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Castle Of Thorns [Mature]
An Awful Mother
[Verzyne Duchy - Marxstein Castle]
[At the same time as Serafina visit to the greenhouse]
Sylvia sits wearily in one of the numerous armchairs in the tea room.
Beatrice Petterson
Would you like to have something to eat, My Lady? You barely touched your food earlier.
Beatrice is concerned about her mistress. She can tell that the stress from the Duke's return has physically affected her. Not to mention the strenuous activity from last night.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
No need, Beatrice. Please just pour me some tea.
In consideration of her mistress' condition, Beatrice has prepared a pot of chamomile tea.
Beatrice Petterson
Some biscuits, perhaps?
She offers as she hands her the teacup.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Okay. I guess one or two will do.
Sylvia absentmindedly nibbles on a ginger biscuit while having her tea.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Where's Serafina?
Beatrice Petterson
At the greenhouse.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Oh. Carolla is watching over her, yes?
Beatrice Petterson
Yes, My Lady.
Sylvia leans back into her seat.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
I am an awful mother, am I not, Beatrice?
Beatrice Petterson
My Lady... it is your intention to drive her away from this castle, is it not?
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Yes. But the child looked so disappointed.
Beatrice Petterson
You have her best interest at heart. She will understand someday.
The Duchess does not respond. She just continues to stare outside the window with a faraway look.
Bennett Langley
Excuse me, My Lady.
The butler's voice can be heard from outside the room.
Beatrice Petterson
Greetings, Sir Langley. May I know what business brings you here?
Bennett Langley
Greetings, Madam Petterson. I would like to relay a message from His Grace.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Speak.
Bennett Langley
His Grace requires your presence at the study, My Lady.
Beatrice Petterson
My Lady...
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Show me the way, Langley.
Beatrice can only watches helplessly as her mistress depart to the Duke's study.
She recalls the Duchess sorrowful gaze earlier.
Beatrice Petterson
Everything is for your own good, Miss Serafina. I hope you will realize someday.
Bennett Langley
Her Grace has arrived, Your Grace.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
Mm, show her in.
Ricardo is reviewing the papers on his desk.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
What do you want?
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
You may be excused, Langley.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
How's your condition? I hope I left no bruises last night.
He reaches out for her hands.
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
It is none of your concern.
She coldly slaps his hand away.
Ricardo just chuckles at her defensive gesture.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
Still acting like a child. For how long are you going to keep up this act? I can see that Serafina behaves even more mature than you.
Sylvia freezes at the mention of her daughter.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
She has really grown up when I was away, hasn't she? Very similar to you when we were young.
Duke Ricardo Marxstein
If only we hadn't lost that other child...
Duchess Sylvia Marxstein
Shut up!
Her memories suddenly flash by.
Midwife
Congratulation, My Lady! It's a boy!
It was a precious tiny baby.
Someone of her own blood; whom she carried in her body for months.
She felt warm inside when his tiny hand wrapped around her finger.
Young Ricardo
Finally, a son!
All maternal feelings suddenly vanished when she heard the relief in his voice.
She realized that she just gave birth to a monster.
Young Sylvia
Get it away from me!
The midwife seemed frightened at her sudden outburst.
Young Ricardo
Take the child away.
He ordered the midwife to take her child away; he feared that she would harm him.
Young Sylvia
I gave birth to a monster...
He came to her side and took her into his embrace.
The baby's sire. Her husband. Her blood brother.
Young Ricardo
Sssh... Don't cry, Sylvia...
He coaxed her as she sobbed uncontrollably.
Young Ricardo
Just another one; a daughter, and I promise I will touch you no more...
That evil man! That accursed bloodline!
She swore that she will not allow the Marxstein bloodline to continue.
A week later, when her brother was away, she visited the baby in its chamber.
Young Sylvia
I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...
She took out a dagger that she hid in her sleeve.
She couldn't look as she stabbed her dagger.
She felt something warm. When she raised her hand, all she saw was red.
Blood. It was her baby's blood. She had killed the monster. Her own flesh and blood.
That night, chaos ensued.
That night, she became a murderer.
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