Chapter 4

I walk inside, my head held high, and stand at the bottom of the dais and look at my father in the eyes. As usual, I don't bow to him. His lips curl at me in anger and dislike. I mirror his expressions. It's hard to even look at him now. If it was difficult before, it's impossible now that I know that he's responsible for Elijah's murder.

"My my, you don't learn your lessons quick, do you?" an oily voice sneers at me.

I glare at the source of the voice and give a mocking smile in return,"Lord Caverly, a pleasure as always". He just gives me a hard look and inclines his head towards the dais,"Bow to your king". i give him a surprised look and look all around the room and say,"I don't see him anywhere". Then I look at my father defiantly.

His eyes narrow at me.

Suddenly, I lurch backward, my cheek stinging.I raise my hand to where Caverly backhanded me. I look at him, but regret it immediately. I hear his words in my head,"Bow, bow to your king".I try to defy his order, but my legs don't obey me, and I'm kneeling. I grit my teeth and try to ignore the satisfaction in both the men's eyes. When my body relaxes, I jump up, remove the dagger I always keep in my boot and pin Caverly to the wall. My brain fuming, I press the dagger against his neck.

"Stop at once, Estelle", my father commands me.

I ignore it and press the dagger further, and a small trickle of blood appears on Caverly's neck. Caverly's nostrils flare, and he opens his mouth to bare his fangs at me. Looking everywhere but at his eyes, I give a small smirk. I hate that loss of control, his compulsion has. Abruptly, I'm pulled off him, hands yanking my hair. I press my lips together to stop the shout of pain that bursts through me.

Never will I be weak in front of them.

Never again will I kneel.