Trigger Warning: The next few chapters contain sensitive subjects. To make things clear I am against real violence and discrimination of any kind. Again this story is fiction, the characters in this story and their actions are not real, no one was harmed or harmed any others.

Chapter 19

Velona felt amazing, possibly the happiest he'd ever been in his entire life. Word of the Stokes fire spread fast. It could be seen for miles around and took nearly two days to put out. A lot of people were reminded of when it had happened before, oh so many years ago and rumors of the Stokes family being cursed began to spread around. It was all anyone could talk about, they all wanted to know what had happened, what had gone on that night.

Only one person could tell them anything. The only survivor Velona's beloved Cornett, the Duchess Neave Stokes. She beautifully told her story to the Cricks and then later the authorities, just as she and Velona had practiced. Soon enough everyone knew what had gone on.

The Duke Blaine Stokes had come home unexpectedly. It was discovered that he had lost the family fortune, now penniless and ashamed, he argued with his elderly mother. She disowned him and he snapped, killing her. From there he'd gone about the manor, killing everyone.

The Duchess Neave Stokes had been lucky, when her husband had come for her, a servant had got in his way. They saved her life at the cost of their own and she was able to get outside to warn the coachman that had brought her husband home. One couchman took the Duchess to safety on her horseback. While two brave coachman stayed behind to see if they could stop him.

The Duchess and the coachman road ot to the Cricks estate to get help but by the time the Cricks and the others got out there, it was too late. Everyone had been murdered and the estate was on fire. It was quite the tragedy, perhaps even Crestmoore's greatest.

Velona never tired of hearing it as it was repeated time and time again, over the next few days. He almost wished he could dance about the manor, he was in such high spirits but had to appear as shocked as everyone else was. He, like everyone else, also wrote the Duchess a letter of condolence and offered her his home, should she need a place to stay in her time of need.

The Duchess Neave Stokes received dozens of letters, some even from outside Crestmoore. offering to take her in but she turned them all down. She only accepted Velona's invitation, for while it was known that the Duchess Stokes and Baroness Corday were heated childhood rivals. They had also known each other almost all their lives and tragedy had a way of mending fences.

Oh how the letters and gifts poured in, when people found out the Duchess was staying at the Cordays. They were all hoping to meet with her. They wanted to give their regards in person and of course to hear the latest news, for gossip. After a few days Velona responded to the letters and sent out invitations to everyone who was anyone in Crestmoore. He invited them to a funeral of sorts, for those that were killed and to pay their personal "respects" to the Duchess.

It quickly became the event of the year and all anyone could talk about. He spared no expense and had never been so busy. He spent day and night, putting it all together but it was worth it to him, for while it appeared to be a funeral, for Velona it was really his victory party. His celebration extravaganza, for all his and his companions hard work.

**********

Korina knew something was going on but didn't know just what. All she knew was Velona was in a good mood and came around less and less, which was fine by her…However after a bit she began to relax and started to notice things, like time. With Velona coming around all the time she was always on high alert at any second that he would enter, now she wasn't sure how much time passed between his visits or how long she'd been in the basement.

She knew it had been more than a few days but couldn't be sure if it had been a week...or two weeks or...a month. She told herself time didn't matter but surely by now someone had to have come looking. Surely by now her grandmother had come home at least...but if she had then where was she?

Korina didn't like to think about it. She didn't like to consider the possibility that she might not come, that no one might come. She tried to distract herself and spent her time pacing and singing to herself.

When Velona finally came to see her she was almost happy for the company. She found it strange and sickening...that she could ever be happy to see him. She drank and ate as he cleaned things up and then took her like he always did. She...she was starting to get used to it… She knew certain things he wanted her to do, positions she was supposed to get in. It still hurt but sometimes she wouldn't feel anything.

After he finished. he cleaned himself up and started to get dressed "You're learning" he said "But when we are away from here, I will take the time to properly train you."

"You already trained me," said Korina sitting up.

"No, there is much you need to learn. I spent this whole time trying to make you a Lady when I should have been teaching you how not to be," he smiled to himself but Korina didn't understand.

