The relentless abuse at the hands of Viscount Reynard Stirling became a harrowing routine for Elena. Days blurred into nights, each filled with torment and degradation. Her frail body bore the marks of countless beatings, and her spirit, once resilient, began to wane under the weight of her suffering.
In the cruel confines of the grand estate, Elena's existence became a twisted dance between submission and survival. The viscount's sadistic pleasures knew no bounds as he reveled in the power he wielded over her. Bound by loyalty or fear, the servants turned a blind eye to her plight, and Elena found herself isolated in a world of relentless cruelty.
The news of Duke Cedric's demise and the mysterious ascension of his adopted son reached the confines of the oppressive estate. Whispers of uncertainty and fear circled among the servants, but the viscount's tyranny overshadowed any hopes of rebellion or escape.
As the days turned into weeks, Elena's hope for salvation dwindled. Once a beacon of resilience, her mind now teetered on the edge of despair. The grandeur of the estate masked the unspeakable horrors within, and Elena's suffering became a dark secret buried beneath the opulence.
Meanwhile, the enigmatic Duke Sable continued his clandestine pursuits. The shadows that concealed his movements extended beyond the empire's borders, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and secrecy. His reputation as a master of espionage and covert operations cast him as a savior and a harbinger of dread, depending on the perspective.
The façade of unity and prosperity crumbled in the imperial court, revealing the underlying currents of deception and hidden agendas. Not unaware of the dark secrets lurking within his empire, Emperor Leonidas remained focused on preserving the semblance of order.
As the empire grappled with internal strife, the plight of its people worsened. The rumors of the missing princess resurfaced, and whispers of discontent echoed through the villages.
During the third week, pandemonium engulfed the once-stately mansion as the Viscount faced a ruthless raid orchestrated by the newly appointed duke, targeting allegations of tax evasion. The upheaval within the dukedom escalated, revealing the names of negligent nobles who had long evaded their tax obligations. The newly instated Lord embarked on a relentless quest, personally inspecting each residence.
Amid the chaos, guards forcefully brought forth every Viscount household member, compelling them to kneel before Duke Lucian. The Viscount,"desperation evident in his gaze, locked eyes with the imposing duke, fervently pleading for mercy.
Among the humbled nobles, Elena maintained a submissive posture on her knees. As her gaze met that of the new duke, a glimmer of hope mingled with uncertainty flickered in her eyes, marking an unexpected encounter that held the promise of both salvation and trepidation.
Duke Lucian surveyed the humbled nobles before him, his gaze lingering on each with calculated scrutiny. The chaos within the once-stately mansion starkly contrasted the opulence that had masked the viscount's tyranny. As the allegations of tax evasion echoed through the halls, a newfound tension gripped the estate.
Still on her knees, Elena felt the weight of Duke Lucian's gaze upon her. The glimmer of hope mingled with uncertainty in her eyes, wondering if this unexpected turn of events could be the catalyst for her liberation. The air in the grand hall crackled with anticipation as the newly appointed lord began addressing the gathered nobles.
"Dishonesty has long festered within these walls," Duke Lucian proclaimed, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Tax evasion, a betrayal of trust, and a mockery of the responsibilities that come with nobility. Such transgressions will not be tolerated under my rule."
The viscount, visibly shaken, attempted to offer explanations and apologies, but Duke Lucian's stern expression quelled any attempts at redemption. The guards, under the duke's orders, maintained a tight grip on the disgraced nobles, ensuring compliance with the impending judgment.
Their gazes locked once more, and this time, a peculiar glint of interest sparked in Lucian's eyes. "Don't tell me," he remarked mockingly, peering down at Elena, "that you've taken a bride of your daughter's youth."
In the heat of the moment, the Viscount, succumbing to the pressure, uttered nonsensical words, "You can have her, my Lord! Her name is Elena! She is untouched, I swear I haven't laid a hand on her. I am certain you'll relish the freshness!" His enthusiasm was palpable as Elena quivered, her eyes fixed on the frigid floor, overwhelmed by the unfolding cold-hearted exchange.
"Are you calling me a hungry wolf?" He says before chopping off the Viscount's ear as the old geezer's scream fill the mansion. Then he stood up bending in front of Elena, pinching her chin making her look at his face. "Listen woman, you have two choice, either you leave, or die with them."
"Please don't kill them." Elena said pleading him. "Instead, take me with you, I can do any manual work, please don't leave me here….I am scared…." Elena started tearing up as she whimpered in front of the tyrant. Little did she knew the consequences of her actions. Lucian's eyes saw a small bird struggling to survive, he always found cute things attractive. Picking Elena up in his arms, he looked at the Viscount, "You are lucky that my bride started pleading for a wenched man like you, or else you would have died today. "
"W-Wife?" Elena seemed flustered at the sudden change of events as the Duke without any further explanations, he placed Elena on top of his horse before taking her away.
To be continued....