Chapter 17:

Water droplets fell on Korinas' face, waking her, for a glorious moment, she forgot where she was. For a glorious moment, she thought she was back home with their leaky roof. She smiled to herself opened her eyes, she expected to see the ceiling of her childhood home but instead saw a hand as it dropped water on her face.

It took her eyes a moment to focus but she soon found the hand belong to the Baroness. It all came flashing back to her. She whimpered as he loomed over Korina. Her vision began to blur with tears but she didn't struggle, she knew it was pointless.

After Beckett had tackled her, she'd woken more then once in the dark, finding herself bound with rope. She'd tried to get free and had struggled herself to exhausting time and time again. Her body was too weak to put up a fight.

The Baroness seemed to know, he smiled down at her gently brushing the hair from her face and sweetly asked, "Would you like me to remove your ropes?"

Korina said nothing she just glared up at him, her body was in so much pain now what did it matted, what he did or didn't do, at this point. When she didn't respond he began to untie her. Instinctively she shivered at his touch. She probably would have wet herself if she had any water to give, near dehydrated.

He removed her ropes but it gave little comfort. He ran his fingers through her hair and sighed, "Look how dirty you've gotten," he clicked his tongue and continued, "What have I told you about taking care of your appearance,"

Korina began to sob, wondering how, how he could still speak to her as if nothing had happened as if he hadn't shattered her entire world. "Now, now, none of that," he said, "I brought you some food and water. I bet your hungry, why don't you eat some."

Korina wanted to deny him and refuse anything he offered but as he got up and brought the food over she didn't care. She drank and ate as much as she could. He watched her and scolded her at points to slow down, to chew properly, she ignored him.

He left the room at one point and then returned with a bucket of water and a brush. He set them down and said, "Come now, let me clean you up,"

Korina refused, getting a second wind. Painfully she scrambled into the corner, not wanting him to touch her. The Baroness shook his head and let out a heavy sigh, "It will only make you feel better.."

She wrapped her arms around her knees, knowing the only thing that would make her feel better was getting out of here and away from him. He persisted and said, "If you're a good girl and let me clean you up, proper. I'll go away and leave you for the rest of the night...I'll...even bring you a blanket... and some more food."

Korina burst into tears, he acted as if he were being generous, once again she didn't want him touching her but knew, if he really wanted to, there wasn't anything she could do to stop him. At least this way he'd leave...he'd leave...anything to make him leave. The Baroness came over to her and she didn't fight.

He brushed her hair, removing all of the debris and braided it into two long thick braids. Then he took up a cloth and dipped it, in the bucket of water, it was warm and almost felt nice. He wiped the blood from her face and then had her get up.

He had her stand in the bucket and then washed her body. He lingered on her breasts and privates some and she looked down seeing it grow. She shivered thinking he was going to break his word but he didn't, When he was done, he gave her a big blanket to wrap up in. She hid in the corner of the room and watched him.

He brought in more blankets and other bedding, along with more food and water. He also got her a bucket to go in. Up until now she'd just been going where she laid. There were flies and the room smelled but she didn't care. He cleaned up her messes and then she was hoped he would go away.

He took a moment to look around the room and then satisfied he clapped his hands, "If your a good girl, you can stay like this…" He tone then shifted, "However, If when I return you have misbehaved, I will keep you tied up indefinitely."

Korina just glared at him and finally he left, taking the candle with him. Alone in the dark she sat for a few minutes and then painfully moved about. She found the food and water drinking some more before going in the bucket. Then she felt around with her hands until she found the door.

She tried to turn the handle though she doubted it would be unlocked. Sure enough it wasn't. She pulled back from the door knowing she wasn't getting out of her, She crawled to the bedding and collapsed, shutting her eyes. She did her best to rest and regain her strength, knowing she would need it.

The next time he returned, she was ready for him, to finally face him head on. Rested and fed her voice had recovered some. As soon as he entered the room she spoke, her voice cracked a bit but her words came out clearly "I.. I demand...I demand you to let me go,"

He looked at her for a moment as he set a new tray of food down on the floor and then said, "Your voice is recovering, that is good,"

"Let me go…" said Korina once more, "I wont. I promise I wont tell anyone what you...what you," her voice started to wane with emotion "Have done to me. I just.. I want to go. I will just go."

