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Castle Of Thorns [Mature]
The Marxstein Bloodline
[Verzyne Duchy - Marxstein Castle]
Sylvia wakes up in the warm embrace of another body.
It seems like she was way too worn out yesterday. She didn't even wake up when Ricardo removed himself and dressed her in the sleeping attire.
She wants to leave quietly; but the Duke seems to feel her intention and instinctively tightens his embrace.
Giving up, she finally lies back and just stares at him with complicated gaze. Her mind suddenly recalls a distant past.
A memory of a kind and caring elder brother, someone whom she loved and had lost forever.
Young Ricardo
Hey, hey, don't ride too fast!
Young Sylvia
Haha, I'm going to leave you behind, Ricardo!
They were young and carefree. They often rode their horses past the castle walls.
One time, they sneaked out into the village and got scolded badly when their parents found out.
Young Sylvia
This is all your fault!
Young Ricardo
Hey, you're the one who wanted to check out the village!
She recalls another memory; a shocking revelation that changed her life forever.
Old Duchess Marxstein
You have come of age, Sylvia. It is time to produce the next bloodline of the Marxstein.
Young Sylvia
But, Mother, isn't Ricardo the one who will continue the family name?
Old Duchess Marxstein
Yes, dear. With you.
Old Duchess Marxstein
You are to marry Ricardo and bear his children.
Young Sylvia
Have you lost your mind? He's my blood brother!
Old Duchess Marxstein
So is my husband.
Old Duchess Marxstein
Daughter, your father and I are also blood siblings. This is how we, the Marxstein, continue our bloodline and keep it pure.
Young Sylvia
This is madness! I will not lie with my own brother!
Another memory; the dimly lit study of the old Duke Marxstein.
Old Duke Marxstein
The knights caught her trying to escape from the south wall. What do you say, Ricardo?
Young Ricardo
Father, I...
Old Duke Marxstein
Choose. If you refuse to lie with her, I will. We need to continue the Marxstein bloodline.
Young Sylvia
No, Father! Brother, please don't listen to him...
A memory of a dark chamber, heavy rain, and painful embrace.
Young Ricardo
I'm sorry, Sylvia. I'm so sorry. This is for our family.
Young Sylvia
No! Stop, Brother! Please!
A memory of being split apart, defiled, betrayed.
Young Sylvia
I hate you, Ricardo. I hate you...
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
Awake?
Ricardo's voice snaps her out of her reverie.
Sylvia immediately pushes him away and rises from the bed.
Ricardo just smiles coldly.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
Get yourself ready for breakfast. We will eat in the dining hall.
He also rises from the bed then rings for a servant.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
Move the Duchess' things back to my chamber. Make sure to remove any sharp or heavy things from the room.
Once the servant has left to carry out his order, Ricardo picks up his discarded coat and puts it on.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
Well then, see you later, Wife.
He mockingly kisses her lips and departs from the bedroom.
A moment later, Sylvia's lady-in-waiting, Beatrice, comes in to help her bathe and get dressed.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Beatrice, did the Duke summon Serafina last night?
Sylvia asks as she bathes in warm water.
Beatrice Petterson
He did, Your Grace. Only for a short moment, though.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Is she still seeing the boy?
Beatrice Petterson
According to Carolla, yes. The boy has been coming more often these days; seems like the gardener requires lots of assistance now due to his old age.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Keep an eye on them. Make sure no one else knows about the boy; especially the Duke. Tell Carolla to keep people away from the greenhouse.
Beatrice Petterson
Yes, Your Grace. I will let her know.
Sylvia comes out from the bath tub with Beatrice's help.
She notices the traces left by the Duke on her mistress body.
She pities the Duchess; the woman can have every precious things in the world but her freedom.
They return to the room; and she helps the Duchess dressing up for the day.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
How does he look like, Beatrice?
The Duchess suddenly asks.
Beatrice Petterson
The boy? I haven't seen him, Your Grace. But Carolla says he's a handsome young boy.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Is he a good kid?
Beatrice Petterson
It seems so.
Sylvia chuckles amusedly.
A handsome young lad of poor background, meeting a lonely young miss of a noble family.
Doesn't it sounds like something straight from a romantic novella?
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
I hope he can convince you to leave this place, Serafina.
Let your father and I rot together in this hell, and end our accursed bloodline.
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