She stepped away from the bedding and paused, realizing he'd said, when were away from here. Did that mean he was planning on moving her. "Are we going somewhere?"

"When my business here is complete," he said lacing up his dress.

"Where," demanded Korina

Velona ran his fingers through his hair, gathering it up, "Wherever. Once I am done here, there isn't anywhere I can't go and there isn't anyone I can't be. If your good perhaps in time you could be someone too."

"No," said Korina, "I don't want to go anywhere with you!"

"As always it's not up to you,"

"I will not go with you," said Korina admitly. "You can't keep doing this to me!"

"Really and who's going to stop me," said Velona scratching his head,

My grandmother she will come for me!"

Velona let out a laugh and hung his head. He shook it from side to side before saying, "Your grandmother...She's already come and gone!"

"LIAR!" said Korina.

"Oh no...From day one you have been nothing but a burden to her. Why do you think she called me in, in the first place Your dying asshole of father dumped you on her. The Debutante Ball, marrying you off, it was her way out. You should have seen how happy she was, when I told her you'd run away and were no longer her responsibility."

"LIAR! LIAR, my grandmother loves me..." said Korina she refused to believe him.

"Really then where was she all your life? Where was she when your mother ran off. She could have still been involved with her, she could have sent money, she could have funded your fathers' inventions or at least have sent you to a decent school when your mother died. Your grandmother only cares about appearances. She only loves herself!"

"You don't know anything!" said Korina...She didn't want to believe what he was saying but some of it was true...

"Hmp, I know more than you'll ever know!"

"West!" said Korina, "He will come for me!"

"West" chuckled Velona. He rubbed his jaw, "You mean that pathetic Duke."

"He's not pathetic,"

"No he is and so are you. Tell me did you really, really think he was going to marry you!"

"He was," said Korina and then she frowned knowing he might not want to now.

Velona stepped closer to her nodding, seemingly enjoying her anguish he boasted "That's right...even if he was serious... now that I've had you...no other man is going to want you...not even your precious Duke."

Korina stepped back, she didn't need to argue with him. She didn't need to listen to him tear her hopes apart, not when he'd already taken so much, "I don't need to listen to you. Someone will come for me...and even if they don't I...I will never love you. I HATE YOU!

Velona burst into laughter, "I never asked you to. I despise love. It does nothing, means nothing, It's hate...hate that means everything." Velona glared at her and said, "I hate you, too!"

When he said he hated her there was a flicker in his eyes an emotion in his tone that caught Korina off guard. They way he said it, meant it, it felt more like he was saying, "I love you, too!" Korina clutched her chest feeling something strange for a moment, she felt something familiar, something distant. She felt like she'd had this conversation with him over and over again in a thousand different ways.

Velona grasped hold of her wrist and pulled her from her thoughts. He wrapped it rope and then reached out for the other wrist. Korina struggled and demanded, "What are you doing!"

"Tying you up," said Velona as if it were obvious.

"You said you wouldn't if I was good. I've been good,"

Velona scoffed, "Your skirting the edge at best if you were good you wouldn't argue with me every five seconds,"

"Please," pleaded Korina. She hated begging him for anything but she disliked being tied up, "You already leave me in the dark, don't make it so I can't move...it's all I have…"

He sighed, wrapping her other wrist and pulling it in. He tied them together as he said "Don't worry, I'll get you something to help but today is special, I'm going to be quite busy and no doubt tired when I am finished,"

"What is going on?" asked Korina.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with." said Velona he tugged on the rope pulling her into him and he kissed her, long and hard. She squirmed and struggled as he pushed his tongue into her mouth and practically shoved it down her throat.

When he pulled away, he smiled and wiped his lips, without warning he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her over his shoulder. He carried her to the bedding and laid her down. When he went to grasped hold of her leg, she jerked it away. He reached for it again and she kicked at him. He caught it and squeezed it so hard she cried out, "So much for being good," he said wrapping it tightly he tied it to the other one and then pulled back.