The Baroness moved about the room, casually checking on things, he took the bucket and left, coming back with a fresh one, he placed it in the corner and seemed to be ignoring her. Korina cleared her throat and spoke louder, stronger, she called the Baroness by his name "AVIANNA!,"

That got his attention. He looked at her then and sighed, "My name is not Avianna...it is Velona,"

Korina didn't care what his name was, she didn't care who he was as far as she was concerned he was a monster. She glared at him but Velona just continued to look about the room before saying, "Eat,"

"I am not hungry," said Korina, "I want to go! I want to go home!" She shuttered, torn between fear and rage.

"This is your home, for now," said Velona calmly. He looked at her and stood up straight, finally addressing the situation, "You belong to me now, Korina. I am no longer your teacher but your master, You will do as I say and you will obey me."

"What..."said Korina quietly, in disbelief, She began to feel sick. She didn't...he couldn't do this. "NO!" she shouted. She didn't belong to him, another person could not just take someone…could they? Her breath quickened, Korina stood without thinking and Veloans' body language changed all at once, from being relaxed to stiff and alert. He told her, "SIT"

"NO," said Korina for a moment her anger overtook her fear, "I will not sit...I WILL not obey you. I DO NOT BELONG TO YOU! I don NOT belong to anyone. I...I DEMAND YOU LET ME GO AT ONCE OR-"

"OR WHAT!" Velona interrupted. He drew closer and she stepped back, her fear edgy up on her, she swallowed hard, her throat dry. He continued to walk up on her and there was nothing she could do but back up until her back was against the wall. Trapping her Velona put both his hands on either side of her. He glared down at her and seethed "When you make a threat my dear Korina, it means NOTHING unless you can BACK IT UP!

She shutter as he leaned in close. She could feel his breath on her skin "YOU...NEED TO UNDERSTAND how things are now Korina! YOU ARE MINE! There are a new set of rules...you would do well to learn them. YOU WILL DO NOTHING that I don't tell you to do. I will do with you as I please...when I please and if you... disobey me. I will punish you and you can be assured my threats are REAL!"

Korina swallowed once again, her throat felt like it was swelling. She looked up at him frightened and his eyes flicked with excitement. He grasped hold of the blanket she was wearing and tore it off. "You will not cover yourself in front of me. If I SO desire to look upon you I will."

She whimpered feeling weak and pathetic, she needed to fight, she needed to stay strong but he scar-

"Turn around…" he said, drawing her from her thoughts.

"What…" she said.

Velona slapped her across the face. She cried out and he grasped hold of her chin, forcing her to look at him "I will not repeat myself,"

He let got of her and she quickly turned her back to him, pressing her chest against the cold stone wall. She heard him rifling with his clothes and realized he was going to hurt her again. She began to panic, her breathes quickening she tried to move. He grasped hold of the back of her neck and smashed her against the wall, "DID I SAY MOVE!"

"NO...but...I'm hungry...I...want to eat," lied Korina anything to get away.

He laughed, "Too bad I'm hungry now...you're just going to have to wait,"

Korina cried out and tried to drop down to the floor but he wouldn't let her. He pinned her to the wall and then stuck his finger in his mouth before kicking her legs to part. She felt him reach down and shove his fingers inside her…

She jerked and whimpered crying out. She attempted to struggle and he yanked her hair, "Don't fight me…you'll only hurt yourself,"

He moved and she felt it touch her but and then move down he pulled her hips from the wall bending her. "NO...NO NO...please...please.." she whimpered pleading.

"Shut up," he hissed breathing deeply. He placed himself at her entrance and she squirmed. It fell out and he hit her on punching her on the back of the neck. Again he placed himself, "I don't care how long it takes you to understand, but you will obey,"

He positioned it again jerking her hips, he thrust and it burned. She cried out and began to breathe breathed spiratically. She didn't want it inside her again but there was nothing she could do… NOTHING. She dragged her hands against the brick wall digging her nails into it. They cracked and broke as he powerfully thrust up inside her.

