Vulgar Marriage - Chapter 26

Chapter 13.2

“How long do you plan to stay in that position? …Unless, of course, you plan to flaunt my affection for you in front of the maids. In that case, it might not be a bad idea.”

“What on earth are you—”

“You’ve got work to do, wife. Wouldn’t it be easier to have at least one ally in this territory?”

The meaning behind his words hit her like a wave. Livi felt herself sinking deeper into despair.

This enormous castle was just another battlefield. From now on, her mission was to eliminate the enemy leader while trapped in his territory.

As Livi pushed herself up from the sofa, her legs gave out, and as soon as her feet touched the ground, she crumpled to the floor.

She immediately tried to stand up again, but her body refused to cooperate. Each attempt left her dress more wrinkled and her pride further battered.

I should’ve just stayed down, she thought bitterly, but it was too late to save herself from the embarrassment.

Dominic stood over her, a smug grin tugging at his lips as he watched Livi struggle on the floor.

“If you thought I’d trust you, wife, you’re gravely mistaken. I don’t know what you were really planning when you drew that magic circle in the gorge, but you must’ve had an ulterior motive.”

“…”

“While your family kept stalling the peace negotiations, more than a thousand people died. Anything you try to do now is pure hypocrisy.”

“Which temple holds Celsion’s masses?”

Livi asked calmly, cutting through his accusations. She let Dominic’s words go in one ear and out the other.

Her voice was quiet but venomous, and his face twisted in fury. He looked almost demonic, and his reaction showed he couldn’t believe how easily she had dismissed his words.

“What the hell are you rambling about now…?”

“I need to attend Mass. I am, after all, the new master of Celsion.”

Dominic’s mouth opened, but no words came out. He stared at her, stunned.

After a wedding, it was tradition for the new lady of the territory to pay her respects at the temple. But given their “unique” circumstances, this was far from a simple formality.

What Livi had just done was, in effect, declare that she intended to fully carry out her duties as Duchess.

While he stood in shocked silence, Livi braced herself against the sofa. Using both arms to compensate for her immobile legs, she dragged herself upright and collapsed onto the cushions.

Her hair was a tangled mess. Blood and s*men dripped down her legs, and her dress looked ready to fall apart.

Yet, even in such a state, Livadonia exuded an unshakable poise. She was, in every sense, a noblewoman.

Dominic despised it. The way she straightened her posture and lifted her chin as if sheer willpower could solve everything. Her arrogance was so suffocating that it could kill someone.

Unable to contain the fury bubbling inside him, he stood abruptly, his movements aggressive.

“Cut the crap! Go ahead, step outside these castle walls if you’re so bold. I’ll have you spread across the watchtower for everyone to see. Let’s see if you’re still rolling those haughty eyes then.”

“To think you can speak so crudely with every word. That’s a talent in itself, Duke.”

“Shut your damn mouth,” Dominic growled. His hand shot out toward her throat but stopped just short of her neck. His fingers hovered in the air as he sucked in a deep breath, struggling to rein in his temper.

“…I won’t assign guards to monitor you inside the castle, so plot my murder all you want. Just don’t waste your time on pointless antics.”

With that, Dominic stormed out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him, but muffled voices rose almost immediately from the other side.

Knock, knock, knock. The sound was hesitant, followed by the maids’ nervous voices asking for permission to enter.

After straightening her skirt, Livi called, “Come in.”

Sitting motionless on the sofa, unable to even move a finger, she watched the maids hurry in, their faces etched with worry.

“U-um—”

“Help me to the room adjacent to the duke’s.”

The maids exchanged uneasy glances before stepping forward. Two of them slipped her arms over their shoulders and carefully lifted her. As they moved down the corridor, every servant they passed watched in silence. Even the head maid, who was standing outside the duke’s room, quietly observed them.

After the arduous journey to her new room, Livi could barely stay upright. Once seated on the edge of the bed, she watched the maids bustle about. They looked nervous as they filled the bath with warm water and began loosening the knots on her dress.

“The bath is ready. Shall we… help you wash?”

“…Leave me.”

The maids bowed and quickly exited the room.

Only after the door clicked shut did Livi move. Leaning heavily against the wall, she forced herself to stand. Her vision blurred, and the room spun as she staggered into the bathroom. Practically crawling, she climbed into the tub and pulled her knees to her chest.

The water was heated to the perfect temperature, so unlike the cold bath Livi had to endure back at the inn. The soothing temperature brought with it an aching nostalgia.

For a moment, she could almost believe she was back at the Joseph mansion. If she opened the bathroom door, maybe a familiar maid would be waiting on the other side. Maybe all of this… had been nothing but a cruel dream…

Livi leaned her head against the edge of the tub and closed her eyes.

Darkness swallowed her.