He ran a hand through his hair and looked down at her, watching her squirm before he took the candle and left the room. For the longest time she laid in the dark, thinking about what he said, what if no one was coming for her. What no one came to save her. Would she be trapped her with him forever. She shuddered at the thought but knew at some point she might have to face the fact that this...this might be her life now.

She shut her eyes feeling cold alone and for the first time hopeless. Velona returned some time after that dressed all in black. He had a cup of something in his hands. He his candle down and brought the cup to her lips. Korina didn't want to take it but he insisted, "Drink!

Korina just glared up at him. He sighed and said, "Drink and perhaps I'll find you something to do down here...maybe I'll even install a lantern...or two…Korina still didn't drink. "Does everything have to be hard with you. Don't make me pour it down your throat,"

Korina knew he would, reluctantly she opened her mouth and drank. When the cup was empty Velonas' smiled down at her and wiped her mouth. Then he ran his fingers through her hair as if to pet her before taking up his candle and leaving.

Once she heard the door lock, Korina rolled on her side and quickly moved about struggling to get her hands up to her mouth. It hurt bending her body in weird ways but she managed to get her fingers in her throat. She forced herself to gag until she began to vomit, she did it again and again until it began to take effect and she passed out.

**********

Korina taken care of, Velona went back to his dressing room. He wanted to do some last minute touches to his make up and decided a shall would go well with his dress. When he stepped into his dressing room he found Cornett and Beckett appeared to be waiting for him. Cornett sat in a chair in the corner with her arms folded in her lap and Beckett looked out the window.

They both turned to him when he entered but neither said anything. He didn't address them right away going into his closet. He pulled out the shall, he had in mind and put it on. He then checked himself out in his full length mirror before sitting down at his vanity. He looked over his makeup once more adding a few lines here or there and finally asked, "What is it?"

"We'd like to speak with you," said Cornett,"

"Obviously," said Velona taking up some powder. "About?

"Korina," said Cornett

"What about her?" said Velona dabbing his nose.

"Beckett has informed me of the situation."

"Has he now," said Velona giving Beckett a sideways glance, he was back to looking out the window. "I wasn't aware there was one,"

"We understand, you have been under alot stressed but things are over now. You no longer need distractions…"

"Korina is no longer a distaction," said Velona. He turned his head side to side in the mirror and decided to change his earrings. He got up and got a simpler pair. He sat back down at the vanity and changed them out.

Beckett let out a heavy sigh and said, "She is a problem,"

Velona looked at Becketts' back again. He'd thought he'd addressed this with him earlier but clearly not enough. "She is no longer a problem."

Beckett scoffed, shaking his head but didn't say anything more.

"Then what is she," demanded Cornett, sitting up in her chair.

"She is mine,"said Velona simply. His two companions looked at each other, clearly not grasping it.

"She's not a hat or a coat Velo-"

"Baroness Avianna Corday, "Velona sharply corrected, "Do not get sloppy,"

"I'm sorry we-."

Velona sighed losing his patience and stood. He looked upon both his companions and asked, "Is there a problem here?"

"Were just concerned," said Cornett. "Beckett tells me you've been acting rashly when it comes to this girl. You don't do anything without a reason, we're just trying to understand. What she is to you?"

"What is she to me," Velona said crossed his arms "I wasn't aware, I needed to justify my choices, to either of you. As far as I understood it, it is not your place to question me. I make the decisions and it is your duty to fulfill them. As I have told Beckett, I have decided to keep Korina Andon, she will be with us going forward...the decision has been made and is final. Do either of you have a problem with that."

They were both quiet for nearly a minute and then Beckett said, "No," Cornett followed suit a few seconds later. "No,"

"Good then, I will not address this subject again. Now it i'm not mistaken you both have tasks to attend to. I trust you will see to them"

Without another word Velona turned and left the room, to check on the flower arrangements. He'd completely filled his ballroom with tables and chairs. All the tables were donned with the best table clothes and dishes and at the center were flower that had been plucked just this morning, some from his own garden.