She screamed and screamed her voice cracking and going out again. He wrapped his arms around her squeezing her breast biting at her shoulder. He grunted and groaned crying out, "Korina KORINA oh you feel so damn good,"

She struggled trying to get free to push back but she couldn't he pinned her crushed her against the wall forcing himself inside her again and again. She pressed her face against the wall as tears blurred her vision. Eventually she stopped struggling stopped fighting, the pain consumed her and she crumpled against the wall.

He didn't let up on her grunting and groaning, thrusting and pounding as his heart desired. He kissed the back of her head and the back of her neck squeezing her tighter and tighter until all at once he stiffened, she...she remembered this part the sickening heat that filled her. She closed her eyes, feeling it pulse inside her and then it was done.

He pulled back and let her fall to the ground. She sat there as he dripped out of her and onto the ground. She held herself wanting him to go away but he didn't. He dressed and then snapped his fingers, "Eat...don't make me say it again,"

Korina cried out shivering and shaking, it hurt to move but she managed to turn herself around. She crawled over to the tray of food and water and ate, she stared off into space trying not to think, to feel. Velona loomed over her making sure she ate every last drop and then snapped his fingers… "Bed…"

Korina moved over to the bed and laid down, Velona climbed in after her, holding her. He spooned he and laid with her for some time. Korina began to fear he was going to want to do it again but he didn't. After a while he got up and left the room, taking the candle with him.

Alone in the dark, Korina curled up and softly sobbed, she realized he was never going to let her go. If...if he would not let her go and she couldn't escape then her only hope, her only chance was someone else. Surely, at some point her grandmother would return and demand to know where she was and in time, West, he too would notice.

They would, come looking for her...but what if they couldn't find her. And what if… what if West not longer wanted to be with her, after he found out what Velona had done to her. She knew the rules of Crestmoore she...she had been with a man. She hadn't understood it at the time what that had fully meant but she thought she knew now. He...he had put himself inside her...he had...made her his…

Korina held herself and began to shake, she tried not to think about it. She tried not to give up hope just yet, she had to believe that someone would notice she was missing and come looking for her, someone would find her, someone would save her. She only hoped she could hold out until then...

**********

Velona let out a pleasant sigh as he sat back in his favorite chair by the fire. Things had been going smoothly. As discussed, Countess Bray had quietly wrote a letter to the Duke, turning down his offer of marriage and informing him, Korina had gone away. She explained the potential arrangement and the world of Crestmoore was just far too much for such a simple girl. She had gone away to live with other distant relatives and sadly would not be returning.

The Countess hoped the Duke would hold no misgivings against her or her granddaughter and apologize profusely for taking up the Duke's precious time and goodwill. The Duke responded almost immediately, requesting to see the Countess and discuss the matter further. Velona instructed her to decline and make it clear that sadly, there was nothing more to discuss, the matter was closed.

A day after the letter was sent, the Countess let the news of Korina's departure from Crestmoore "slip" whilst amongst her closest friends. It didn't take long for rumors of Korina's sudden departure to spread like wildfire as Velona knew it would. The people of Crestmoore always craved a good scandal and like wild animals they chased the scent of blood.

Each person had heard, a different rumors and had their own theory to gossip about but no one would get close to what had truly gone on and not if Velona had his way. He began to get dozens of letters, inquiring what if anything, he knew. He got many more well wishes and requests for visits and parties but continued to regretfully decline them all as he was still recovering,

After a few days of being bombarded with questions, the Countess withdrew from her social schedule to "rest up" for the winter. Velona checked up on her every so often to make sure she was sticking with the plan as the blaze of rumors only grew more and more wild but for now things seemed to be handled.

When it came to Korina things were going pretty much as he expected. He was only able to be with her after the servants had left for the night. The first night he left her tied up in the wine cellar, only checking on her. After dealing with the Countess and everything he was exhausted and had a splitting headache.

The next day he was in a much better, kinder mood. He took his time preparing some essentials. He woke her gently with water and untied her. She cried and struggled but was too exhausted to put up much of a fight. He fed her, cleaned her up and even let her rest. She didn't say anything to him and he wondered if it was a choice of if he'd damaged her vocal cords.

