardon?" Cateline's voice peeks.
"That girl was going to sabotage my marriage! I had to! It's her fault!" She begins to cackle loudly as shame begins to exit her body.
"And you," Shelton's gaze locks onto Reginald. "You goddamn coward. You dare pin this on me? It is your medicine and your route that allowed me to take her."
The door flies open as guards storm through looking for the dastardly girl.
"You live as a coward and you'll die as one." She spits as her feet begin to shuffle backward away from the armored men. "All I did is love your son, and this is how I am repaid? You all can go to hell! Alas if I must go then I'll take your precious daughter with me!"
Her heels clack loudly as she pounces on the young girl.
Jocosa's body clings to the ground as she attempts to fight the vicious woman. Her hands fly attempting to push her away when she tenses under the sudden pressure around her throat.
"You keep trying to take him away from me!" Shelton's enraged expression matches her hardening grip until she freezes in place.
The glistening blade holds an immense aura as she glances toward the imminent threat.
Lorencio's eyes lit with vengeance gazing down on the treacherous woman before him.
"Unhand her before I rid every one of your presence."
Shelton's lips tremble as she scoffs, "You wouldn't dare, you love me."
"I beg of you, test me."