He smiled looking out at it all and then checked on the kitchens, to make sure all the dishes were being prepared to perfection. He tasted a little bit of everything knowing he wouldn't have time to eat. It was truly magnificent, he was in such a good mood that he even complimented the head chef, telling him it was adequate.

He saw to a few last touches, he made sure the basement door was locked up tight and that all the candles in the chandelier had been lighted. Finally he took his place beside Beckett and Cornett as the first guest arrived.

One after another guests began to line up greeting the Baron and Baroness but it was the Duchess that was center stage. Throughout the party all eyes would be on her. If she were too happy, it would be seen as unseemly if she cried too much it was unsightly.

Cornett beautifully pulled off of quite somber calm, with a mixture of emotion every now and then, especially if anyone lingered too long. She would fain a few tears and then stay strong. When a decent amount of guests had arrived she acted as if it were all too much. She took a moment and Velona went with her.

It was perfect timing to, just two guests from having to come face to face with the Duke Kerr in his daughter. Duke Kerr no doubt wanted to ask Velona more questions. He was no longer amused with him but annoyed.

Beckett had put a man on him and the Duke had been seen questioning anyone and everyone about when they had last seen Korina. At this rate if he kept digging, he was going to discover the affair between Korina and Clark. Perhaps that would finally detour him...but Velona had a feeling he was going to become a problem. A problem he might have to deal with before they left.

Velona and Cornett stepped into a private powder room and took a moment to touch up. ma Cornett tried to "apologize," "About earlier...I do apologize. I didn't want to bother you but Beckett," she let out a sigh, "He gets so concerned. I only wanted to assure him, you know what you are doing, as always,"

Velona perfumed himself and smiled at Cornett attempt to manipulate him. She was becoming quite the little minx but her level of manipulation was nowhere on par with his own. He saw right through her. However rather than address it he stayed focused on the task at hand, "You're doing well, try not to overdo it. If you get tired of overwhelmed you know the signal,"

"I wont get tired," snapped Cornett, "And I don't get overwhelmed."

"We'll see, it's going to be a long day,"

"No longer than any other has been," said Cornett with a sigh.

Velona reached out his arm and she took it leaning on him for support. He walked her out of the powder room and into the main ballroom. Most of the guests had been seated and were being served. There was light music and hushed whispers. When they entered the room everyone turned to Cornett once again.

Velona took her to the main table and helped her to sit. A veil now covered her face as she had no doubt just been crying. Once she was seated Velona took his seat beside her. Cornett barely moved and didn't touch her food.

The hushed whispers grew louder as people discussed what had happened, her great tragedy. She was truly the lady of honor, the center of attention. Velona knew Corenett had to be loving this, she always loved all eyes on her.

After some time Velona subtly motioned to Beckett and he tapped his glass with a spoon quieting the room. They all looked to him and he gave a speech, "Thank you all for coming and showing your support to those that were tragically lost. If you will please give the Duchess Stokes a moment of your time she has asked to say a few words,"

The Baron sat and the crowd held their breaths as Cornett shakily stood on her own. They all waiting to see what she had to say. She looked around the room and then quietly, tearfully said, "Thank you all for, for coming here today. You have truly honored me with your deep regards. It…" she sniffled, "It means so much in this hard time, to know the people of Crestmoore are so gracious."

"Here here," called one of the older gentleman and there was some light clapping. When the room quieted again Cornett continued, "Regretfully I will be sad to leave you all."

The room uproared in whispers "What is she talking about? What's going on? Is she leaving?"

Cornett spoke again and the room grew quiet, straining once more to hear her every word, "With all that has gone on I...I think it is best I return to my home town of Cru'mon and recover with what family I have left. I want to thank you all again, for your kind regards and hope to perhaps one day return. Until then please know the people of Crestmoore will always hold a special place in my heart."

Velona glanced up at Cornett and then out at the crowd, watching as they were all taking it in. After a moment they clapped for her and began to call out well wishes. When things grew quiet again Cornett shakily sat. Light conversations started up once more and people ate as music was played. At one point people started coming up to the table again.

