The House Arrest

Herna Vorenforth, disguised with a scarf tightly wrapped over her head, panted as she darted through the narrow streets, her heart pounding in her chest. The sound of guards hunting her, under orders from Prince George, echoed through the cobblestone alleys.

"I need to find Edward... Sein has been executed, my family's assets are seized... I'm doomed," she whispered frantically, coming to a halt beneath a dim streetlight. She bent over, hands on her knees, gasping for breath as a sigh of temporary relief escaped her lips. Herna's pulse raced, but she forced herself to stay calm for a moment, letting her mind catch up with her body. Then, like a bolt of lightning, familiar voices shattered her brief reprieve, followed by the harsh neighing of horses.

"Find her!" barked one of the guards as they galloped by, their shadows stretching over her.

Herna gasped, eyes wide, and bolted toward the nearest corner, her scarf slipping slightly as she pressed herself against the cold stone wall. She trembled, clutching her abdomen as her sobs broke through her shallow breaths. Her chest heaved, each tear a painful reminder of her situation.

"This was Sein's doing, not mine," she thought bitterly, swallowing her guilt. Sliding down the wall, she hugged her knees tightly to her chest, curling into herself on the damp, dirty ground. The weight of it all seemed unbearable, and her voice quivered as she whispered, " I have to find Edward as as soon as possible"

She wiped her tears away with shaky hands, her fingers trembling as the first drops of rain began to fall. Looking up at the darkened sky, the cold rain mixing with her tears, Herna felt small beneath the storm's weight. The rain soon came down harder, and she scrambled for a nearby awning, huddling underneath it for shelter, her hands nervously wrapped around her stomach.

She stared out at the rain-soaked streets, her mind racing. She couldn't stay there forever. Once the downpour eased, she would have to make her way to Edward's home, despite the growing danger. But for now, all she could do was wait, shivering under the small shelter as the rain drenched the world around her.

The Bruswards House

Edward clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, as he sat on the sofa in the grand living room, his jaw tight with anger. His eyes burned with frustration as he gritted his teeth, seething beneath the surface.

"Evangeline... she's gone too far this time," he muttered, his voice low and venomous. "What's so special about Richard that she would dare place my family under house arrest?" His lips curled into a bitter scoff, the tension in his body clear as his gaze shifted to the Sarogath guards wandering outside the estate. He glared at them with icy disdain, watching their every move from the large windows, the presence of the Sarogaths' men like salt in an open wound. "Dominic must be enjoying this... watching me caged like an animal."

Edward's frustration boiled over. "We couldn't even go to the mines today," he growled, rubbing his forehead as if trying to physically push away his headache. "Dreadful day, dreadful weather," he spat, the rain pattering against the windows doing little to soothe his mood. His hands clenched tighter, and with a sharp, sudden movement, he slammed his fist into his thigh. "What a cursed day."

His body tensed with irritation as he sat back, staring blankly at the wall, the ticking of the ornate clock on the mantle amplifying his sense of confinement. Just then, a voice called out, interrupting his brooding.

"Master... Master!" one of the workers rushed in, bowing his head deeply, clearly sensing Edward's foul mood. Edward didn't look up at first, his cold eyes still fixed on nothing.

"What is it? What do you want?" Edward snapped, his tone laced with irritation, barely masking his simmering fury.

"Miss Venison is here, sir..." the worker replied cautiously, his voice shaking a little under Edward's sharp gaze. The name seemed to spark a shift in Edward's demeanor. His head snapped up, his expression briefly lightening.

"Eliza?..." Edward's voice softened, if only for a moment, as he muttered to himself. "What is she doing here?" His hand waved toward the worker, signaling his permission.

"Let her in," he commanded, more composed now but still on edge. The worker nodded quickly and hurried off to carry out the order.

Edward leaned back into the sofa, rubbing his temples again before letting out a heavy sigh. "Her company is exactly what I need right now," he muttered under his breath. "At least they're letting her in because of her father's influence. She's one of the few not bound by this cursed house arrest."

Still seated, he reached over to a nearby drawer, pulling it open to retrieve a bottle of his finest alcohol and an empty glass. His fingers moved with an impatient grace as he poured himself a drink, the liquid sloshing slightly from his unsteady hand. Without hesitation, he raised the glass to his lips and downed it in one quick motion, the alcohol burning his throat but doing little to dull his anger.

