Page 56 of Legacy of Succession

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

NICHOLAS

As I stride through the corridors of my father’s dominating castle in Scotland, Elizabeth Sandford tries to slide her arm into mine. I’m still covered in Reggie’s blood, and his death hangs heavily on my shoulders. I wasn’t able to arrange a burial for him, before I left. My father told me he’d deal with it, but I fear my beloved butler won’t rest in peace until I can figure a way out of this.

“I’m feeling a little dizzy. Can we walk a little slower?” Elizabeth interjects into my thoughts. “It’s been difficult to eat the last few days.”

“Shouldn’t have gotten pregnant with my father’s spawn, then,” I snap.

“Nicholas, this makes sense. Don’t fight it. We all get what we want.”

I grind to a halt and stare at her.

“Are you actually for real?”

“What?” she pouts.

“I’ve never met someone so greedy in all my life. This has only ever been about the title for you. You’ll let my father do anything to you, as long as you have the prestige of our position. You’re sick.”

“No.” She stomps her foot. “I’m not the sick one. Victoria’s right. Your society members are the insane ones. What makes you in charge of us? My father has worked hard and has nothing. He listens to all the crap you, and everyone else, spout. Just because he’s a Bishop, you all think he’s not worth your respect. Your father’s the only one who’s ever listened to him. Well, I’m going to show everyone you’re all wrong. It’s you, and your little boy scouts group, that’s worthless.”

“You’re deluded.” I shake my head. Elizabeth knows full well the reputation that her father has amongst the choir boys, and that’s why he gets no respect from us.

“We’ll see about that.” She pats her stomach.

“Is it even my father’s? You know he’ll demand DNA testing.”

She steps forward and slaps my face. I crack my jaw because it’s one of those blows from a woman that ricochets right through you.

“You ever raise your hand to me again, and I’ll become the devil everyone wants me to be. I feel absolutely nothing for you but contempt. I wouldn’t normally hit a lady. But in your case, I’m willing to make an exception because, well, the term ‘lady’ only loosely applies.” She goes to hit me again, but I grab her hand, swing her around, and dump her on the floor.

“Your father will hear about this.”

“Tell him — I no longer care,” I spit out at her before trudging off to my room and slamming the door like a petulant teenager. I need Victoria — I’ve not spoken to her since she was rescued from the failed painting theft. I don’t trust my father, and the fact that he travelled after us leaves me suspicious. I pull out my phone and message William.

Nicholas: Hey, have you seen Victoria?

I look at the icon on the screen where the three dots appear. They flash for a few minutes then stop. I get impatient. Eventually, a reply comes through.

William: Yes. Not that you deserve to know.

Nicholas: What’s that supposed to mean?

William: You married yet?

I’m getting the distinct impression that my brother’s pissed off at me.

Nicholas: Still working on getting out of it.

William: Don’t lie. The Duke told me everything.

I stare down at his message. What the hell does he mean?

Nicholas: I’m not marrying Elizabeth out of choice. I agreed to it under duress. I’m doing it because it’s the only way to save Victoria’s life. I saw the trial — she was about to die. Once the marriage is done, Victoria and I will disappear. The baby isn’t mine, before you ask. I’ve never slept with Elizabeth, so it can’t be. It’s our father’s.

I hesitate before sending that message. My father won’t let me take William with me, but I’ll never stop trying. I add a little bit on the end.

Nicholas: As soon as I can come back for you, I will. I’ll never stop trying.

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