"We will be so sad to see you go," said Lady WillaminaWaters.

"Yes…" said Cornett she pretended to dab her face under her veil, "I am sad to go as well. I loved it here."

"Perhaps you could have your house rebuilt and return by next summer," said Willamina.

Velona internally sighed, leave it to Lady Water to inappropriate. "Perhaps," said Velona responding for Cornett, "But now is not the time to discuss such a matter."

Some other women who were waiting to speak to Cornett looked at Lady waters shaking her head. She realized she'd over stepped and quickly apologized, "Of course, of course, forgive me." She quickly scurried away after that. Velona was surprised the Waters had even show up with all the stigma surrounding them. Thankfully they had been smart enough to leave Wendy at home.

Lady Tist stepped up next, she bowed to Cornett and she acknowledged her, "Oh, it will be ever so sad to see you go. Duchess Stokes. You have always been a highlight of Crestmoore, Why, whenever you graced us with your presence, you always lit up a room...still do. Of course you are ever so radiant"

Cornett tilted her head in Velona direction, clearly this woman was overdoing it. Velona stifled a chuckle as Cornett responded, "Thank you...ever so much."

"Of course, of course, might I inquire when and how you are returning home? My husband you see, he owns several ships. I do believe one has a route to Cru'mon. We would be more than honored to help in any way we could."

Of course this is what all the buttering up had been for. The Tists did indeed own ships, mostly for trade but they were looking into branching out into luxury. If they were to get a Duchess on one of their ships no matter the reason it would be a "highlight," to their company."

"Thank you," said Cornett, "But I am not sure when we are departing or what routes we will be taking,"

"We?" asked Lady Tist.

"Oh yes, the Baroness Corday has offered to see me home,"

"Has she now," said Lady Tist. Like a hawk, she changed her attentions to Velona, "We would love to accommodate you as well,"

"My my, thank you but perhaps another time we've already made arrangements with a moving company, to take us,"

"Moving company," said Lady Tist rather loudly. Others in the room overheard her speaking, "Are you moving,"

"Oh my," said Velona "I did not mean, to bring this up...at a time like this," Of course he did both he and Cornett were keeping an eye on way to bring it up when they could, "Yes, we are. We have decided we want to start a family, the Baron was born in Palta and would like to return to his roots."

"Oh my, how nice," said Lady Tist

"Yes," said Velona, "I shall consider your offer if we are ever in need,"

"Thank you," said Lady Tist, "You will be missed as well,"

"Thank you," said Velona. With the pleasantries over with Lady Tist rushed off. She may not have been able to snatch them up for her husbands' company but she had quite the juicy gossip to spread. Not even a few feet away Velona saw a gaggle of girls surround her. He knew it wouldn't take long for word to get out that not only was Duchess Stokes leaving, Crestmoore but the Cordays as well.

More and more people came up to the table and soon enough the conversations was shifting.

"Is it true," asked Countess Bray, approaching the table. The funeral was her first outing since taking a break. Funerals were always special exceptions if people didn't come it was considered rude. Less you were on your deathbed, which sadly the Countess was not." "You and the Baron are leaving Crestmoore.

Velona lowered his head to her and then responded, "Yes we are set on Palta. We will be dropping off Duchess Stokes on our way to Cru'mon on our way.

"Oh, when," said Countess Bray.

"In a month or so," said Velona

"I wish you would have told me," said Countess Bray, of course this was about her.

"It was not certain until a few days ago and with everything. I've been a bit busy,"

"Yes," said Countess Bray she finally curtiesed to Cornett something she should have done earlier. "So sorry for your loss,"

"Thank you," said Cornett, "It has been hard,"

"It gets easier," said the Countess, "Eventually you realize everyone goes,"

She looked at Velona offended and then turned from the table.

"What was that about," asked Cornett.

"Nothing," Velona knew the Countess wanted him to apologize for not telling her first thing. She always liked to be the first to know. He wasn't in the mood to caudal her ego right now and thought he could let that stew for a few minutes. He relished in the day he would no longer have to cater to that...especially since she owed him for covering things up with Korina. Of course Velona had been the one to take her so he supposed they were even.

