Chapter 4

The door opened.

Edgar came in carrying a tray and set it on the table.

"Helga, it's just an apology. Is it going to kill you?

"Why make this harder on yourself?"

Lydia let go of him and walked over to me.

"Look at you. You're not trying to starve yourself to make us feel sorry for you, are you?"

She held a handkerchief to her nose in disgust.

"Oh, I almost forgot. You probably can't even hold a spoon right now.

"Of course I can help you. After all, I know how to feed a little dog."

She set the bowl on the floor and crooked her finger at me.

"Come here, my dear Helga."

I didn't move.

She dumped the bowl over my head.

Hot soup ran through my hair.

"You have no idea how much I hate that look on your face!"

She grabbed my throat and squeezed as hard as she could. I could barely breathe.

"You still think you're the high and mighty duchess?"

Edgar pulled her hand away.

"That's enough. Don't get yourself worked up.

"You're pregnant."

Lydia let go in disgust and stood off to the side with her arms crossed.

She looked upset.

"Edgar.

"She obviously has it out for me.

"Don't forget, she's the queen of dirty little tricks. What if something happens to the baby?"

Edgar glanced at me, looking a little worried.

An idea struck Lydia. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Why don't we strip her and lock her in an iron cage?

"We'll send her to the auction house, then buy her back. That should tame her a little.

"After all, I'm an animal tamer. Nobody knows more about taming than I do."

She raised an eyebrow and pulled out a contract.

"What, you can't bear to do it?

"It's not like we won't buy her back after we sell her.

"What have you promised me on all those nights we've spent together these past few years?"

Edgar shook his head.

"I just hope something this small won't upset you.

"You have to remember, nothing matters more than the baby you're carrying."

Lydia kissed him on the cheek.

She crouched back down to look me in the eye.

"Did you hear that?

"Every noble at the auction will get to see what's left of your dignity.

"Get on your knees and beg me. Agree to be my slave, and I might decide not to tame you."

Edgar took the slave contract from her and laid it in front of me.

"Are you going to sign it yourself, or do I have to do it for you?"

I wanted to tear the thing to pieces.

Instead, he punched me as hard as he could.

"Helga! I warned you!

"Behave yourself!"

I'd completely given up hope.

Then I heard a commotion outside the castle.

"Someone's broken in!"

"Stop him!"

"God, what kind of monster is that..."

The dungeon door was kicked open.

A tall figure stood silhouetted against the light.

He was covered in blood.

"Edgar.

"Touch my sister again. I dare you."