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The Stone of Truth - Part 12

"What did you say??"

"They said my Lord is.."

"What?" Lord Hialdan readied his fist.

"A.. a.. traitor."

Sharp pain exploded in Laetia's shoulder. She staggered and fell back against the wall.

"Traitor, eh? Say it again."

"No.. mm..y Lord.."

"Say it again." His handsome face was close to hers; she could feel his hot breath. A vein was pulsing on his forehead.

"Trai.. tor."

A flash of stars in the darkness. She realised he had hit her head against the stones. Again. And again.

"Say it," he shouted through clenched teeth.

"Trait.."

She fell down. Something hard hit her ribs. Something cracked inside, ready to break. She writhed in pain.

He checked the nape of her neck. "Good. It's still here. What are you looking at? Get her to Lady Hialdan's room. Now."

The male servants dragged Laetia into a room.

"Laetia!! What happened to you?" Lady Corqurst kneeled to her side.

"My Lord, he.."

"He did this to you? The bastard.."

Laetia tried to catch her breath.

"Here, let me lie you on the bed. Like this. Nice and easy. It hurts, doesn't it? I'm sorry.. He is an evil man. He will get his punishment."

"Milady.. thank you.."

"He will. He will. I swear to Haven."

"He will what, dear Cor?" Lord Hialdan was standing by the door, in mock courtesy.

Laetia shifted and moaned. It hurt. He was so handsome. How could cruel be so beautiful. The face of a fallen angel.

"How could you, Shrain!"

"Oh? Do you want me to demonstrate?"

"Damn you! You will burn in Hel for your evil."

"Careful, dear Cor." He took her in his arms. "Someone more impatient than me would have you on that bed with Lisha by now."

Lady Corqurst screamed in frustration. "That girl needs a healer now!"

"She does, doesn't she. And come to think of it, love is the best cure. Will you be so kind as to allow me a few moments with dear Lisha?"

Laetia started to cry silently.

"What? You sick.."

"Out. Now."

"I'm not leaving you to do.."

Lord Hialdan kicked the Lady out of the room brutally and bolted the door.

"Alone at last."

"My Lord.. I can't.."

"Yes, that's it. Talk to me."

He tore her dress and took her roughly. She tried to keep herself from fainting. She knew that even if she fainted he wouldn't stop. That dress.. she would have to buy another at the market. That dress. The dress. Think of the dress.

When her Lord finished and left, she was still thinking of the dress. But also of the hut and of a promise.

continue to part 13 >>

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