"So you will be selling your estate?" asked Viscountess Vandry, stepping up to the table, "We've been looking for a place to keep our guests."

Velona knew the Viscount wasn't serious. She was just keep up appearances. The Vandry's were old money. They were once one of the wealthiest families in Crestmoore but their fortune was nearly drained. Velona smiled at her and said, "Oh, no, we still love Crestmoore far too much, for now we're going to live in Palta. Once the kids have grown some we'd like to summer here every year, if possible."

"Understandable," said the Viscountess Vandry, "Summers here are quite devine. If you do change your mind let me know,"

"Of course," said Velona, "I shall make sure you are the first to know,"

The Viscount nodded and then wandered off to boast about the wealth she didn't have to someone else. Velona took a slow sip of his wine and moved on to yet another conversation.

**********

Korina woke to laughter in the dark...It took her a moment to realize where she was again and what was going on. She remembered drinking something and making herself puke it up. She was still not ready to give up, to give in just yet. Velona said he would be busy today, perhaps he'd slipped up somewhere… Perhaps if she kept trying, she'd eventually find a way out of this room and could try to escape once again.

First thing was first she needed to get out of these ropes. Maybe if she did it a little at a time and rested every so often, she might be able to work herself free. She also struggled to get the ropes to her mouth thinking maybe she could chew it away. She heard laughter again and the door to the room rattled.

A moment later it opened and light from a candle flooded into a room. A woman laughed and said, "You are so bad…you have to teach me how to do that."

"It's easy Mara, you can do it with your hair pins. Now Come on, I think they keep the wine is in here, let's have some fun,"

"I don't know Anx, what if someone catches us," said Mara.

"They won't they're all busy...we'll probably have the place to ourselves for hours...and our choice of wine,"

Mara laughed, Korina realized other were in the room. She didn't know how they had gotten in here but cried out, "Please help me! Help!

They jumped and she watched the candlestick fall, "What was that…" cried Mara.

"I don't know..." said Anx. They both sounded frightened they scrambled to pick up the candle stick.

"Is it...you don't think it could be a... a ghost," said Mara frightened.

"No," said Korina before the man could respond, "I'm a girl I'm tied up please help me,"

A moment later the light drew closer and they saw her and she saw them, "Blimy, it is a girl,"

"She's naked, what's going on?" shrieked Mara

"I don't know...let's get out of here," said Anx

"WAIT PLEASE...PLEASE I WONT TELL ANYONE YOU WERE here just cut my rope...PLEASE...PLEASE…" Korina called desperately.

"I don't know-" said Anx "I don't want any trouble. "

"Oh sure now you don't want trouble," said Mara upset, she pushed him. "Come on, just cut her loose and let's get out of here,"

"What...but Mara…"Anx sighed but he came over. He got down and pulled out a knife, "Alright but we were never her."

"You weren't," said Korina her heart blossomed. Anx cut the ropes from her hand and her feet cursing when he saw her bruises.

"Damn his people are sick," said Anx

Korina didn't respond. He pulled back and she grabbed the sheet. She covered herself and then hobbled out of the room crying out "Thank you...thank you... thank you,"

If they responded Korina didn't hear, she just kept moving. She struggled up the basement steps, to the first floor and was immediately blinded by midday light coming in through the windows. It took her eyes a moment to adjust and then for her to realize where she was in the manor. She moved about and saw some servants rushing into another room with trays. Korina hobbled after them and burst into a room full of people.

There seemed to be some sort of party going on, no a funeral, everyone was dressed in black. She looked around and suddenly felt scared as dozens of eyes fell upon her. The room erupted in whispers as people didn't seem to recognize her at first. Then one of the maids noticed Korina and dropped her tray in shock. It clattered to the floor as the maid called out, "LADY ANDON!"

It was then that the room roared out in gasps and whispers. More and more people shuffled into the room. Korina called out, "PLEASE HELP ME!"

