"Who are you and what do you want from me?"
"KNEEL"
He fell to his knees, the dagger dropping from his grasp. Her heels rested on his head, pushing it into the ground. He felt her cold eyes rake over his body and the chill that accompanied it.
"This is the last time I would tolerate such behavior from you. I am your master and you serve me. I don't need to answer your questions"
"I do NOT have a master," he grunted, struggling under the hold.
"If you defy me one more time, you will be granted the chance to lose an arm. I'm sure that would be quite unfortunate going through the forest of damnation" she quipped. He was immediately calm, clenching his teeth.
"Good. Let's try this again. I am Natalia Adamantine. Just a few days ago, I was married to the Duke of Kristen. I have enslaved you for one purpose only, to get out of this hell hole. You have two options, get me out and I free you from your hold or die right now and I take over your little squad. I can do whatever I want with them or just kill them outright. The choice is yours"
"They don't have anything to do with this"
"I didn't give you the permission to speak"
His next words came out muffled. She removed her heel from his head and rested on the couch, sighing. Cage observed her and found that he couldn't figure her out. She was different from the other nobles he met. She could best be classified as a high noble, perhaps even royalty.
"You and your men know the ins and outs of the Forest of Damnation well. I want to get to the Empire of Illumine from the forest. Once I'm safely over, I'll release you from your bonds. I'll pass any other information to you but for now, my time is up"
From outside, they heard an attendant ask about Natalia's welfare. She called out warmly to reassure the attendant and a second later, her cold glare was on Cage's body. It amazed him just how quickly she could change expressions.
"Teleport"
The door of the changing room opened and she came out in the navy blue dress. It fit perfectly on her, making her look a lot more beautiful than when she first entered. Everyone's jaw was hung when they saw just how breathtaking she looked, including the guard who brought her.
"From your reaction, this dress was the best choice. I'll be buying the dresses I chose. Go ahead and pack it up. I'll be paying right now"
"Yes ma'am!"
Not even the soldiers of the kingdom mobilized as fast as the attendants scrambling to get her order. Before one could blink, everything was organized and Natalia was already paying for her order. She waved her hand and the boxes disappeared. The guard who was already thinking of how to carry the boxes and the attendants ready to mobilize were left dumbfounded as she merrily walked out of the store.
She returned to the guard station with the guard and found Wilbur and Hermas in the same position as she left, the two trying to figure out whatever task they were handed. She walked towards them.
"You can avoid the grey areas and exercise your authority in these areas. This should help you solve some of your minor issues" she touched some areas on the map. Hermes suddenly realized something and stared slack-jawed at the duchess. She smiled at him and sat beside Wilbur, continuing to organize some of the documents. He didn't dally, gathering a few of his men and going straight into the streets. Her smile widened when she saw that.
"Wilbur?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"What's the best route to take into the Forest of damnation?"
"The forest? Why do you need to go there?"
"It's the biggest attraction of the Kristen territory. Thousands of men and women go in every day. Why can't I?"
"I'll need...permission from the duke" his voice lowered as he spoke.
"Of course. If it's the duke, he can provide a suitable entourage. Let's return"
"Yes, my lady"
The ride home was as silent as the ride to town. She didn't say anything, choosing to look out the window at the passing scene. It was funny to her since the territory they claimed to be theirs used to be the exterior of the forest of damnation, something they stole from the fae.
'It won't be long now. Retribution will come'
"You wish to enter the forest of damnation?"
"....yes, your grace"
"Why?"
"I'm not sure if your grace knows this" of course you don't "But I am an extremely talented Huntress. I would like to demonstrate my skills"
".....skills….." he said the word delicately but his deep red eyes stared like they could see into her soul. She held back a shiver and lowered her head.
"The only skill a married woman should have is how to satisfy her husband. Do I look satisfied to you?"
".....I'm sorry"
"Why are you sorry?"
"I shouldn't have offended you. I will return to my room now"
"Come closer"
Shakily, she took steps forward towards him till she stood before him. He didn't bother looking up at her face, a cue for her to kneel. Once she did, his fingers found their way to her neck, creating what would've been calming circular motions. With each motion, her pulse increased. The worse she feared for came when he grabbed her hair and linked their lips.
Every vein in her body filled with ice. Memories of the past filled her mind, dread overwhelming her body. Fredrich's kisses were never nice, always leaving her mouth bruised and bloodied. This time was no different as he bit like a wild animal instead of kissing like a husband.
"Yes, this suits you far more"
Natalia had never been able to understand why he loved to humiliate her. He was more powerful than she was and could easily crush her and her family like bugs but he preferred to torment her for seemingly no reason. One could consider the fact that she was forced on him as a reason but he was a fully grown adult. To behave like a child while being a grand duke was foolish.
He could've easily rejected the marriage and married the woman he loved. If he truly loved her like he said he did, he would've married her despite her standing. Fredrich Kristen was an irrational and evil man.
I hate you, Fredrich Kristen. I despise your entire bloodline. I wish you nothing but death and despair. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.
"You are not permitted to enter the forest. Go away now"