The Master's Third Wife

*Slap* Her cheek stung from the brutal slap that was given to her by her stepmother. Rylie Novikov stood in the presence of her stepfamily, a helpless expression on her face. Her step-sisters laughed at her vulnerability. Her father was away at war and left his second wife in charge of the family. "Did you really think you'd be the one to marry the crowned prince? Just because you're the alleged first daughter of that woman?" Rylie's chest rose and fell rapidly. They were taking everything from her; her birthright and the man she was supposed to get married to. Her tears began to pour. This prompted her sisters to raise a roar of laughter. They mocked her weakness. "Be a good girl and just maybe, I won't cut your mother's hospital bills. You either choose a man or the mother you so cherish." Rylie watched her childhood best friend, Ian, smirking at her. His hand was wrapped around Anita's waist. He even kissed her forehead to spite Rylie the more. She shut her eyes as more tears

Rylie stared at the servants carrying her boxes inside a car. Her eye bags were visible and her skin was pale. It had been four days since her mother died but she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. The past three days were horrible. Her step-sisters kept mocking her late mother. But Anita took it too far. She called a late mother a whore. Rylie lost it and slapped her, making sure her five fingers showed on Anita's jaw. Dragged her hair and her body to filth. She made sure the bad-mouthed girl swallowed sand and rubbed mud all over her face. It was the guards that separated the two of them or else, Rylie would have ended her life. Bethany made sure that no food or water was given to her in those four days. She was locked up in the confinement room until the day she was departing. She felt sorry for herself and her late mother. Her father had no idea what was going on as he was still at war. Not that he ever cared about them. To her right, she saw Anita glaring daggers at her. It seemed

Tears strolled down Rylie's cheeks as she laid down on her bed. She puked whenever she remembered how that man's head flew off his neck. It was too much for her little mind to carry. What had she gotten herself into? She needed to phone the police but she was still too scared to move about. She couldn't stand up from the bed. Fear had gripped her to the bones. She could only cry and pray she survived the night. Once the morning sun hit her face, she opened her eyes slowly and wearily. The night was so long, as though it never wanted to end. She had to do everything to save herself. She quickly ran to the wardrobe and started packing her clothes. His mask kept appearing in her thoughts. He was a monster who didn't need anybody to care for him. She wasn't going to die like the rest. Just as she was about to change into something else, a knock came to the door. She gasped and held her breath for a moment. She wondered if it was the masked man. "Come in," She muttered, shaking in her

Rylie smiled when she saw Asher walking through the door. She couldn't explain the sudden happiness that washed over her. Maybe it was because he showed up when everyone thought he wouldn't. Killian stepped aside when he saw that his master was walking toward his wife. When Asher got to where Rylie stood, he took her hand and after a small nod, he led her to the table. Nobody could open their mouths to say anything anymore and Rylie liked that.'Way to go, Asher.' She beamed inwardly as she drew closer to the table. The palace maids walked in with different plates of food and dishes. The aroma made Rylie salivate. Everything smelt nice. "I'm sorry for being late." Asher apologized to Rylie in a low tone. For a moment, she felt he was being too nice. His actions were too good to be true. "I didn't know you were coming." She whispered back. "Well, I got off work just in time. Did anyone say anything mean?" He inquired as the maids served him. Rylie looked briefly at the older woman

"The king has sent for you." Killian broke the news to Rylie as she ate. She almost choked on her food when she heard the news. He quickly gave her water to drink and rubbed her back gently. "Why? What have I done?" She questioned frantically."I haven't done anything, I swear." Killian chuckled and stood erect after making sure she was alright. "He just wants to meet his daughter-in-law, is that so bad?" Rylie coughed a little and shook her head. "It's not bad at all. When am I supposed to go and see him?" "I will tell you but for now, finish eating. Do you need anything?" "No, I'm fine. Thank you." "That's good. There's something I need to talk to you about." He spoke. Rylie stopped eating and looked at him. "Your tone sounds like it's an emergency. Have a seat while we talk." She offered but he bluntly refused. "You shouldn't speak to strangers, Rylie. Master Asher doesn't like it and you have to stop it."Just as his words dropped, Elina began descending the stairs. "A