They looked at her in shock and continued to whisper amongst themselves but no one approached her. She worried she was dreaming...no, having a nightmare, that she was still in the basement. Then she heard someone call out to her, "KORINA...KORINA!"

She turned frantically looking around as she knew the voice. West pushed his way through the crowd, his daughter not far behind, having heard her name travel through the manor. He rushed to her and without hesitation took her into his arms. It felt so good...she knew she must be dreaming to have him here, holding her once again. She didn't want to wake up.

When he pulled back West looked at her in disbelief, "What happened to you...who did this to you," He quickly took off his jacket and wrapped it around. More and more people gathered and the whispering grew even louder but neither Korina or the Duke noticed.

**********

Cornett was taking planned break so Velona could make his way through various rooms and conversations, when he heard the racket. Apparently something had happened, someone had arrived. He perked his ears up trying to catch on, he heard mention of Lady Andon in the parlor room, in a sheet. His heart sunk and he thought he thought he was going to be sick.

Surely this was not happening, not here, not now. He'd dosed her… he'd tied her up. She locked in the wine cellar and yet as he entered the parlor room, there she was and she wasn't alone it didn't take her long to start throwing herself at the Duke. His eyes twitched and he jaw shook with rage...

**********

"Velona," said Korina, focusing on West "He attacked me, he kept me locked in the wine cellar,"

"Velona, who is Velona?" demanded West. Holding the sides of Korinas' arms.

Velona quickly tried to take charge of the room. Standing a few feet away he pretended not to know what was going on. "What is going on here! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" LADY ANDON YOU'RE HERE. WHY ARE YOU IN A SHEET AND WITH THE DUKE!"

Korina screamed madly at the site of Velona, though she was in a room full of people and West was with her. She was still afraid he might get her and hurt her. She cried out and pawed at the Duke uncontrollably, people were confused with what Korina had just said. The room was nearly over crowd as more people entered wanted to know what was going on. Different people knew different things and were trying to explain to others.

Velona took control of the confusion and chaos, "CLEARY SHE HAS GONE MAD! I HEARD IT RAN IN HER FAMILY BUT THIS. SOMEONE GET A DOCTOR!

Korina screamed and screamed, her heart racing with panic. She knew she needed to control herself to calm down. People in the room started to think she was mad. She heard the whispers of her mother and saw their glares. They thought she wasn't right in the head. She cried out at them needing them to understand to believe her.. "PLEASE NO...NO." she cried out.

West tried to calm her, to understand. He grasped hold of her head "Korina look at me...look at me. What's going on tell me what's going on!"

Velona didn't give her time "DUKE KERR TAKE YOUR HANDS OF LADY ANDON, AT ONCE."

Velona stepped up to them and West barely pushed him away but Velona overexhaduated it going down hard to the ground. The room broke into near silence and then chaos at the Duke having struck a woman in her own house. Velona cried out and some sevans and noble men approached West, "How dare you strike the Baroness!"

"I didn't mean to," said West trying to hold them back "I just-"

Beckett, oh his dear Beckett shut the Duke up. He came almost flying out of the crowd. He must have seen what had happened, he punched the Duke squarely in the face, sending him to the ground. Korina sunk down with him, still crying like a child. Some people helped Velona up from the ground. Beckett boomed "THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! I WANT HIM OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW!"

Some men went to grab Duke Kerr but Korina and the Dukes' daughter blocked them, as the Duke tried to recover.

Velona stepped up to Korina planning to whisk her away and then control the rumors. He came at her "COME NOW LADY AND-"

The little bitch, he reached out grasping hold of her and she turned, biting his arm. She sunk her teeth in so deep, so hard that she drew blood. He cried out and Beckett had to pull her off him. It proved his point that she had gone mad but it hurt like a son of a bitch. Oh he relished in making her pay for this later. She would not see the light of day for years.

Velona clutched his arm and locked eyes with Beckett before grasping hold of her again she struggled free but Beckett grabbed her lifting her up off her feet, "TAKE HER...LOCK HER UP TILL THE DOCTOR GETS HERE,"

Beckett started to leave and then the Countess joined the party. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE KORINA!

