_________________________________________________

...Trigger Warnings...

...• Smut 19+...

...• Sexual Abuse and Abuse...

...• BDSM...

...• Kinks...

...• Drug Use...

...• Violence and blood...

Please read at your own risk. If any of these trigger warnings do not sit right with you, do not read. Please, and thank you.

_________________________________________________

...Chapter 1: Blair...

It was love at first sight. Blair first met the young Duke of the Rinehart family on her debutante at the age of seventeen. Duke Kaiser Rinehart had just taken over the position of Duke Rinehart, attending in place of his father who had just passed away due to a tragic accident. He was always cold and expressionless, but Blair could not take her eyes off him. She always watched him from afar, admiring how strong he always appeared. The way his dark black hair would fall over his eyes as he stares off into the distance. The confidence and power in his tone of voice as he speaks and gives out commands. The way he constantly outshines every other man at events and competitions captivated her. And she willingly gave her heart to the Duke. And not only that, but he was a very handsome man.

At the young age of twenty, Duke Kaiser Rinehart seemed so mature to her. Taking on all of the responsibilities that his father used to do. She had caught glimpses of him arriving to the palace a few times. And everytime, she always sneaks off to try and admire the Duke from afar when her father, the King has an audience with the nobles. And she would always be caught by the palace guards who drag her back to her room.

Now, after seven years have gone by, her love remains one-sided. She did manage to exchange a few words with Duke Kaiser Rinehart a few times. But he never responded much to her. She wrote many letters for him, but never sent any to him. They barely spoke to each other, besides a few short exchanges, and they were not very close to one another. It would be awkward to send a letter to him when they were barely even acquaintances.

Everyone in the palace and all her fellow friends knew about her one-sided crush, and everyone supported her, but she was never able to manage more than a few greetings with him anytime they ran into each other.

Today, she heard that Duke Kaiser Rinehart would be coming to the palace after a long while to discuss political matters with her father. Blair was going to make sure they run into each other before he meets with her father. She even made sure to wake up extra early today, and usually the maid had to drag her out of bed to get her ready for her day.

As the second to youngest Princess, she was quite spoiled and was able to get away with not finishing her duties as a princess. Which were pretty simple tasks, considering she just responds to letters, hosts tea parties, or meet with people for the most random things.

Blair has two older sisters, one younger sister, and three older brothers. Theodore, the first Crown Prince was the eldest brother. Her eldest sister, Vivienne was twins with Theodore. But Vivienne no longer resides in the palace as she was married off to a Prince from Calravia, a neighboring Kingdom. Theodore married Lady Clara, now Crown Princess; the daughter of Earl Dove in a rush for reasons Blair did not know of. Her second eldest brother, Matthew passed away while defending the borders from Calravian enemies. But they are now at peace with each other. And with Vivienne now married to their Prince, their two nations are now allies. Blair's third eldest brother, Igraine currently is head of the Knights, taking over for Matthew after he passed. Her second eldest sister, Lucelia was married off to Duke Aether's son, Lord Eiran. Apparently Lucelia had begged their father for years to marry him, and they were finally wed after the King's approval. Which left her with her younger sister, Rosalie who just turned thirteen this year. They got along quite well as Blair was really the only one who spent time with Rosalie. They were all a year apart, besides Rosalie who was the last of them.

But all of that information doesn't matter much. What matters is that today, Blair will get the chance to see Duke Kaiser Rinehart's handsome face again. It has been almost eight months of him not stopping by once since then. Apparently he was sent off to the borders with her brother Igraine, and they're now just returning back to the palace, after breakfast today.

Blair had already picked out a dress as she impatiently waits for Sofia, her personal maid to come marching into her quarters like usual. Within just a few seconds, her familiar knock can be heard at the door.

"Princess, I am here to dress you! Are you ready for another busy day?" Sofia's voice was loud and demanding as always.

Blair opens the door in a hurry, she looked wide awake and full of energy. Something she rarely has in the morning.

Sofia stood before her along with two other assistant maids behind her, surprise written all over her face that Blair was alive and kicking so early in the morning. "You must be excited for today."

