He stepped forward trying to close the gap between us and I took a step away. Talia stepped out of the way, lowering her
head as she bowed and quickly escaped the tent. Leaving me alone with him, but this time, I knew how to fight, or at least had
some idea even if my training was a complete failure.
“I will fetch Talia’s ladies to come and sort you out, then when you are presentable you will join me for dinner.”
“I’d rather starve than eat with you.”
I spat at him, and it hit the ground in front of him. I wasn’t sure if it was a growl that escaped his lips or if he shouted, but
his hand was at my throat in seconds as he pressed himself against my body. My eyes never left his as I held my ground, despite
the pain across my neck. Bruising must have showed up after Kathlyn’s attack.
“Now this attitude won’t do. If I have to beat you into submission I will do it.”
“And my husband will murder you where you stand,” I replied, a snarl hitting the edge of my words.
Nicholas would kill him for laying a hand on me and I’d happily let him, even helping him if I could. He tightened his grip,
choking the air out of me. I tried not to strain, not to show him how much pain he was inflicting. He would not win.
“Uncle.”
Norok’s voice came as he stepped through the door. Dorian quickly let go of me, pushing me away from him.
“You are needed, the general wishes to speak with you.”
Dorian simply nodded, but before he turned away as I tried to catch my breath, he took a hold of my hand and placed a
rough kiss on my knuckles. I pulled back quickly and rubbed my hand against my dirty dress in disgust.
He seemed to enjoy my reaction, waving a hand goodbye as he left the tent. Norok watched me closely as I turned away,
trying not to let the tears burst from my eyes. My chest heaved as I so desperately wanted to be sick.“Are you alright Ornella?”
Norok asked.
“As if you care, dear brother,” I managed to blurt out as I wrapped my arms around myself.
‘Don’t break. You will not let them break you.’
Holding tightly, I repeated the words again and again in my mind, ignoring Norok when he sighed and left my tent. It was
only then when I was alone did I fall to my knees and allow myself to cry.
Crying all the pain and torment that surrounded my soul. Tomorrow, I will wake and become the Shadow Queen. I needed
to get out of here and if that meant fighting my way out. So be it. I would do it.
D arkness had fallen by the time Talia and her ladies arrived to clean me up. I was grateful for the bath, even if it wasn’t
extremely warm and even when the corset dress I’d been instructed to wear pinched on my hips, I was glad to be rid of that
filthy dress.
I had not, however, missed corsets or layers upon layers of gowns. One thing I did enjoy about the valley was their fashion