Vulgar Marriage - Chapter 14

Chapter 7.2

Livi’s heart churned with anxiety. She quickly lowered her head, not wanting him to see the obvious distress that must’ve been written all over her face.

But it was as if Dominic could read her mind. He reached out, gripping her chin and tilting her face up. The confusion swirling in her violet eyes was crystal clear to him.

“Now, that’s more like it. Don’t hide your expressions from me. Why do you think I made a deal with you, wife?”

“Why—why are… why are you…”

“Why do I despise you so much?”

He asked her with a twisted smile. One that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Do you really think this is the first time we’ve met, wife?”

“Of course…”

Livi’s voice trailed off.

Dominic had been a mercenary. No one knew of his origins, but he first made a name for himself in the West, earning the title of “Duke” through his glorious accomplishments. Livi had spent her entire life in the rich lands of the East, so she should’ve had no connection to him.

But could someone truly harbor such deep contempt for someone they had no connection to? His hatred ran just as deep—if not deeper—than the grief Livi felt over losing her family.

As confusion clouded Livi’s face, Dominic’s voice turned dry.

“That’s the first reason why I despise you, my noble wife. Your indifference. You can’t even remember why.”

Dominic slowly caressed Livi’s pale cheek. His touch was laced with a thick, palpable hatred. His large hand seemed poised to shift at any moment, ready to strike her. The violent tension in the air reminded her of the pain he had inflicted on her body the night before.

Her body tensed instinctively, but instead of recoiling, Livi raised her chin defiantly.

“Why should I care about some sob story of your lowly past?”

“…Yes. Keep that attitude. At least you’re consistent.”

He released her chin without a hint of agitation.

Livi let out the breath she’d been holding, glaring at him. Their eyes clashed in the air, neither willing to back down.

The meaningless standoff between the two was suddenly shattered by a ragged soldier bursting through the inn’s doors, shouting,

“A message from Celsion! The Robben army has been spotted in the Radetz Mountains!”

All the knights immediately turned toward the soldier. He was covered in dust from head to toe and barely able to stand as he leaned against the doorframe.

“What is it?”

Dominic strode away from Livi and toward the door. The soldier dropped to one knee, pulling out a scroll and handing it to Dominic. While others helped the exhausted man away, Dominic quickly unrolled the message.

His eyes rapidly scanned the paper before he spat out a harsh curse.

“Those motherf*cking bastards…”

“Your Grace, what does it mean that the Robben army is in the mountains? We confirmed no signs of major movement…”

“Isn’t it obvious? Some f*cker had the guts to act as a spy.”

“What? Whoever they are, they certainly won’t die a peaceful death. If it were me, I’d rather cross the Parvenon Canyon naked than try to spy on you, Your Grace.”

“Enough nonsense. Jeff, order everyone to pack up. We’re leaving immediately.”

Dominic marched out of the inn and everyone abandoned their meals and scrambled to their feet. Some followed him out, saying they needed to check on the horses, while others stayed behind to strap on their armor and gather rations.

Amidst the frenzy, Livi stood there, unsure of what to do.

As knights brushed past, one of them accidentally bumped into her shoulder, sending her spinning. The man was twice her size, and the impact knocked her to the floor. Livi tried to push herself up quickly, but even that proved difficult.

“Ouch…”

The knights rushing by paused to glance her away. About half of them quickly averted their eyes, pretending not to notice, while the rest watched her with concern. Livi’s face flushed with embarrassment as she struggled to stand, only to lose her balance again and fall flat on the ground.

“…Are you all right?”

A few of the knights who had been watching stepped forward and extended their hands. Livi took one of their hands and barely managed to get back on her feet.

“Uh, if you’re hurt, we could—”

“I’m fine.”

Livi shook her head, dismissing the knights as she leaned against the wall for support. Her dress was rumpled and dirty, but she had no time to fix it. The hostility she faced while in a vulnerable situation made her heart pound. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself, but the air around her felt like it was closing in.

“What are you doing over there?”

Dominic’s voice called out to her from the front of the inn as she stood awkwardly in the corner. Livi tried to act as though nothing was wrong as she walked toward him, but his eyes immediately noticed her wrinkled, soiled dress.

“What happened?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Livi shook her head, but Dominic wasn’t convinced. His armored body clanked intimidatingly with every step as he approached her.

“Stop stalling and tell me the truth. Did someone push you? Or did you fall?”