Page 14 of Legacy of Succession

“Nicholas,” my father commands me, and I step away. The Viscount and his purchase leave. The other members of the society who attended the sale also start to file out. I go to the side of the room and calm myself. I can still hear Victoria’s small whimpers for her brother.

“Well, after all that excitement, I think we need a rest before tonight,” my father addresses the two girls who are still seated. “Ladies, during your stay you have free rein of the house, except for the second floor. Those are private quarters for myself and my son. If you are caught there, you’ll be punished. Please make yourself at home. We have a society meeting tonight, and you’ll be expected to join us. I’ll have garments and instructions sent to you later. In the meantime, enjoy your day. Cooks are available for your particular diets. We have a pool in which you can swim. However, the gardens are off limits, at present. Please go.” The two ladies get to their feet and shuffle out.

“What do we do with her?” one of my father’s guards asks and points to Victoria.

“Put her in her room. She gets the same treatment as the other’s, unless Nicholas decides she needs punishment.”

I spin on my heels to face him.

“Punishment?” I question.

“If she’s to be your wife, then she should show more decorum. I’m beginning to think she doesn’t know the meaning of the word with her outbursts.”

My father’s testing me. He’s never thought me strong enough to be his heir. I’m the only option, though. He would never choose… I shake that thought from my head.

“Place her in her room and lock the door until this evening. No food.”

“Yes, Sir,” the guard replies and pulls Victoria to her feet. She purses her lips at me, and I can see the curses flashing through her brain. She’s imagining me boiling in a vat of oil. She’s imagining bringing down the whole society.

“Wait.” I stop them as they begin to pull her away.

“Make sure you remove all the books from her room. She's to think on her behavior.”

“You bastard,” she spits at me.

“Learn your lesson, little girl.”

I turn and walk away as she continues to call me names.

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