"I am. I've been waiting all early morning for you to come and dress me. I've already picked out the perfect outfit for today." Blair points at the pile of clothes trashed all over on the floor.

Sofia glances at the messy pile of clothes on the bedroom floor, she brings her palm to her face, clearly disapproving of the mess. She and the other two maids enter her room, closing the door behind them. Quickly, they get to work. Organizing Blair's mess on the floor before stripping Blair out of her nightgown. They assist Blair with the under layer dresses, then tightening a corset on her.

Blair would never get used to how tight the maids would tighten her corset around her already small frame. It was uncomfortable, and every time, she would curse to whoever came up with the bright idea to wear corsets.

Finally, after what felt like forever, she was fully dressed in a lavender colored pleated gown. The dress was layered with tulle fabric sewed onto the silk layer of the dress. The dress has puffy sleeves which connect onto more sheer tulle fabric to create long full sleeves. The sheer fabric revealing her slim arms in the sleeves of the dress.

Sofia helps pick out a Pearl necklace and Pearl earrings to enhance Blair's look. The shiny white pearls matching perfectly with the lavender tulle gown. Her hair was styled nicely, the beautiful natural curls of her hair resting gently on her back as Sofia pins a few layers of hair from the front of her head to the back with a Pearl hair accessory. Creating an elegant princess hairstyle. Her bangs are parted and styled effortlessly to shape her face. Finishing the look off with matching heels, the strap of the heels adorned with dangling jewels.

The day has not even started yet and Blair was already feeling a bit drowsy. Most likely from getting up so early even though she was so excited today she could barely fall asleep last night. It did not help that getting dressed already drained half her energy out of her.

She makes her way out of her room, Sofia following after her as the two assistant maids clean up after them. Blair quickly speed walks to the dining room, where her brother Theodore, the Crown Princess, her younger sister Rosalie, along with their mother, the Queen was already sitting at the table in their seats.

Rosalie waves at Blair as she quickly makes her way to her seat. Blair waves back with a warm smile. "Good morning Rosalie. Good morning brother and Clara, good morning mother."

"Good morning, Blair. You sure took your time getting to breakfast." Rosalie comments.

"Good morning, Blair." The rest responds in unison.

"I even woke up early, but we still took a while to get me dressed."

"Well at least you made it to breakfast before father today." Theodore says, almost in a teasing manner.

"Speaking of, where is he?" Blair questions. Her father wasn't one to be late to anything even if he was the King. He was a very responsible man, even though he's not the best ruler out there.

"Your father will be running late as he was forced to start his work early this morning before sunrise. He is preparing for your brother's return from the border."

Blair nods in understanding at her mother's explanation. It's not surprising that her father will be really busy this morning preparing for their return. He may not even show up for breakfast.

The servants serve their breakfast for them, Blair happily eats away at her food like always. Even taking a few extra bites of her mother's serving, as always. It was rude table manners, but her mother never reprimanded her for it. If her father was there, he would always have so much to say about her rude behavior.

After breakfast, they all make their way to the entrance of the palace where it seems almost everyone is lined up to welcome Igraine back. Everyone except Blair. She isn't waiting to welcome her brother back, the one she is waiting for is Duke Kaiser Rinehart. The love of her life.

She could hear all the loud noise from the busy town even as she stood by the palace gates. Within seconds later, she could hear the stampeding of horses and carriages. The crowd outside cheering and greeting them as they make their way back to the palace. Blair's heart couldn't help but race in anticipation. She had missed seeing Duke Kaiser Rinehart's face for eight whole months. Life seemed so bland without him here for her to fantasize about.

The palace gates open up and the first person she sees is her brother Igraine, followed closely by Duke Kaiser Rinehart and the rest of them. Just the sight of Duke Kaiser made her want to run right into his arms with a big warm hug to welcome him back. But she could never bring herself to do such a thing. Duke Kaiser Rinehart didn't even glance her way, but she didn't mind because it wasn't like he was looking for anyone in the crowd. He looked so majestic as he marches in. Her brother and the Duke gets off their horses at the same time, but Blair's eyes remain on the Duke. She wanted so badly to talk to him, to welcome him back from the border. And to ask how he was doing in those long eight months. She didn't even bother to hide her thoughts as they show all over her face expression.