The next day the search was called off and then men came home. Inquiries would still be made but for now everyone seemed to buy that Korina and Clark had eloped. Velona was in such good spirits. When he saw Korina that night she seemed to be doing better. She spoke to him, and while her voice seemed scratchy, it seemed to be recovering some.

She got a bit testy with him, demanding to be let go and he explained her situation. She dared to threaten him but he more than happily put her in her place. He knew it would take some time for her to adjust. He wished he could spend more time with her and take more care but there was never enough time, he had to see to his own basic need of sleep. She could be quite exhausting but admittedly he didn't mind the extra effort...not when the reward was so great.

He smiled to himself looking forward to seeing her once again. He...he'd never felt this way...never been so excited to be around another person so much. Every second he spent with her, he felt more and more alive. He longed for when this was all over...when vengeance would finally be his and he could do as he pleased for as long as he pleased.

He let out another sigh and then took a sip of his tea before continuing to open more of his letters. After a few minutes there was a slight tap at the door. He looked to see Hagan, opening the door, he stepped in and bowed. Velona acknowledged him and he stepped up to his chair, "Baroness Corday I am sorry for the interruption but Duke Kerr has arrived unexpectedly. He wishes to speak with you."

"Does he..." Velona furrowed his brow for a moment, this was quite unexpected and inappropriate. Though the Duke was of higher ranking then Velona, one did not just show up at another's estate unannounced. He wondered what he could possibly want. He ran his tongue across his teeth thinking. After a minute he sighed and supposed he should find out. He nodded and responded "Send him in,"

Hagan nodded and then left the room. Velona quickly picked up a hand mirror, adjusting his hair and scarf. The door opened a moment later and Hagan introduced, "The Duke of the West, Duke West Kerr."

The Duke strode into the room with purpose. He looked tired and unkempt, like he hadn't slept for days. Velona studied him quickly as Hagan shut the door and then took his place behind Velona's chair. The Duke stepped up to Velona's chair and took notice of him and his injuries. Velona smiled internally realizing for once he would not have to bow to the twat. "Forgive me for not rising and greeting you properly Duke Kerr. I am still recovering from an injury,"

"I see, How are you doing?" said the Duke looking down at him.

"Well enough, please wont you sit," said Velona.

The Duke sat but only on the edge of the seat, he seemed eager.

Velona relished in taking up his time. Rather then ask him why he'd come, he drew it out some. "How is the weather, I haven't been out in some time,"

"It is fine for this time of year. A bit chilly at times but nice," said The Duke. He went to speak, to no doubt get to the point but Velona quickly interrupted him."May I offer you refreshments? Some tea and biscuits. Perhaps some wine and cheese. I hear the Ale' Bury wine is quite something this year. I myself prefer an Ozlin red in a decanter, this time of year."

"No," said the Duke curtly and then he quickly realized he was being rude. "No thank you. I was hoping to discuss the departure of Lady Andon with you?"

"Discuss," said Velona slowly. "I don't know that I have anything to say on the matter, other then she will be missed."

"Yes, she will," said the Duke. "I was just hoping you might know more,"

"More?" asked Velona.

"About why she might have left so suddenly,"

"Hmmm," said Velona. He could see the Duke was desperate for any kind of information, a single thread. Velona lifted his cup of tea and drank it ever so slowly. He watched the Duke watching him, waiting with baited breath but Velona would give him nothing.

He would have nothing more of Korina. Velona recalled the Duke kissing her, in the garden and his stomach still boiled. The Duke had already had far too much. Velona set his cup of tea down and politely, innocently said, "I am sorry but I know, no more than any other. Perhaps you might call upon her grandmother."

If he did Velona would no doubt tell her what to-

"I just came from there," said the Duke.

"Oh," said Velona genuinely surprised. My my, first Vira's and now him, the Duke was more desperate than Velona thought.

"Did you notice anything peculiar, leading up to her departure?"

Velona took a long pause drawing out his response. He pretended to be thinking and then said "Nothing of importance. Though thinking back on it..." said Velona letting out yet another long pause, toying with the Duke.

"Yes," said the Duke, "What is it?"