The soft clacking of heels echoed through the corridor, catching his attention. Edward's head turned sharply towards the sound his cold eyes narrowing as he waited her arrival

Eliza smiled as she entered the lavish living room, folding her arms and giving a playful scoff, her lips still curved in amusement. "Good evening, Edward," she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. She moved toward him with a slow, deliberate grace, her eyes flicking to the Sarogath guards wandering outside the house, their presence heavy in the air.

Edward's frustration was palpable. Without a word, he reached for her, grabbing her firmly by the thighs and pulling her close. His forehead pressed against her groin, his breath warm and ragged against her skin. His hands tightened their grip, as if needing to feel something solid to anchor himself.

Eliza stroked his hair gently, her fingers moving through the strands with a practiced calm. "What's going on, Edward?" she asked softly, her fingers never stopping. "I saw the guards outside, surrounding your house, and I heard about the fines and punishment from the court. I was busy with... personal matters, otherwise, I would have come sooner."

Edward slowly lifted his head, his eyes dark and weary, and let out a long sigh. "It's Evangeline again," he said bitterly. "She put us under house arrest... all because I gave Richard a beating." He scoffed, his voice thick with resentment, rolling his eyes as if the very thought of it sickened him. "And the fines... that's a separate matter, just the court being its usual self. But this house arrest? It's ruined everything." His jaw tightened, and his hands dug deeper into the fabric of her dress on her thigh, a silent testament to his growing fury.

Eliza's hand moved soothingly to the back of his head, her touch gentle, trying to calm him. "She's always been fond of Richard, more than Dominic, it seems. I'm sure the arrest won't last long," she said with a sigh. "Anyway, I came to ask a favor." She felt his grip on her loosen as he let go and sank back onto the sofa.

"What is it?" Edward asked, his voice weary as he reached for his glass, taking a long sip, his mind clearly elsewhere.

"I need to borrow some money," Eliza said bluntly, folding her arms again, her expression cool. "I asked my father, but he refused. I was hoping you'd be more... accommodating."

Edward raised an eyebrow, setting down the glass and leaning back, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "Oh? Must be an emergency if you're asking me for help." His tone was teasing, but there was an edge to it. He gestured for her to come closer and then pulled her onto his lap, his hands possessively resting on her thigh.

"I'm glad you came," he murmured, his mood beginning to shift with her presence. "This weather would be unbearable without you. I'm cold, Eliza, and I need you to keep me warm..." He ran his hand along her thigh and kissed her hand, then brought her fingers to his lips, sucking them lightly as he looked into her eyes.

Eliza let out a soft laugh but then paused, her expression turning serious. "Did you hear the news, Edward?" she asked, her voice low and cautious.

Edward's brow furrowed as he halted, his thumb still gently rubbing her hand. "What news?" he asked, sensing something ominous in her tone.

Just then, the radio crackled to life, filling the room with a chilling announcement. "Sein Vorenforth has been executed, and his family jailed..."

Edward's expression darkened immediately, his grip on Eliza faltering as the weight of the news settled in. He hadn't expected this. "The execution was bad enough, but the entire Vorenforth family being taken down? They Must've found out about his deeds on Evangeline, Khardis and I was involved" His thoughts spun as he tried to make sense of it.

"I was just about to tell you," Eliza continued, her voice more somber now. "Except for Herna, the young Miss. She escaped and is being hunted down." Edward's fists clenched tightly around the sofa armrest, his knuckles white with tension.

"I have to get her out of this... I can't let Herna face this alone," he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. "But where could she be?" He gritted his teeth, frustrated by the helplessness of his situation, confined to the house and unable to act.

Sensing his inner turmoil, Eliza leaned forward, her hand caressing his chest, her touch a welcome distraction. "So, are you going to give me the money?" she asked softly, leaning in to kiss him, her lips brushing against his with a tempting sweetness.

Edward let out a slow breath, his mood slightly lifting as he smiled at her. "Of course," he replied with a low chuckle, kissing her back with lingering intensity. "When have I ever failed you, hmm?"

His hand slid down to her waist as he nuzzled her neck, his breath hot against her skin. "Let's go to the bedroom," he whispered, his voice thick with desire. "I've missed you... and your body." He kissed her cheek, then her neck, his hands wandering as he spoke.