"Blair, why don't you just go up to him?" Clara asks. She was standing beside Blair when she noticed how badly Blair was fidgeting about, her gaze never leaving the Duke.

Blair looks back at Clara, Theodore's wife and the current Crown Princess. "I don't think I can. It will be very awkward." She responds.

Clara reaches her arms out, patting Blair on her back. Her gesture was reassuring, comforting her as Blair is having a mental breakdown from not being able to bring herself to talk to her crush.

"Thanks Clara." Blair thanks her for comforting her and supporting her. For now, Blair needed to come up with another plan to run into the Duke before he finishes up his business here at the Palace and returns to his domain.

Kaiser was cold and expressionless as always. Even as he greets the King, he did not have much to say. He stood alongside Prince Igraine in the conference room where the King holds his audience as they bow their heads down to the King. There was no hint of exhaustion on his face or his posture.

"It must have been a very tiring journey. Thank you for returning safely." The King says joyously. His usual friendly smile as he greets Kaiser and Prince Igraine.

The Prince raises his head, reporting to the King of their victory out by the borders. "We have managed to eliminate all the monsters by the border, at least for now. But we were able to find out the reason for the recent increase in monster sightings around the borders."

"I did receive news of that from your letter. You did great eliminating the reason for the recent increase in monsters along the borders." The King comments.

Kaiser kept his head down, bowing to the King as it was not yet his turn to speak. But from the corner of his eyes, he spots something at the entrance of the conference room. It was Princess Blair hiding outside, trying to peek in on the conversation. He was used to this, everytime he was here to report to the King, Princess Blair would be sneaking about outside the conference room. He pays her no mind, thinking she was here to cause trouble as always.

"It was thanks to Duke Rinehart's brilliant plan that we were able to outsmart those traitors. He was able to track them down to find their hideout where those traitors had captured many beasts. They were trying to tame the beasts, feeding them some kind of drug that enhances their survival skills and greatly affects their strengths. They were planning on using the beasts to attack the town, causing mayhem and then using that chance to attack. But Duke Rinehart managed to catch them first before those traitors were able to do anything."

The King nods in response to Prince Igraine's report, listening to every detail without skipping a beat. "You did well, Duke Rinehart."

"I only did what was needed to protect our kingdom." Kaiser responds sternly. He did not say any more than that. He wasn't pretending to be humble, but he was not trying to show off either.

"Rothnia is grateful for your aid in protecting our country. You will be greatly rewarded for your job well done."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Kaiser responds curtly. He did not think that his response would trigger any negative feelings toward the King. But he notices the King's smile fade ever so slightly. Kaiser knew that if he rejects the King's offer for a reward, the King would throw a fit of rage. The King will feel insulted, as if Kaiser did not want anything from the King. And even when he accepts the King's rewards, the King will only think of him as arrogant. Whatever Kaiser does, he will always be the one in the wrong.

But Kaiser really did not want anything from the King. He in fact, hates the King with all his guts. He knew the truth behind his parents death, and it all connects back to the King. But he continues to complete his duties as the Duke to protect his people and his province. Kaiser knew the King did not like the Rinehart family. The King thinks that the Rinehart family are cocky because the townspeople are always praising them for having done so much to protect the borders from enemy attacks and monster invasions. The King is set on the fact that the Rinehart family is a threat to the crown, because the people favor them over the crown. And that is why he set up a trap for Kaiser's parents, ordering them to their deaths on a battle where he knew the chances of survival was slim to none. His mother, who had followed along with his father knowing they would never come back from the mission. Kaiser was forced to stay back to take on the duties of the Duke while his father was away on a mission.

That day, he had lost both of his parents. It angers Kaiser how foolish and childish the King of their country is, being greedy over the attention and love of his people when he already ruled over them. The King had sent assassins to his quarters many times before, and everytime, those assassins would die a horrible death by his hands. It was miserable being forced to dance around in the palm of the King's hand. But Kaiser was able to strengthen his resolve, working hard to gain many more supporters just to spite the King even more. He knew he was playing with death, but he would rather make it fun before his death, than to keep running around in circles in the King's palm.

