Page 42 of Legacy of Succession

He glares at me. It’s a look that tells me to keep my mouth shut. ‘Fire, Sex, Death’ pops into my head. Ok, maybe I’ll be silent as this is apparently the fire, and I like the sound of the other two a lot less than walking over hot coals.

“How very disappointing,” the Duke moans. “I was hoping that you would choose her for sex. I was looking forward to it.” He laughs this time, and I look to Amelia. Seeing that she’s close to tears, I reach out and take her hand. She grips mine back tightly, saying nothing as the Duke starts up with his annoying sermons again.

“In all ways, the wife of a Duke must be completely faithful to her husband, unless, for reasons known only to the Duke, he commands her to personally commit carnal acts with another person. I did this with my wife. I wanted to work with a particular client, so I gave him a night with my wife to seal the deal.” He chuckles, and my blood freezes. “She didn’t come back too bruised.” I look at Nicholas as he stumbles back, grabbing a nearby chair to support himself. I’m sure his father enjoys teasing him. I look up to the hidden alcoves and wonder if William is listening to this as well. It must be hard on them both to know that their mother was brutally treated and chose death over being with them in life. That she couldn't try to save them from the fate they faced. I will Nicholas to walk out and tell his father that he'll not do this, but I know it won’t happen because this is the only way he can see to put an end to everything.

“For the purpose of this task, I get to have a little fun.” The Duke stands proudly, and I have a horrible sinking feeling I know what’s coming. “The chosen lady will be given to me by my son to complete fellatio. If you, in anyway, attempt to bite my penis, then I’ll have your teeth pulled out of your mouth, one by one, without anesthetic. A good wife needs to obey her husband no matter what. Your body’s his property, and he can command how you use it.”

I can’t help but be over the moon at not having to complete that task. I like my teeth in my mouth, and I would definitely lose them because I wouldn’t be able to prevent myself from trying gnaw off the Duke’s gross dick. It would be the safest way of ensuring I didn’t get any nasty diseases.

“Nicholas, who do you choose for this task?” the Duke asks, and I send up a silent prayer that he doesn’t choose Amelia. It’s already been proven that Elizabeth’s a whore, so give her that task. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it. She can compare father and son. Yuck! What a disgusting thought.

“Elizabeth. I happen to know that she has talents that you’ll rather appreciate.”

The assembled crowd murmur amongst themselves, but my attention’s distracted when Amelia grips my hand even tighter and whispers,

“Thank you for being my friend. You’ve a strength I’ve never seen before. I know that you'll be the last Duchess of Oakfield to be chosen this way.”

“What?” I ask, but the Duke interrupts us again. This time, I’m pulled away to the coals by the guards. Amelia’s taken up to the front of the stage, and Elizabeth’s pushed to her knees at the Duke’s feet.

“The final task, which Amelia will complete, is the ultimate sin for both husband and wife. The society is brutal — as many of you know from the punishments you’ve received for misdemeanors. If you betray us, then the punishment is death. Public execution. No second chances. As wife to my son, you’ll be expected to uphold this. You'll be expected to kill.”

The bottom falls out of my world when I see a gun is placed in front of Amelia. No. No. Her words suddenly start to make sense. The only task she couldn't complete. I’m being held by the two guards, but I get free from them with unimaginable strength and throw myself at Nicholas’ feet. He looks down in shock, and with an almost silent voice, I whisper,

“Swap Amelia and I — I want to do the killing.”

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