Velona picked up his cup of tea again and dared to drink it slowly, as the Duke waited for him to continue. He could see the Duke had no patience and was being driven to near madness at how slow Velona was responding. He began fidgeting with something in his fingers, it almost looked like a hair pin but Velona couldn't be certain.

When Velona set his teacup down, he took even longer letting out a pleasant sigh before finally continuing "She did seem quite tired. Of course it all makes sense now. It being too much for her and all. Sadly not everyone is suited for our way of life,"

The Duke sighed annoyed. Clearly he was not happy with Velona's responses yet still he tried to garner something, anything at this point. He asked flatly "Do you know where she has gone?"

"Did her grandmother not tell you? If she didn't, I dare say, it is not my place to say. However I do not know where she has gone, only to be with family"

"Family," the Duke repeated more to himself then Velona.

Velona knew Korina did not have any other family to speak of, other than her grandmother, it was how this whole mess got started in the first place. He wondered if the Duke knew that too, if Korina had let it slip on one of their nightly tirades. If that were so then the Duke would no doubt know their story was a lie and must be wondering what the truth of the matter was.

If Korina couldn't be with family then where could she be. It must be driving the Duke crazy not to know. Velona knew it would have bothered him a great deal but he knew right where Korina was. It gave him a little thrill knowing she was bound naked in his basement while the Duke was so desperately seeking her out.

The Duke sighed again more heavily, pulling Velona from his thoughts. Clearly the Duke was getting nowhere and this whole conversation was pointless and yet he looked as if he wanted to keep going. He looked as if he were even thinking of more questions to ask. Velona didn't mind, he found he was enjoying himself. He felt he could do this all day, if need be but a moment later the door to the sitting room burst open and Beckett rushed in. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.

"Forgive me for calling upon your wife, so abruptly." said Duke Kerr, getting to his feet, "I wished to know more about the events of Lady Andons' departure."

"Then you should speak with the Countess Bray," said Beckett clearly annoyed.

"I did, I just wished to take in anothers account." said Duke Kerr

"If you wish to discuss the matter, then do it with me. My wife is recovering from an injury, she needs her rest," said Beckett.

"Forgive me, I am sorry to have bothered you," said Duke Kerr

"It...it wasn't a bother really," said Velona putting on a weakened front.

"None the less, you should be resting dear," said Beckett coming to his side. He rested a hand on Velonas' shoulder. Velona brushed his own hand over it, lovingly patting it. Beckett glared at the Duke sternly and said "If you wish to continue, I ask that we do so in another room."

"No, I think I've gotten my answers. Thank you Baroness Corday and again, I apologize for intruding on you both. I shall see myself out."

Beckett and Velona nodded, without another word West turned and strode out of the room. A moment later Beckett ordered Hagan, "Leave us."

"Yes sir." said Hagan

Velona smiled to himself, once they were alone but Beckett was not happy, "What was he doing here?"

"As he said he was looking for anothers' account."

"You should not have spoken to him. You should have let me do it," said Beckett.

Velona brushed him off, "It was important to see where his mindset was. The last thing we need is a Duke poking around in our affairs."

"I agree," said Beckett through gritted teeth.

"He is heartbroken, perhaps even devastated. I think he is just looking for some closer, once he realize there can be none. I'm sure he'll pine for a while longer and then get over it."

"And if he doesn't," said Beckett. "If he chooses to pursue matters further,"

"Then we will deal with it but for now put a man on him, if it will make you feel better but make sure he keeps his distance."

Beckett clenched his fists and let out a heavy sigh but nodded and then he continued, "There is another matter we must discuss,"

"Hmm," said Velona looking at the fireplace. He watched the flames dance about and knew it would soon be time for another log.

Beckett moved blocking Velona view and he looked up at him. Beckett crouched so that he could be at Velonas' eye level, "I just received word," Velona tilted his head and perked up in his seat. Their eyes locked as Beckett continued, "He was spotted at the docks...It's time,"

Velonas' heart trembled in chest, for so long he had waited...waited for this day, this moment, his entire body began to quake with excitement, "At last," he said, "At last..."

Thank you for Reading^^