"We will discuss the matters about your reward later on. I'm curious about this drug that was used. What is it and where did it come from?" The King suddenly changes the topic.

"Yes, well the Duke has currently taken the drug in to have his people investigate more about it." Prince Igraine replies.

"My people are still looking into it. We do not have much information about it yet. But I will make sure to keep you updated on this matter." Kaiser says without missing a beat.

The King did not seem satisfied at all, as everything that came out of Kaiser's mouth only seemed to leave a sour taste in his mouth. Kaiser had no care whether the King was satisfied with his answer or not. He only wanted to hurry and finish their report and book it out of the disgusting palace ground. Staying any longer made him want to run up to the King and strangle him to death.

After what felt like forever, the audience was over. The King stands up from his throne and walks out of the conference room. Everyone stands, raising their heads, some even starting to relax their bodies as the King makes his way toward the exit.

"Are you holding up okay?" Prince Igraine asks, the concern was clear on his face.

Kaiser couldn't stand Prince Igraine. He was too kind for his own good, dumb even. He didn't need Prince Igraine's pity. The only thing he was good for was his swordsmanship skills. Being stuck working alongside Prince Igraine and his poetic little speeches was already torture enough. Kaiser could have easily killed him off during their mission, but that would only raise the King's suspicion even more after the recent death of Prince Matthew who had died in the war against Calravia.

Kaiser had forged a letter about the enemy and secretly sent it to the Prince. Prince Matthew took the bait, falling into the enemy's trap and therefore, losing his head. Rothnia was forced to retreat, but soon after, negotiations were made and a peace treaty was signed along with Princess Vivienne gifted to Calravia's Prince.

"I am well. Prince, you need not to worry about me." Kaiser says coldly before turning on his heels and walking off. Just as he was about to make his way out, Kaiser could hear the king roar out in anger just as the King steps foot out of the conference room.

"Blair Ásvaldr Dumieres!"

It seemed the King had caught Princess Blair snooping around again. Kaiser watches the scene unfold as Princess Blair runs off in a hurry, trying to avoid punishment for eavesdropping in on political matters.

She was troublesome, and Kaiser never understands what makes her so curious about the King's audience holdings. Was she really such a brat, following the King around everywhere he goes? Did she not have her own studies and responsibilities to tend to? Kaiser disliked Princess Blair, her meddlesome personality will only get her into trouble, and she's immature for her age.

As the King chases after her, hollering at the palace guards to catch her, Kaiser makes his way out toward the palace gates.

"I'll see myself to confinement." Blair says, looking down.

Her father lets out a deep sigh. He had clearly had enough of Blair's antics. "Go, I don't want to see you out of your room until supper. You had better head straight to your room."

Blair nods obediently. But she had other plans. As if I would just head straight to my room. I'm not confining myself until I have had the chance to speak to Duke Rinehart. With that thought, she pretends to slowly walk toward her quarters, acting sad that she was going to confinement. As soon as her father and the palace guards walk away, Blair quickly books it to the palace gates.

She could spot Duke Kaiser Rinehart from a mile away. He was preparing his horse along with his troops that accompanied him. Blair quickly shouts out for the Duke before he could jump onto his horse and ride off. "Duke! Duke Rinehart!"

The Duke stops in his steps having heard her screaming at the top of her lungs for him. Blair can see that he was watching her as she runs full speed toward him. Her long and heavy dress did not help her at all to run any faster, and her heels were killing her feet as she runs. She comes to a complete stop as she nears him, panting hard. She catches her breath, slouching forward with her hands resting on her knees as she steadies her breathing. She definitely did not look like a princess at this moment. After gathering her composure, she finally stands up straight, face to face with the Duke. His eyes seem to widen slightly as if he was surprised to see Blair. Or rather, maybe he was questioning what she was doing there.

"Greetings, I hope you are doing well, Duke Rinehart." Blair manages to force out.

"Greetings. What are you doing here, Princess?"

His voice! How can it be so dreamy? And he called me Princess! Get it together Blair, you are a princess. She quickly comes up with an excuse as to why she was standing before him. Clearly, she had no business with him. So what was she doing there? To fangirl over him of course. "I saw that you had returned after a long while. I just wanted to come say hello before you departed."