Eliza smiled seductively, her fingers brushing his cheek as she stood up, stretching her hand toward him. Edward grabbed it without hesitation, standing up as well, his grip firm as he pulled her toward the stairs. Together, they moved swiftly, the tension in the air charged with unspoken intentions as she followed him, her heels clicking softly against the floor, the guards outside still unaware of the passion unfolding within the confines of the Bruswards house.

Edward entered his bedroom, carrying Eliza in his arms, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. As he reached the bed, he gently dropped her onto the mattress. Eliza gasped, turning to face him, her eyes filled with desire. She pulled him closer, her breath quickening as their lips met once more. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist as he pressed against her, his body grinding with hunger.

With a sharp pull back, Edward paused, his gaze intense. Eliza sat up slowly, sliding the strap of her dress off her shoulder, letting it fall to the floor. He turned her back to him, bracing herself on the bed. Edward raised her legs, positioning her fully on the mattress, and then entered her with a sigh of relief, his breath ragged. "Much better..." he murmured as he felt her warmth, his voice low, as Eliza let out a quiet moan of pleasure.

He grabbed her by the hair, pulling her back toward him as he began to thrust deeply, rhythmically. His thumb grazed her lips, and they both moaned in unison, their bodies moving as one. Eliza's leg pressed firmly against his, her body trembling with each wave of pleasure that coursed through her. Edward's grip on her hair loosened, and his hand slid to her breasts, caressing them as he thrust harder, more aggressively now.

Eliza groaned, biting her lip as she felt him hit that perfect spot, sending shivers of ecstasy through her. "Yes... Edward... yes... ugh..." she gasped, her hands gripping the bedsheets tightly, her body arching with each powerful thrust.

Edward moaned against her neck, his lips brushing her skin. He wrapped his arm around her waist from behind, pulling her close. "Darling... it feels so good," he whispered, his voice rough with desire,His voice was husky, complimenting the connection between them. As he neared his climax, his body tensed, He thrust faster, his breaths becoming more erratic as he neared his climax.

With a final deep thrust, Edward ejaculated inside her. Eliza cried out in pleasure, her body trembling as he filled her completely. His semen spilled over, trailing down her legs as she moaned, her voice thick with the mix of pleasure and pain as he continued ejaculating.

As they lay there, catching their breath, Edward's thoughts drifted to how much he missed her—missed moments like these, where they could forget the world, and it was just the two of them. His mind lingered on the warmth of her body, the way she fit perfectly against him. Despite all the chaos in his life, in these moments, Eliza made him feel alive.

Back at Verdaselles Palace, Richard sat by the window, watching the heavy rain and flashes of lightning, the room illuminated by the occasional strike. Bandages covered his body, and he held a book in his hand, trying to relax. The peaceful moment was shattered when the doors to his bedroom flung open with a loud slam, startling him.

"It must be Dominic again... I guess," he thought, raising his head. But instead of Dominic, Evangeline stormed in, her face flushed with anger and tears.

"Richard!" she cried, her voice trembling with sobs. She rushed toward him, and he quickly stood up, concern etched on his face.

"Evangeline? My lady, what's wrong? Did something happen? What did Dominic do?" he asked, pulling her into a comforting embrace. He could feel her trembling, her body shaking with emotion. His heart sank as he held her chin, gently stroking her hair. He gazed into her tear-filled eyes. "Did he hurt you?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern as her fingers clenched onto his shirt.

"I wish that bastard would just die... or leave my house. He's changed everything—the house, the hotel, and even my grandmother," Evangeline sobbed, her voice filled with hatred as she buried her face in Richard's chest. Her words were broken by her tears. "I feel like I don't know my grandmother anymore. She came out of nowhere and took everything from me. It's not fair... that's what my mother left me."

Richard patted her back gently, trying to soothe her, but he could feel the depth of her pain.

"I've lost so much—my parents, my elder brother... and now my inheritance. My uncle, the Grand Duke, was buried today..." Her voice faltered, a fresh wave of grief overwhelming her. "Whenever I face Dominic, he makes me feel like my existence is useless, like I'm nothing. And he..." She paused, her words choked with anger, biting her lip as if to hold back a scream.

