For the remainder of the 'date' – if it could even be called that – Justin kept a close eye on me. If he wandered to speak to someone, he made it painfully obvious that I had to follow him. Listening to the nobles prattle on about everything and nothing at the same time, was extremely dull. I can see why Cassius was making snide comments.

The man stayed on my mind the entire time I floated around physically but mentally detached. His words replayed in my mind, but I still couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind his words – other than the commentary about nobles hiding behind glamour.

What I found actually interesting from the encounter was his stance on women. Despite being a standoffish psychopath, his ideals were progressive enough to draw my attention. Especially his commentary about how Justin didn't own me.

Stop thinking about him. I scolded myself. Just because he was one good aspect doesn't negate the threat he holds over my life. But where is he anyway?

Strangely enough, I hadn't seen Cassius since we parted ways a few hours ago. I assumed he would stay around and harass the nobles for his own entertainment. Considering his personality, he probably got bored and left.

He was the smart one. I wish I had the autonomy to leave.

When we did finally leave – as the sun was setting – my feet were killing me. I wanted to take a long bath, but the maids had already washed me up once and the only thing greeting me would be the dusty attic.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Justin asked, helping me into the carriage.

"I suppose." I said vaguely, shifting toward the window.

"You need to be more friendly." He climbed in, sitting across from me. "The only person you mingled with was the crown prince."

"I was staying near you." I said dryly, as the carriage began to move. "The crown prince…does whatever he pleases."

"I suppose marrying someone of your particular status is the reasoning." He ignored me, leaning back against his seat. "Not having a mother to teach you how to talk to women must have been devastating."

If I kick him, how fast will he attack me? I turned my head toward the window, lacing my fingers together. Resist the urge. It's not a battle worth fighting right now.

"We will need to make arrangements soon." Justin sighed. "To fix the problems you have. I can't have you reflecting badly on my house."

What is this moron saying? I rolled my eyes. I doubted he would keep me around for any length of time. Whether he was being truthful about having children bit – I couldn't say, but he did need an heir. Maybe he shouldn't have killed off all his previous wives then. At the most, if I did somehow – against all odds – end up marrying him, he would keep me around only until a child was born.

"I don't foresee any difficulties with the Duke." He chuckled. "I think you will need to learn from an upstanding member of society. My mother will be more than pleased to take care of you."

"Your mother?" I looked over at him, feeling my stomach drop.

His mother, while the novel never explicitly spelled it out, had been involved with his 'missing' wives. Paulita hadn't been able to find proof that she had helped, but there was no chance the woman wasn't involved.

Despite that, Lady Blain was a monster wearing human skin. Each time she attended social gatherings, she made a point to try and ruin people's reputation. She also instigated fighting, stole valuables, and attempted to push several women off of balconies. I had zero desire to meet her.

"What does she have to do with this?" I asked, brushing aside my thoughts.

"Everything of course." Justin sighed, frustrated. "Our wedding is soon, but I think you do need to come stay at my estate before then. You'll be trained properly by my mother."

"Lord Justin." I squeezed my hands together, choosing my words carefully. "I understand your concern, but I can have a tutor come to my home instead."

"A tutor can only show you the basics." He leaned forward, eyes boring into mine. "They don't know the ways of House Blain, Lady Kyla."

"Perhaps I can-"

"You would need to unlearn everything." He waved me off. "Why waste precious time when my mother can simply show you the proper way?"

Damn it. I swore internally, feeling my body stiffen. He's not going to even pretend to give my words a single thought. My chances of being able to flee before I'm forced into his home were already slim, but if he moves the timeline up to when I go to his house – my odds are abysmal. How can I escape a closed off attic in time?

"I think next week would suffice." He continued, taking my silence as acceptance. "I think that will give you ample time to pack your belongings and move without any hassle."

"Lord Justin, I can't confirm when." I commented – while silently screaming profanities at him. "As you know, I can't leave as I wish."

"That is true." He nodded, tapping his finger on his thigh. "I will write a letter to the Duke and confirm the date. Unless," he leaned forward, snatching my hand. "You have some reason to object that I don't know about."

What is he even saying? I let out a breath. "Does my opinion matter?" Clearly it doesn't.

"I want you to like me." He squeezed my hands, applying unnecessary pressure. I winced, trying to pull away but his grip was too strong. "I'm not a bad match, you know. My other wives were nowhere near as appealing as you are."

"Please let go." I glanced down at our hands.

"I apologize." Justin smirked, squeezing one last time before sitting back. "You are not to entertain any other men once you arrive. I will not allow you to follow the same path as your mother."

I rubbed my hands and turned away from him – temper rising. There was something wrong with him – other than the obvious. The thought process he rambled on about was impossible to follow. One moment he seemed almost normal, the next he was jealous and childish.

I'm not surprised by his insanity, I just wish he'd stop touching me.

For the remainder of the ride back, Justin switched to various other light topics – talking at me the entire time. I didn't answer – instead I was forming different possibilities of escaping the mansion once again.

It would be nearly impossible – but I had no other options.

I refuse to live with Justin Blain.

My destiny may be predetermined, and my choices were limited, but I would not – could not – accept it.

One way or another, I would break free.