Blair looks up at him, noticing that he just stared at her with no expression. He didn't even say anything to her. She felt a bit awkward, and nervous. She was afraid he would be able to see a sweat dripping down her forehead from being nervous. Blair clears her throat, trying to make conversation with him. "Well, how was your trip? Did it go well?"

"Princess, if you are curious about this matter, you should go ask Prince Igraine. I should not be sharing political matters with you. Please be well, I will be heading home now." And without another word, Duke Kaiser Rinehart hops onto his horse and gallops out of the palace grounds without letting Blair get in another word.

Blair tries to call out to him to wait. She hadn't fully processed what he had even said to her and he just ran off like that. She watches him and his troops disappear into the distance, confusion written all over her face. "Political matters? Why would I be curious about political matters?" Blair slowly turns on her heels, making her way back to her quarters. She wasn't fully satisfied with her conversation with the Duke. If that was even a conversation.

"Princess! Princess Blair!" Sofia was calling out to her, probably about to nag her about tending to her duties as a princess. It was going to be a busy day, especially now with her brother Igraine's return.

"I can't. I have to go into self confinement." Blair says, trying to get away from her responsibilities.

"What did you do this time? Well, that's fine. I will bring your paperwork to your bedroom." Sofia says, insisting on Blair to fulfill her duties.

It seems things won't be going Blair's way today. She gives up in disappointment, stomping away to her room. Sofia follows closely behind her as Blair dramatically throws a fit while heading into self confinement.

...•   •   •...

Blair was reading her book while laying on her bed after finally plowing through the stack of paperwork on her desk. Finally, Sofia comes calling for her. It had felt like forever being holed up in her room the whole morning. Her back was killing her from laying down all day. She sits up on her bed, stretching her arms out and arching her back. Blair sighs in satisfaction as she cracks her back while stretching out her muscles.

"Princess Blair, it's meal time!" Sofia knocks on the door gently before barging straight in.

"So it is, finally." Blair gets up from the bed, practically strutting out of her room toward the dining room for her meal. She was finally free from confinement. As she nears the dining room, she could hear her father shouting out loud. Oh gosh, I hope it's not about me. Blair slows down her pace a little, as if trying to sneak up to her seat.

"Duke Rinehart this, Duke Rinehart that! What's so good about that boy?! He's getting too arrogant for his own good."

"Calm down, Caelus. We're at the dining table."

Blair sits herself down at her seat as her mother tries to calm her father down. Theodore, Igraine, and Rosalie were already seated. Rosalie looked impatient, ready to dig into her food. Blair's father glares at her for a moment as she sits down. She remains silent, not wanting to worsen his temper.

"Father, if you're so worried about him, why do you insist on having him go fight on the borders?" Theodore asks.

Blair's father didn't answer. He fell silent, as if finally realizing that they were currently supposed to be dining peacefully.

"Let's eat, the food will get cold." Blair's mother clears her throat, signaling the end of that conversation.

And with that, everyone digs into their food. Rosalie and Blair were the first to touch their food as if they were forced to starve all day.

After their family meal, Blair's father dismisses them from the table. He calls for Igraine and Theodore to follow after him. They were probably going to be talking about political stuff. She suddenly remembers Duke Kaiser Rinehart's words. If you're curious about this matter, you should go ask Prince Igraine. I should not be sharing political matters with you. Blair doesn't ever remember being interested in politics. The Duke must have misunderstood something.

Blair makes her way out toward the palace gardens for some fresh air. The palace gardener currently attending to the roses that were technically her mother's, but Blair was out here to see the roses more than her mother.

"Oh, Princess Blair. Here again today I see."

"Hi, Richard. How are you today?"

"As you can see, the roses look alive today. So I am also alive today." Richard makes a joke, he laughs at his own joke as if it was the most funny thing he had ever heard.

Blair softly chuckles, trying to entertain him. "You always do well. The roses are beautiful everyday."

"Thank you, Princess. How are you doing today? I heard the Duke was here today, he returned with Prince Igraine. Speaking of, I just saw the Princes and the King heading toward the King's office."

