I entered my bed chamber, seeking sanctuary after the humiliation I just suffered. I paced the room bristling with anger at Reagan and not just him at everyone. How dare he do this to me? He goes off to war the night of our wedding and leaves me alone with his family. I had to stay all by myself and maintain the peace of this household, the gods know his siblings cause enough trouble and his mother was no better with her frivolous spending and throwing lavish parties every night which always escalated into something more.
I was the one who was always there to clean up the mess every time. But he returns from war after six months and this, this is the thanks I get for being a dutiful wife and he has the fucking guts to bring home a concubine? If that wasn't a slap on the face then I do not know what was.
Thankfully, I could hide here and not have to worry about running into Reagan and his new concubine! I thought to myself as I began to rummage through my wardrobe for a more comfortable outfit to wear when the door suddenly slammed open.
I stiffened my grip on my dress tightening as I stared at Reagan. The air grew cold and heavy, and the unmistakable sound of boots echoed through the room.
"My lord," I said in a way of greeting, "Is something the matter?" I asked, keeping my tone as calm as submissive as I could manage when on the inside I was feeling the opposite.
He scoffed, crossing the room in a few long strides until he stood before the dais. "Don't play coy with me. What is the meaning of what you just did?"
I arched a brow up at him, "What I just did?"
"You stormed out on me in front of my court members and the people. You disrespected me!" Reagan stated as he glared at me.
I blinked, incredulous. He was angry at that? Does he even have any right to be angry at all? "Well you will forgive my lord, as I didn't realize my absence was such a pressing matter." I retorted.
He tilted his head, his lips curving into a smirk that didn't reach his eyes. "Pressing? No. Embarrassing? Absolutely." He said and heat crept to my cheeks as I clenched my hands tighter around the dress I was holding, struggling to keep the anger within me in check.
"Of course." I said with a small smile, "Forgive me, it won't happen again!"
"Ensure it won't!" Reagan said turning to leave the room but I just couldn't help myself.
I stepped forward unable to hold my tongue. "Is she really your concubine?"
"Didn't you hear what I said earlier?"
"I did my lord," I said not willing to back down, "But I still hope it isn't true. We are married, so you can't_"
"Can't?" Reagan's tone suddenly took a dangerous edge.
My mouth clamped shut as I realized I said something I shouldn't have. My mistake was confirmed when all of a sudden, he was back in front of me again.
"Let's be clear about one thing wife_" Reagan snarled, "I can do whatever the fuck I want and I do not owe you anything, is that understood?"
I fisted my hands around my clothes not responding but Reagan suddenly grasped my chin, not too firm but not gentle.
"I asked you a question wife and I expect an answer!" He said leaning down as he spoke, causing his breath to fan against my lips, "Is that understood?"
Angry tears brimmed in my eyes but I held them back, lowering my gaze I answered, "Yes my lord." I spoke so softly, my voice was barely a whisper.
Satisfied with my response, Reagan released me, "Get dressed and come down for the party later and keep this attitude of yours in the bedroom, I do not like it!"
"Yes my lord." But by the time I answered, Reagan had already left shutting the door.
I raised my gaze up and glared at the door, clenching my hands so tight my knuckles turned white. How dare he? He had no right, no right at all, not after everything I've done for this family. I was told repeatedly that being the perfect dutiful wife would make your husband love but it seems that wasn't the case for me.
A lone tear slipped down my cheek but I brushed it away. Pushing away all the emotions I was feeling, I rang the bell calling on the maids to help get me ready for the party that was going to be held tonight.
***
By the time I was done, I finally made my way into the great hall where I knew the party was being held. From behind the giant wooden halls, the sound of music and laughter could be heard. Everyone was there already and they were no doubt celebrating the arrival of the great warrior, Reagan Hawthorne. Truly, he deserved to be celebrated. He has been protecting this kingdom and the people inside of it, he may not be a good husband to me but at least he was a good man to the people.
Steeling myself, I grabbed the doors and pushed it open. I stepped inside letting my presence known. The minute I did so, the music got low and so did the lively chatters. In it place were now whispers and pointed stares. Trying not to let it get to me, I walked further into the hall and I finally realized what the whispers were about.
Reagan sat at the head of the table in the room and the seat beside him which was supposed to be mine was now occupied by the concubine. As if that wasn't humiliating enough, she was dressed in the same clothes I wore.
I had specifically chosen this dress with the hopes of getting back Reagan's attention. A long red dress that hugged my figure and a low neckline that didn't show too much of my breast but just the right amount to keep them guessing what was beneath it.
But there she was, wearing the same dress I wore and even making it better than I did. Her golden hair spilled down to her shoulders, swept to the side and exposing her long slender neck which Reagan was now busy kissing.
If I thought I felt rage before, nothing could compare to this new emotion I was feeling. Feeling my cheeks burn, I made my way to another seat, hearing the loud cackling of my mother in law and Reagan's siblings. They no doubt thought that I was a joke but I still raised my head high, determined to make the most of this night and not let it get to me.
I kept my gaze blank of all emotion as whispers around me grew louder. The music wasn't even loud enough to drown it and yet, I kept my composure, refusing to give the reaction they were looking for. The only person I couldn't fool was my father, King Sigurd, ruler of Iravia.
I felt his gaze on me the entire time at the party and even though I laughed and tried to enjoy myself, dread settled in my stomach. There were only few times I ever get my father's attention on me and it's always mostly whenever I've done something displeasing in his eyes.
My thoughts were confirmed when my gaze collided with his icy blue gaze from where he sat. Downing down the rest of his wine, my father motioned with his head for me to follow him. Not bothering to wait to see if I would listen, he stood up and went out of the hall.
Drawing in a deep breath, I also stood up knowing fully well he expected me to follow and doesn't like to be kept waiting. Trepidation ran through me at the thought of being alone with my father so I turned to look at Reagan but his attention was fully on his concubine who was laughing at something he whispered in her ear.
Ignoring the strange feeling in my heart, I went after my father. He walked the halls in silence, smiling politely at servants who greeted him as he led me down the hall. I kept my head down the entire time, till we eventually reached the garden.
The moment we did so, my father turned to look at me, a disappointed sigh leaving his lips. I already surmised what was going to happen the moment he brought me in here, away from prying eyes. I wasn't fooled by the smiles he offered the guests and servants who sang his praises, deep down I knew exactly what was hidden behind that smile.
Therefore, it came as no surprise to me when he lunged forward, his palm striking me across my cheek with brutal force that was enough to send me tumbling to the ground.