Episode 10

Sandra: Wretched woman, how dare you ignore me and pretend I don't exist. Mother, it's inconceivable that the duke would choose her as the heiress to the dukedom, leaving us sidelined.

Maricela: Calm down, dear, she is older than you. We merely need to persuade the duke to accept an engagement for her, thus removing her from our path. If not, we resort to our plan B.

Sandra: You're right, Mother. All we need is to discredit her in the duke's eyes. It's the simplest way to drive a wedge between them. Let's just hope the duke doesn't regain his memory; it would ruin everything.

Maricela: Don't worry, dear, I'll see to it that doesn't happen. I still have the concoction I gave your father.

Sandra: What are you talking about, Mother?

Some context:

Sixteen years ago, Maricela had fallen deeply in love with a Marquis, while she was merely a maiden attending his wife.

He was affectionate and tender with his wife, which made Maricela envious. One day, she attempted to enter the Marquis's chamber but discovered him making love to his spouse. Any other would have fled the scene, but Maricela did the opposite: she stayed to watch, becoming even more obsessed.

That night, the maiden slipped out under the cover of darkness, her face hidden by a cloak. She didn't sleep a wink since traveling to her destination took three hours, and another three to return, all without anyone learning of her departure.

Upon her arrival at a humble dwelling, an old woman emerged. She was a sorceress known for her underhanded dealings and use of dark magic.

Woman: I've been expecting you.

Maricela: What do you mean?

Woman: Come inside. I have exactly what you need.

Somehow, the woman seemed to know everything—likely because Maricela's heart was as dark as hers.

Maricela: How do you know what I desire?

The woman laughed at the question, as those daring enough to seek her services often requested similar dark deeds.

Woman: I can smell your intentions. But to get what you need, you must pay.

Maricela: How much do you want?

She asked confidently, pulling out a purse filled with gold coins. The woman laughed again.

Woman: I want that pure woman's soul.

Maricela: Then take it. I don't care.

Woman: Haha, only you can do that for me. That's my price.

Maricela: Fine, how do I go about it?

The woman held out her hand, presenting an empty little vial.

Maricela: What's this for?

Woman: I'll give you a poison. It will render the woman unconscious for a few minutes. In that time, you'll draw some of her blood and collect it in this container.

Maricela: But I want her dead, not just to faint.

Woman: Don't be stupid. If you kill her outright, everyone will know she was poisoned. You must be patient. This poison will kill her gradually. I just ask for the first blood, unadulterated. Bring that to me, and I'll give you what you need to make him fall at your feet.

Maricela: Alright, I'll do it.

The woman handed over the vial and the poison, and Maricela left. Three hours later, she was back in her room. Her mind drifted back to the scene she had witnessed, so she headed into her small bathroom. She bathed, her hands caressing her body, imagining it was the Marquis exploring her.

After self-indulging and finding release, she finished bathing. Dawn had come, and it was time to start her duties.

Unfortunately, that day did not present the chance to use the poison, so she resolved to try the next day.

Opportunity came the following morning when the Marquis was out. Alone with the Marchioness, who requested tea, Maricela seized the moment and followed the sorceress’s instructions. After the Marchioness lost consciousness, Maricela made a small but deep cut in her wrist vein to fill the vial. She then healed the wound, which closed entirely.

Maricela: Damned witch, you had it all planned out. _ She laughed.

Minutes passed before the Marchioness woke, confused. She went to her chamber for a bath, where Maricela had already prepared her bath.

Marchioness: You seem quite joyful today.

She remarked to Maricela, who couldn’t hide her delight.

Maricela: Yes, my lady, the man I love has finally reciprocated my affections.

Marchioness: I'm so happy for you. I wish you much happiness. _ She smiled warmly as she relaxed in the tub.

That night Maricela galloped off, much the same as before.

Maricela: Here is my payment.

She stated, entering the hag's hut without even knocking.

Woman: I knew you’d be quick, but this fast is impressive. Now, hand it over.

Maricela complied, giving the woman the vial. She uncapped it and inhaled the scent of the blood as if it were fine wine.

Woman: Well done. Here's what you need.

She handed over a small infusion.

Woman: Make him drink this, no more than a spoonful, or you could kill him. Be warned, it won’t work in tea; he must drink it directly from the bottle. How you accomplish that is your concern. If you succeed, he'll love you more than his own life.

Maricela smiled at the woman’s words and left.

A week passed, and the Marchioness grew progressively weaker, like life was slipping through her fingers. The Marquis sought out every possible physician for a diagnosis to no avail, after subjecting his wife to all manner of remedies.

Suffering from the myriad treatments, she asked her husband simply to stay by her side.

Another week passed, and the Marchioness never awoke again. Her eyes closed for the last time.

After the burial, the Marquis sank into depression, refusing to eat, drink, or cleanse himself until he eventually collapsed. Maricela, who had anticipated this moment, seized the opportunity to administer the infusion.

He fell unconscious; Maricela undressed him with care, admiring his well-toned abdomen and his manhood. She meticulously cleaned every inch of him till he was spotless.

Afterward, she bathed herself in the tub that once belonged to the Marchioness, soaking in the usual bath salts and indulging in the moment until she was content.

She emerged naked, walked to the bed, and laid beside the Marquis.

Hours later, the Marquis woke from his deep slumber to find the woman next to him.

The sight of her unclothed body aroused his desire and virility. Eagerly, he began to explore her body until she awoke to his touch and smiled at him.

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