Page 31 of Legacy of Succession

My feet feel like lead weights as I take the chain in my hand and step one foot in front of the other. I can’t turn around and look at the pain being inflicted on Victoria. I’m a coward and not ashamed to admit it. The taunts she’s receiving are enough for me.

“Whore.”

“Bitch.”

“Cock tease.”

“Cunt.”

“Slut.”

“Virago.”

I wince at every word, and the comments are even worse.

“Learn your place.”

“On your knees and worship my feet.”

“Cut her tongue out if she doesn’t stop.”

“Only good for fucking.”

“Stick your dick in her mouth to shut her up.”

“Women need to learn silence.”

I make three passes. My father tells me to go for a fourth, but I feel the chain go taut over my shoulder. I turn around, and Victoria has slumped down onto the floor. I let it go and check on her. She's unconscious — her back bleeding and raw. One of the men steps forward with his whip held high.

“Enough,” I snap.

He inclines his head in a bow and returns to the line.

“You, and you.” I point to two of the guards. “Get this thing off her and return her to her room. Touch her intimately, while she’s naked, and I’ll use that sword” ?I point to a massive metal blade hanging ominously on the wall? “to personally remove your hands.”

They scramble to attention, and Victoria’s limp body is removed from the room. I make a mental note that, as soon as I leave here, I’ll have my personal doctor called to tend to her wounds, not the horrendous Dr. Fredrick Fallen. The other members of the society head to the bar to pour themselves a congratulatory round of brandies.

“Happy?” I face down my father who’s picked up the bridle and is running his finger over the bit. Blood coats his digit where it must’ve dug into Victoria’s tongue.

“Indeed. Although, it’s yet to be seen whether she’s actually learned her lesson or not. If you make her Duchess the way she currently is, it’ll be the downfall of this family.”

I laugh. I can’t help it. I don’t know where it comes from. It's probably the most natural reaction that I’ve ever had in my life.

“Or she might just be the savior of it.”

I don’t wait to hear his answer because my feet are propelling me toward the door and the woman I fear I’ve just destroyed.

---