"GRANDMOTHER!" Korina called out. She was so scared and upset. Everything was chaos and happened so fast. Korina tried to tell West but Velona wouldn't let her.

"VIRA YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER HAS GONE MAD. SHE BIT ME! I SUGGEST WE LOCK HER UP UNTIL A DOCTOR CAN GET HERE!"

"What...uhh," her grandmother was flustered she looked around the room as all eyes were on her, her face turning red.

Beckett began carrying Korina away. She cried out, desperately, "VELONA'S LYING, SHE IS MAN...HE ATTACKED ME! HE ATTACKED ME!"

It was beautiful, Korina's words sounded like pure madness. No one would believe a word she said, not now. Beckett would whisk her away and Velona would clean up the mess as he always di-

Duke Kerr was pulled up from the floor by Lord Tist and Hagan. The Duke locked eyes with Velona, blood dripped from his mouth. He had a look in his eyes, a look of pure determination. Velona knew that look, he'd seen it in the mirror more than once.

Velona swallowed and pulled back. His eyes widened as everything almost appeared to happen in slow motion. Before Lord Tist and Hagan could take Duke Kerr out, he took them out. He moved elbowing Lord Tist in the chest. He let go of the Duke and stumbled back. With one of his hands free the Duke punched Hagan in the face sending him to the ground. He came them...he came for Velona.

Velona turned nearly pushing over the Countess as she tried to cling to him, still trying to make sense of what was going on. Velona tried to run, to get some distance between him and the Duke but there were so many people her couldn't push past them, they didn't move fast enough.

Velona turned back around to face the Duke and let out a screaming, crying out for help but prepared to fight. A proper woman shouldn't know how...but he had no choice. He moved to strike the Duke but the bastard, he dodged. The Duke didn't punch Velona or try to strike him in any way. He wasn't set on fighting, wasn't set on winning.

Velona knew he was only set on proving Korina right. He believed her…would believe anything she said...no matter how crazy it sounded. Clearly the Duke was in love with her….clearly love...had done in Velona once again.

He cursed it, trying to block the Duke's outreached hand but he would not be stopped. The Duke reached for Velona's chest and grasped hold of one of his fake breasts...he brutally yanked at it and tore from its strap... He tackled Velona sending them both to the floor with a sickening thud. Velona punched him and let loose on him but the Duke didn't care. He didn't let up reaching for his dress…he tore and yanking at his skirt.

People finally came to Velonas' aid. A Viscount tried to tear the Duke as he grasped hold of Velona's under wear. He tore the Duke away but the damage was done...Two servants tackled the Duke as he cried out, "HE'S A MAN LOOK! LOOK!"

They turned even as Velona scrambled to cover himself…one of his breasts was gone and there was no blood. The room fell dead silent then ...completely quiet. You could have heard a pen drop and then there were screams…. disgusting horrific screams, women fainted left and right men began to cry out slurs and cursed him…

He knew...every last word...every last hateful remark. He slowly got to his feet. This had happened to him before but never...never in a room so large. He looked out across the room catching Beckett's eye.

Beckett had already thrown Korina to the ground and was on his way. Velona looked at him...even if Beckett didn't know it. Velona knew it was over. He couldn't save him. He called out to his foolishly dedicated servant and gave him one last order, "GO! SAVE YOURSELF!"

He could see the horror in Beckett eyes, the refusal to follow his masters order. Velona stared him down for as long as he could and yelled "I ORDER YOU!"

The first idiot stepped up and Velona had to look away. He was wide open and Velona punched him in the face, knocking him out easily enough. Another man tried to sneak up from behind him, wrapping his arms around Velona. He simply threw his head back and collided with the mans' face.

He took one last look in Becketts' direction and saw he'd turned and was running away...good. He'd served him well... Velona smiled to himself for a second and dropping down, he swept the man who had been behind him off his feet and prepared for the onslaught that was to come.

Thank you for reading^^