THE Knight’s Hidden Princess

Author's Note: I hereby apologize for how comfortable reading this particular chapter might be for some readers which was why I toned it down a little bit.

If you perhaps need anyone to chat with you can always send a dm to me on Instagram, the handle will be dropped in the box below and also please drop your thoughts in the comment section and send powerstones to encourage me.

Love,

Aloera!

***

The next morning, I was summoned into my father's study. When I woke up, I saw that the space on the floor had been cleared. There was no sign of Reagan which was fine by me. The sight of him would probably make him act out on my darkest desires and it wouldn't be a good look for me once they find out that the princess murdered her husband in cold blood. It's going to be too much stress and that was something I didn't want to face, the gods know today was enough stress as it is.

The servants finished dressing me up to perfection. I wore a square necked black gown with silver intricate linings and flowery designs around the neckline and sleeves. It was also cinched around my waist and flowed down freely around my legs, making it easier for me to move.

On my head was my tiara and around my face was the veil. The servant escorted me as I walked towards my father's study. I had to draw in deep breaths before I signaled for the guard posted at the entrance to announce my arrival.

I had to wait for few minutes before I heard the gruff voice of my father come from the other side of the door.

"Come in!"

That single command made my heart skip a beat but I schooled my features and entered. My father was seated on his desk, crown encrusted with rubies placed on his head as he stared down at some papers. Sometimes, I do wonder if the crown on his head ever got too heavy for him and I wasn't talking about the responsibilities, I actually meant it literally.

"What is your duty?" My father asked without looking at me.

I straightened my back as I replied, "To be good, to be fair, to always learn when and where to keep my mouth shut, to never let anyone let my thoughts for they are mine alone, to_"

"Repeat it again." My father said still without looking at me.

"My duty as a princess is to be good, to always learn when and where to keep my mouth shut, to never let anyone let my thoughts for they are mine alone, to_"

"Again."

I swallowed down the sigh that was about to come out my throat and did as my father asked. In which he asked me again to repeat it three more times before he was finally satisfied.

When he was done, he was quiet for a while. The only sound in the room was that of his quill as he scribbled something on a parchment of a paper. I waited patiently for him, my hands clasped in front of me as I tried not to show any sign of nervousness, I didn't need to give him any more reason to be angry with me.

"A princess's duty is to be good, to always learn where and where to keep her mouth shut!" He said still writing and I noticed his hand movement was faster now, "And what did you do?"

Licking my lips, I responded. "I opened my mouth."

"Exactly." He responded, not looking at me as he continued writing with a pleased smile on his face, "You opened your mouth and why exactly did you do that?"

I've been with my father too many times to know this was a trap. There was nothing I could say that would justify my actions. He was always right and the rest of us were wrong, clearing my throat I stepped forward towards his table, deciding to end this because I didn't want to be in his study any longer than I have to.

"My actions were stupid and rash and very ignorant of me. For that I do apologize and hope you find it in your heart to forgive me." I said bowing my head low in utter respect while gritting my teeth to keep myself from saying what it was I truly wanted to say.

I heard my father sigh before I head a creak which meant he was rising from his chair. "You know when you say things like this, I become proud of you but this….this is a mistake I cannot overlook." He said coming to stand in front of me, "It was said that Lady Marina also warned you but you went ahead to speak, even going as far as to say you want to manage the western provinces."

So she already told him? I thought almost scoffing in disbelief. I looked up at my father, "The western provinces are suffering badly. When I had said that, all I wanted was to prevent a coup from happening, the people will grow rebellious and when they rebel, it wouldn't be safe for the kingdom."

"And who the fuck are you to decide that?" My father yelled.

And that was it, the outburst I was waiting for! I stared up straight ahead at my father, "The people are suffering father. Everything I said was in the best interest of the crown…" I already anticipated the blow before it came.

The impact was sudden, jarring. My head snapped to the side as a searing sting radiated across my cheek. The sharp, metallic tang of blood filled my mouth, making me wince. I stood up straight and stared at my father who was basically fuming in anger.

"What gives you the right to think you know how to run matters of the kingdom?" My father yelled at me, spittle flying from his lips, tiny droplets catching the light as he jabbed his fat finger towards me, "Your job is to keep your mouth shut and spread your legs wider so you can at least keep your bloody husband, but you can't even fucking manage that. I truly tire of you, fucking useless! Just like your mother!" He bellowed, his face flushed crimson, veins bulging against his temple.

Eight… Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… I counted backwards in my head, trying very hard to silence the raging thought in my head that kept suggesting I ended it all.

Angry tears blurred my vision but I kept my head down, "I'm sorry."

"As you should be!" My father roared at me, "Stay in here and atone for your sins then go back to your room while I deal with that idiot Miguel. Did you know he asked me for four thousand gold pieces to manage the western provinces? Four thousand gold pieces? Can you fucking believe that?" My father yelled in anger.

That money wouldn't be going to the provinces, instead it would be going to the brothel where it would be spent on women and ale but I didn't say anything. Not even when he left his study and shortly after servants entered along with Madam Heidi, my mistress who carried a cane in her hand.

I didn't say anything hen the servants hiked my gown up and still kept quiet when Madam Heidi continuously flogged my legs till they became bloody.