Blair nods, "It didn't go out as well as I planned it to be. But I still managed to catch a glimpse of the Duke's handsome face. And I believe my brothers and my father probably have more business to talk about. It must be something important if they're headed to father's office."

"I heard your brother mentioning about marriage actually. To the Duke Rinehart."

"What?!" Blair's eyes widen in shock. Her voice was a little louder than she expected, all the maids turned their attention to Blair. "Who's marrying Duke Rinehart?" She asks, her interest piqued. She was ready to pounce on Richard the palace gardener to get the answer out of him.

"I am not sure. That was all I heard from them before they disappeared into the King's office."

Blair quickly runs out of the garden, making her way toward her father's office. She needed to find out the truth of the palace gardener's words. If Richard was just saying it to mess with her, she was going to make sure the roses in the garden died by the next morning.

As she nears her father's office, two palace guards stand guard by the door. Blair is hiding behind a wall, trying to come up with a plan to divert the palace guards attention away from the office doors, so she could go eavesdrop on her brothers and her father. But before she could do anything, the palace guards spot her snooping around. She even catches one of them face palming, not wanting to deal with her. One of them makes his way toward Blair.

"What are you doing here, Princess Blair?" He asks softly.

"There is something I would like to talk to my father about." Blair responds, quickly coming up with an excuse.

"The King is currently speaking with Crown Prince Theodore and Prince Igraine. You will have to return at a later time, Princess."

"No, that is okay. I will just wait by the door."

"I'm sorry, I cannot allow you to do that."

"And why not? I am not doing any harm."

The palace guard does not budge. They look back at each other before looking back at Blair. Clearly exchanging annoyed looks with each other.

Blair needed to get those palace guards away. A. S. A. P. She didn't want to miss the conversation that her father and her brothers were having. "Oh, there's an intruder there!" Blair points toward the palace garden. "He's attacking the palace gardener! Hurry you have to go help him."

The one palace guard sighs, making his way toward the garden. He clearly knew she was just trying to force him away, but he couldn't possibly tell the Princess that she was lying. Blair watches in satisfaction as the palace guard walks away in defeat. The other palace guard remains guarding the office door.

"Are you... not going to go help the gardener?" Blair asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I'm sorry, Princess." The palace guard responds. Compared to the other palace guard that walked off to rescue the gardener, this one was a lot more stubborn.

Suddenly, Igraine opens the door. Blair stands back, surprised with the sudden encounter.

"I knew I heard your voice. Come in, father wants to talk to you." Igraine says, grabbing Blair's arm and pulling her into her father's office.

Blair was not able to get any words in as she was pulled into the office. The palace guard shuts the door, leaving Blair in the room with her brothers and her father. The look on her father's face slightly frightened her. He looks like he would have her beheaded at any moment.

"What is it you needed to talk to me about, father?" Blair stutters, swallowing back a heavy gulp.

"Blair. You are already of age to be married off." Her father starts.

"So it is true. Duke Rinehart is getting married? You're marrying me to the Duke?" Blair interrupts her father, sounding a little too excited.

Her father gives her a confused look. "It seems nothing escapes your ears when it comes to Duke Rinehart. Correct. But the decision has not been finalized. Tomorrow, I will be making it official."

"Tomorrow?! So soon?" Blair exclaims. She wasn't sure to shocked or happy.

"Blair. Remember that this marriage is for political reasons. It's a marriage that will benefit us and keep the Duke in our control." Theodore says.

"What do you mean?" Blair asks, confused. She knew the marriage would be for political reasons. But she was confused as to why her brothers and her father needed to control the Duke.

For now, she was just happy that she would be engaged to Duke Rinehart soon. Although she was happy, there was a hint of sadness in her heart. Blair knows the Duke doesn't think of Blair the same way she thinks of him. But a huge part of her hopes that after they get to know more about each other, he will open his heart to her.

Her father sighs. "Theodore, let her be. Blair, you may leave. We will talk more tomorrow." He signals for her to leave his office.

"Oh... okay." Blair hesitantly leaves her father's office. At this moment, her mind was a mess and she was a mix of different emotions. For sure, she was happy. But she couldn't help but feel both sadness and guilt for having forced her marriage with the Duke. What would the Duke think of me?