The Count's death

Dahlia sighed as she looked at the shrinking image of their mansion. As the carriage got farther and farther away from her home, she felt like she was leaving her heart. 'I'm going to miss home.'

It's been two weeks since she agreed with the Duke's proposal. Even though it wasn't legal for them to get married, he got the permission from the King in order to make the wedding possible.

She suddenly felt deep resentment for the Duke. According to her father besides having an unpleasant appearance, the Duke was also of old age. Imagine a 16 year-old girl marrying a 53 year-old man, it was truly hilarious. But in Dahlia's point of view, it was pitiful.

She can't imagine what will happen in their wedding night. It was truly disgusting. She wanted to throw up. 'I'd rather die.'

But thinking about her precious father, makes her think otherwise. 'No. I'll endure this. For my Father.'

It took them almost an hour to arrive at the Duke's Mansion. As expected, it was huge. However, Dahlia couldn't care less. To her, this mansion was hell, living here was like a living nightmare.

The servants immediately went to her and carried her things. The Duke welcomed her.

The Duke knowing the arrival of his future wife, prepared to welcome her. He immediately held her to his embrace. He sniffed her sweet scent. 'Soon. You'll be mine.' he thought to himself.

Dahlia who was shocked had a distorted expression. She felt him sniff her and she had goosebumps because of that. She wanted to kick this pig's crotch. 'Get your hands off me, you filth.' She wanted to say to his face. But...

"Dahlia, my wife. I've been anticipating your arrival." he said with his hideous smile.

Dahlia awkwardly smiled back. She can't take this. Any second now, she'll probably die. 'F*cking gross'

The maids guided her to her bedroom. When she was inside she immediately revealed her displeasure. She didn't want to go out this room. Ever. She definitely doesn't want to see that pig's face.

She practiced the breathing techniques she learned in order to calm herself down. She heard a knock on the door minutes later. Then the door opened.

It revealed the Duke.

"Dahlia, my darling. Let's have dinner later, then we'll discuss the details of our wedding."

"Don't worry. If there are things that you want to add or suggest. I shall grant them. I'll leave you in your room to rest." he said while he gazed hungrily at her figure sitting on the bed.

He suddenly had impure thoughts. Dahlia sensing his reluctance smiled tiredly and pretended to be extremely exhausted.

"Thank you, your grace. I shall take my rest now." She said hinting him to leave.

The Duke suddenly woke up from his lewd thoughts and closed the door.

As the Duke departed, a sigh escaped her mouth. She was familiar with that kind of stare. Lust. Men would often stare at her like that. It was extremely disturbing.

Sometimes, she wished that she looked average. Being too pretty was a jinx in her life. Maybe, if she was born with a different body she'd have an easier life. Not living a life where she was like a tiny rabbit thrown into the den of wolves, known as men.

It was already time for dinner. The servants catered Dahlia as she waited at the dining table. The butler then put the plate in front of her. She was thankful that she was alone.

"The lord is having a meeting with someone right now my lady. I'm afraid that he may not have dinner with you." the butler said.

'Thank goodness.' she thought. Good thing she could enjoy her meal because if he was to accompany her, she might lose her appetite.

After finishing her dinner, the servants escorted her to her quarters. She was thankful that the Duke didn't summon her for a talk.

An hour passed as Dahlia layed in bed. Something was bothering her. She couldn't sleep. No matter how many times she tossed and turned, she still could not sleep. She felt uncomfortable and nervous for reason. 'Something' s wrong. I can feel it. '

She always trusted her gut feeling...

She got up from her bed. She decided to quitely leave the room. She doesn't know what's with her but she slowly approached the Duke's study.

The door was slightly open. When she saw the Duke approaching her direction, she ran to hide in the corner of the hallway.

She heard the Duke's voice as he spoke.

"Are the preparations ready."

"Yes, your grace." the man replied. He seemed to have an appearance of a royal Knight. Dahlia knew for she admired the Royal Knights, she wanted to become one.

"They are already in front of the Count's mansion. Preparing to strike."

'Count?..' Dahlia's breath quickened. She felt her heart pounding loudly against her chest.

"Is that so? Then all the families of the accomplices are dead right? Was it lead by his Majesty."

"Yes, your grace. Only Count Raolden remains alive. All the conspirators have been killed along with their families."

"Well, the Count probably didn't realize the nearing of his death. He even gave me his beautiful daughter to protect their lives." the Duke chuckled. "He would probably regret his decision. For when I'm done with his daughter, I'll send her after him." he said then a pig-like laugh escaped his mouth.

The Knight gave him an odd look. The Duke failed to notice for he was busy looking up as he laughed cynically.

Dahlia was rooted to where she stood. She didn't know what to do. She was shocked with what she heard.

'Father..' she was panicking inwardly. Soon she heard another set of footsteps. She peeked to know who that was. It was the butler.

"Check the girl's room. Soon we will depart. Make sure she is asleep."

"Yes, my lord." the butler replied.

She felt her heart stop. 'Sh*t'