Chapter 233 - My Deranged Family Members (1) (Unedited) (1/2)

Gladiolus held strands if my hair on his free hand and smelled it. His gesture sent shivers on my skin, as if many ants were crawling on them.

”I missed your smell. I missed the feeling of your skin.” Gladiolus said while doing things that sickens me to the core.

'Was he doing such things when I was still asleep?' I thought. This just sickened me more.

”And I missed the feeling of your lips on mine.” Gladiolus smiled and pulled his hand away from my mouth.

I was about to shout for help when his lips took over mine. He was kissing me!

”Ugghhmm…” I pushed him with all my strength but I cannot overpower him.

The feeling of his lips on mine disgusts me to the core. How could he do such a thing to me, his blood related first cousin. And to think he was to be wed to Elizabeth in a few weeks.

I remembered the move Regaleon thought me if I was in a tight spot. I used right leg to stomp my healed shoe on Gladiolus' feet.

”Ahh!” Gladiolus groaned in pain but he was still holding my hands and pinning me on the wall. I used my knee to hit him on his groin. ”Ughh…”

Gladiolus was now kneeling on the floor from my attack. I took this time to lengthen the space between us.

”You… how dare you kiss me?!” I shouted in anger while wiping my lips with my hand rigorously.

”Heh… hehehe.” Gladiolus laughed but was still kneeling on the floor clearly in pain from my attack. ”You are really a feisty one. I like that about you.” He looked up at me with such intense eyes that made me shiver.

”I will never forgive you for what you have done!” I shouted in anger. ”NEVER!”

I ran from there in haste. While running I can feel tears coming out of my eyes. It was a mix of fear and relief that made my tears flow. I was lucky to get out of that situation but I am not sure if I can do that next time.

'No, there shouldn't be a next time.' I thought to myself while running thru the corridors.

I was able to escape because Gladiolus didn't put his guard up on me now. But for sure the next time he would be prepared for any attack coming from me.

I was able to get back to my quarters safely. I closed the door and leaned my back there while catching my breath. Tears stained my cheeks and I wipe the tears on my eyes.

”Your highness, what happened?!” Martha who was arranging my beddings for the night was surprised to see me distraught. ”Are you okay?”

”I-I'm fine.” I stuttered a reply. ”Can you please go and fetch me a basin to wash my face? I would like to freshen up before sleeping.”

”O-Of course your highness.” Martha replied.

I wouldn't like my eyes to be swollen tomorrow because of the crying. I don't want the others to worry about me, especially William. I just ordered him to rest tonight after knowing he wasn't having ample time of sleep since he got here. If he knew that Gladiolus s.e.x.u.a.lly assaulted me just now, he would blame himself for not being present to stop Gladiolus.

”Oh and please relay to head servant if he can be the one to guard my door this evening.” I told Martha before she exited the room. ”I have ordered my personal night to rest for the evening.”

”Yes, of course your highness.” Martha nodded her head and exited the room.

I would feel much safer with Jack and William guarding my door. But for now, Jack would do. It would be better to keep what just happened, a secret for now.

I sat on the couch near the fireplace and sighed. My cousin is really dangerous.

”Leon, I want to see you.” I said in a whisper.

This event just made my longing for Regaleon more intense. If he was here, I am sure he would protect me.

**

Morning came and I freshen myself up for breakfast. When Martha came in, she said that Gladiolus had asked for the members of the family to eat together this morning.

'I am going to see him again.' I sighed in defeat.

With what he did yesterday night, as much as possible I don't want to see him again. But he gave an order this early in the morning. He is still the crown prince of this country and I am but a hostage. Even if I refuse, I am sure they will force me to go there.

'I have to collect myself first.' I told myself. 'I cannot show to Gladiolus that I was greatly affected from what happened last night.'

If he saw that I was affected then he will be much bolder these coming days. I have to do everything in my power to stay safe until Satiana's coming of age ceremony. After that we could escape from here and I can see my beloved Regaleon again.

”Just a few more days.” I encourage myself.

”Your highness, are you ready?” Martha asked. ”The Princess Satiana, the Crown Prince and his fiancée are on their way to the dining room.”

”Yes, I am all set.” I replied to Martha. ”Thank you for informing me.”

I walked out my room and I saw William waiting for me. He smiled at me but when he saw my face, his smiled turned into a worried expression.

'Did he see my eye bags?' I thought to myself. 'But I covered it well with make up.'

I walked in front of him and William followed from behind as my escort knight.

”Didn't you sleep well last night?” William whispered behind me. ”You look tired.”

I sighed knowing that William is really observant of me. He can see any little detail about me.

”Y-Yeah.” I whispered a reply. Let's just go with what he was assuming. ”I was thinking of many things last night that I didn't realize the time and slept late.”

”Don't stay up too late next time okay. You just scolded me for lacking sleep just yesterday, so same goes for you.” William let out a smile.

”Hehe.” I giggled. ”I will keep that in mind.” I replied.

Not long we arrived at the dining room. My heart was racing fast with nervousness. I know that I have to act unaffected by Gladiolus' assault last night, but the fear I experienced last night was remembered by my body and was shivering.