7
475words
But that changed after William and I were born.
Father was furious I wasn't born a boy. He was strict and harsh, beating me often for small mistakes. So I'd always hated William.
Whenever he came near, I'd give him a beating.
I thought he'd learn to keep his distance, but instead, he seemed to enjoy my bully.
Every time I hit him, he'd come back the next day with a grin.
The more I thought about it, the angrier I felt. I whipped my horse and charged forward.
Warren stopped the guards from following me.
"Madame prefers to hunt alone. Don't follow her."
I heard him and sneered.
Since Wilson and Warren wanted to see me fail, I'd give them a show they'd never forget!
"Hyah!"
I urged the horse faster, leaving everyone behind as I raced deep into the forest.
The mare, whipped into a frenzy, reared and tried to throw me off.
I cut the reins and leaped into the air, planning to fake an injury. But the panicked horse stepped into a trap, and its hooves kicked violently toward me.
I cursed under my breath.
There was no way to avoid it. I closed my eyes, hoping my body could survive the blow.
But before the pain hit, a pair of strong arms caught me.
"Long time no see, Duchess. You've certainly… gained some weight."
"…"
I immediately slapped William, then yanked his hair hard.
"Your hair is so well-maintained for your age, Your Grace. People might think you're wearing a wig."
Instead of getting angry, William leaned closer and raised an eyebrow.
"Why don't you feel it yourself and see if it's real or not?"
"Ugh! Disgusting!"
I struggled, but William didn't let go.
As we wrestled, Wilson's furious voice shouted from behind.
"— What bastard dares harass the Duchess?!"
Wilson's anger vanished when he saw it was William. He hurried over with a flattering smile.
"My apologies, Your Grace. I didn't realize it was you. Thank you for saving my wife."
Seeing Wilson reach for me, I pinched William hard.
I'd rather be held by this pretty boy than touched by my disgusting husband.
William cooperatively helped me back to my tent.
Warren looked furious to see me return unharmed. Especially seeing Wilson silent, he couldn't hold back.
"Mom, you're old enough to know better! How could you let Duke Cecil carry you?!"
His voice was loud, drawing whispers from the crowd.
"The Duchess has no shame. If her parents were alive, they'd die of embarrassment."
"First she marries beneath her, now this? She's utterly shameless."
Encouraged by the gossip, Wilson puffed out his chest and yelled at me, "How dare you seduce another man! You immoral —"
I cut him off with a slap.