Evangeline's heart was breaking—not just from the constant actions and cruelty of Dominic, but from the sudden coldness of her grandmother, who had once been her rock. Now, it was as if the woman she loved and admired had turned into a stranger, taking away everything she held dear. Evangeline sobbed harder, the weight of all her losses pressing down on her chest, her hatred for Dominic burning fiercer with each breath "He did something terrible at the dinning room in between my legs"She added

Richard held her tighter, feeling her pain as if it were his own. His heart ached for her, but he knew words wouldn't be enough. He had to be her shield now, her comfort in a world that was rapidly crumbling.

"He made love to you?" Richard asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"I don't know," Evangeline replied, her voice trembling. "But it felt like more than just once…I felt a strange sensation in my body as it slipped inside of me "

Her words made Richard's heart sink, and he pieced together what Dominic had done. He realized it was just a simple act—it was him touching her with his hands like foreplay "She hasn't experienced anything like this before… it's understandable," he thought, a flicker of a slight internal chuckle, though he kept a calm demeanor. He hugged her tightly, trying to offer her a sense of safety.

"It's okay," Richard whispered, stroking her hair. "He didn't impregnate you… he was just teasing you, that's all. It was just his fingers. He's your husband, so technically, he didn't do anything wrong. He hasn't done the actual deed yet..." he said, his words meant to reassure her, but his tone carried a bitterness even he couldn't hide.

The word "husband" hit Evangeline like a slap to the face. Her blood boiled with fury. "Ugh… whatever! I'm tired of all this," she snapped, her voice rising. "I hate that scorn in his eyes, the way he looks at me like I'm some pathetic fool, a clueless child. Even when I nag at him, he just stares with those piercing glares, like he expects nothing from me." Her frustration spilled over as she released Richard and stomped her foot, her anger bubbling up.

"I can't stand it! I wish it were all just a dream, that it would all go away!" she yelled, her chest heaving as her emotions overwhelmed her. Her heart pounded wildly, and suddenly, she felt weak, lightheaded. "Richard... what do I do? My chest hurts… I feel like I'm going to die." She clutched her chest, her knees buckling as she began to fall.

Richard's reflexes kicked in, and he caught her just in time, pulling her close. Without thinking, he pressed his lips to hers, a kiss meant to calm her spiraling panic. His hand cradled the back of her head, steadying her, and after a brief moment, he pulled away, his forehead resting against hers.

"You need to take your medicine," he whispered softly, his hand gently caressing her cheek. "You're under too much pressure, and it's not good for your health." He sighed, his heart aching for her. Please, Evangeline, let me help you, You're not alone in this that's why you hired me "He gave her a reassuring pat on her back with a heavy sigh

"Maybe Dominic should tease you again with his fingers to calm your nerves," Richard teased with a mischievous grin.

Evangeline's eyes narrowed sharply, and without hesitation, she punched him square in the chest. Richard let out an exaggerated yelp, stumbling back. "Ow! Ow! You Violent Woman, you really pack a punch!" he whined, clutching his chest dramatically, although he was injured her punch didn't have much effect but he could feel the pain.

"You nasty bastard! Don't you dare mention his name again, or the next punch will hurt even more," she threatened, raising her fist for emphasis.

Richard chuckled, straightening up. "Oh, please. Those tiny fists? They can't hurt me," he teased, winking at her. "I'm practically invincible!"

Evangeline shot him a look and glared at him raising an eyebrow. "Is that so? For your information, I've learned martial arts. My fists aren't just for ladylike things like sipping tea, practicing etiquette, or writing letters." She crossed her arms, a hint of pride in her voice. "You'd be wise not to underestimate me I'm just not in a good health that's why I couldn't do anything..."

Richard raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "Oh? Martial arts? Well, if that's the case, remind me never to challenge you again. But really—tea and martial arts? That's quite the combo," he laughed.

Evangeline huffed, but a scoff tugged at her lips not moved by Richard's reply "Keep testing me, Richard, and you'll see just how quickly my tiny fists can bring you down."

Richard still clutching his chest with mock suffering "Alright, Alright no more Dominic jokes "He said, his tone softening as he wrapped his arms around her waist "Forgive me, My Lady"He leaned in and kissed her this time with a gentle apology, though a playful glint remained in his eyes.

"Better?"He asked grinning as Evangeline nodded and pouted, Richard held her chin and pulled her in a deep kiss as she wrapped her arms around him