The following day my door creaked open and six maids entered, looking pissed off. They didn’t say anything– instead they grabbed my arms and roughly pulled me from the bed.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I snapped as they started to tug off my slip.

“What do you think we’re doing?” One scoffed, ripping the thin material.

“I don’t see why she needs to look presentable.” Another maid clicked her tongue. “This is a waste of our time.”

“Watch your mouth.” Another one snapped, pouring ice cold water over my head. “We don’t have a choice– it’s the Duke’s orders.”

Shivering, I stepped back from them and swatted one their hands away that reached for me. “What orders?”

“To clean you up. Although, you don’t deserve it.”

“She’s lucky her face is pretty, unlike her personality.”

“Stop moving! We need to get you ready now.”

“I don’t want-”

“We don’t care what you want.” The maids all said at the same time– cutting me off.

I looked toward the door, with half a mind to attempt to run out. I can’t even if I wanted to. I thought, reluctantly allowing them to scrub me. I’m too weak to do anything right now.

The sponges they dragged across my skin felt like they were made of sandpaper. Once they finished, one of the maids walked to the door and held out a hand. Presumably, another maid handed her an off-white dress.

They herded me toward the center of the room– tugging on the dress so hard I thought it was going to rip.

By the time they finished– my skin had a pink tinge to it, my hair was wound up into a tight bun, and my face was painted with the least amount of effort to make it look mildly presentable.

“Fix the collar.” One of the maids snapped. “She needs to show a bit more cleavage.”

“Don’t touch me.” I took a step back, pulling the collar up higher. “It’s fine as it is.”

“Yeah, right.” One of the maids snorted. “It’s the Duke’s orders.”

“What? Why-”

“Because you won’t seal the deal without selling yourself.” One of the maids stepped forward, tugging the hem down. “Stupid bastard child.”

I didn’t have a chance to respond – a common theme apparently today. The butler appeared in the doorway, giving me a quick once over.

“Follow me.” He turned without another word and began walking away.

The maids shoved me into the hall– complaining as they did.

Should I not go? The maids hadn’t told me what was happening– but I knew exactly what was happening. I was to meet the suitor. Running won’t change anything.

I took a deep breath, steading myself, and followed after the butler.

We wound through the halls and eventually made our way down to the first floor. When we reached a large deep brown door– the butler knocked politely before swinging it open.

I stepped inside– hesitating when I saw the Duke sitting in a chair near what could only be Justin Blain.

I swallowed soundlessly, and walked toward the sofa across from him. Each step I took, I could feel his beady brown eyes following each movement.

When I sat down– the air in the room felt congested and over heated. Every instinct in my body told me to run and run fast.

“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Kyla.” Justin spoke, a small smile touching his thin lips.

“You…as well, Lord Justin.” I forced the words out, knitting my hands together on my lap.

“Well, what do you think?” The Duke asked, his tone conversational.

Justin stared at me quietly for a long time before he tore his eyes away and looked at the Duke. “The portrait you sent doesn’t do her justice.” He laughed, voice dripping with something I couldn’t quite name. “She’s lovely, your Grace.”

“Yes, I suppose she is.” The Duke agreed reluctantly. “If nothing else, your children will not be unpleasant to look at.”

“Indeed.” Justin glanced over, eyes sparkling. “Is she on the slow side?”

“A bit.” The Duke nodded. “But that only increases her worth.”

Why are they speaking as though I’m not here? I thought bitterly as they continued to discuss various aspects of my appearance. This is disgusting.

“What do you think, Lady Kyla?” Justin asked suddenly, flashing a large toothy smile. “Would a wedding in two months be quick enough for you?”

Two months? I glanced at the Duke and knew what he was trying to say without using words. I had to agree no matter what. If I didn’t…I had a feeling he was going to toss me back into the cell again.

“That…is sudden.” I said slowly, casting my eyes down to the floor. I may not be able to outright reject the idea, but that doesn’t mean I have to agree instantly.

“Indeed.” Justin laughed, sitting back and crossing his legs. “When I want something, I want it as fast as possible. Are you opposed, Lady Kyla?”

“No.” I sighed, feeling the Duke’s prickly gaze. “Two months sounds fine.”

“Great.” Justin clapped his hands. “Has she had bridal training or is that something I should handle?”

“She has.” The Duke answered. “Although, you are more than welcome to train her as you see fit.”

“I shall.” Justin smirked.

“Kyla.” The Duke said, drawing my attention. “You may leave. The rest of the discussion will be between the two heads of house.”

Of course it is. I thought, standing.

“Yes, your Grace.” I bowed, and left the room as though someone was chasing me.

I didn’t waste time hovering near the door. I turned and fled up– heading toward my room. Whispers of the maids reached my ears– but I didn’t bother trying to comprehend what they were saying.

I need to leave tonight, with or without the help of Sayvren. If I get sent over to that man’s house– I already knew the fate that awaited me. It wasn’t brought up in the novel– since it was from Paulita’s perspective– but there had been strong hints of the abuse Kyla endured while living in Justin’s home.

When I reached my room, I walked in– tore off the dress– and slipped into something more comfortable.

I paced the room, turning different ideas over in my head. Each one seemed impossible– but I had to do something.

Maybe when they serve dinner– if they do. I could try and escape then.

In my musings, I faintly heard the sound of the door’s lock clicking into place.

Tonight, at all costs, I will finally escape this hell.

Tonight, I will change the plot.