THE Knight's Hidden Princess
Chapter 66: Respect Goes Both Ways

Chapter 66: Respect Goes Both Ways

Thankfully, the ride back to the manor was quiet. Reagan didn’t bring up any conversations and it wasn’t like I gave him the chance to start one. I picked up the book I had found in the carriage and began reading it while the steady rhythm of the horse’s hooves filled the space between us, The book in front of me became a shield as I stared intensely it, pretending to be engrossed it even though I had already read every single words back at the castle.

I just needed something that would keep me distracted from the raging thoughts in my head.

Across from me, Reagan sat still and his presence pressed felt like a weight pressed against my ribs, a reminder of the mess we found ourselves in. Occasionally, I would feel Reagan’s gaze on me, his mouth pressed together almost as if there was something he wanted to say but he refrained himself from speaking which was good enough for me. I’ve got nothing to say to say to him, it’s not like he was willing to me anyway.

So until he was willing to hear everything I have to say, I won’t be saying anything to him. He can stew in his silence for all I care!

I must have dozed off at one point because the carriage jolted forward, startling me awake. I looked out the window only to realize that we’ve finally arrived at our destination.

The manor stood at a distance with its pointed towers piercing through the dim sky. Something like dread twisted within my stomach. I’ve never felt an ounce of comfort, neither back at the castle or at this place. Both places were just different cages, one displayed golden ornaments and if not careful, it’s luxuries can blind you and the other, well it simply hid itself in darkness.

Heaving out a breath, I watched as Reagan got out of the carriage without sparing a backward glance. Although he did turn so he could help me down from the carriage. I stared at his outstretched hands then back up at him. With a small scoff, I hiked my skirts up and jumped out of the carriage. I didn’t need his help.

I heard Reagan heave a sigh, but I didn’t care about him. My eyes was focused on Heather who was now running towards me. A smile graced my face as I started running towards her and we met each other half way, immediately hugging each other.

Heather held me tightly, then she moved me away as she began inspecting me. "Are you okay? We heard about the attack and for I was so worried about you milady." Heather rushed out before she started sobbing, "I knew I should have gone with you, I knew I should never have left you alone, I knew I should_"

"Heather, Heather," I said unable to stop the laughter that came out of me as I wiped the tears streaming down her face. "I am okay, you do need to worry too much."

"Worry too much? My lady you are with child, you need to be more careful now!" She hissed at me before she glanced down at my stomach, "Is the baby.....Is the baby..."

"The baby is fine." I assured her when she couldn’t seem to get the words out, "Apparently he is a strong one like his mother, or so they tell me." I said patting my stomach to which Heather laughed out loud.

I could see another figure approaching us. A glance up showed the stern face of Lady Marina approaching and she wasn’t alone, Adriana and Celeste followed closely after.

"Son," Lady Marina as usual was quick to say hello to her son first.

I watched as the two of them hugged each other before she eased away from him. Celeste also followed, running and throwing her arms around Reagan too tightly, then she eased away and brought her lips to Reagan who turned away but leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek instead.

That seemed to be more than enough for Celeste just fine as she kept gazing up at him while she retained a hold on his sleeve, a claim of some sort. I snorted in response before I turned to look Adrianna whose expression remained unreadable as she studied my appearance.

I didn’t miss the subtle way her eyes seemed to drop to my stomach momentarily before her eyes then rose back up to my face and she tightened her lips.

"Welcome back." She greeted me although her voice was devoid of any warmth.

I offered her a small smile in response. "Thank you."

Adrianna nodded her head at me in response while she turned away from me. I turned to look at Heather, smiling at her while she nodded her head at me in agreement. She knew there was much to be discussed and she motioned for me to follow her inside. But just as I was about to follow after her, Lady Marina chose that moment to acknowledge me.

"So," She said as she stepped forward, her eyes slowly assessing me, "You are with child."

"It would appear so." I said straightening to my full height.

Lady Marina snorted in response, "And you are sure it belongs to my son?" She asked me and my eyes narrowed in anger.

"Mother!" Reagan suddenly spoke, coming to stand beside me.

Lady Marina didn’t look apologetic as she shrugged, "What? I mean come on, she’s been away for a week and suddenly she shows up with a pregnancy and now we are supposed to believe that?"

"What exactly are you trying to insinuate Lady Marina?" I asked with an eerily calm tone.

Lady Marina continued, a sharp glint in her eyes as she spoke. "Oh I think you know very well what I am insinuating." She hissed at e, "Besides, it’s no secret you were busy frolicking with my nephew in my son’s absence, everyone could see how close you two were in the garden."

"Mother, that’s enough!" Reagan yelled out, the anger evident in his tone.

But even I had already had enough! Anger like no other course through my body as I glared at Lady Marian who was busy smirking at me as if feeling pleased at what she has done, but she has no idea of what she had just unleashed.

"What did you just say?" I asked her.

Lady Marina smirked at me, "You heard me, don’t pretend like you didn’t."

"Are you accusing me of infidelity?" I asked my voice dangerously low.

Lady Marina heaved out a sigh, "Well if the shoe fits!"

If the shoe fits, if the shoe_

By this time, I was starting to vibrate with anger as I took a step forward feeling rage slowly consume me. "You dare to accuse me of being unfaithful? You stand here in your son’s home and dare to accuse me of infidelity in the midst of these servants without no proof? You dare to stand before me and accuse me of my unfaithfulness when all I’ve ever done to this household is sacrifice my freedom, sacrifice my happiness even endure the most cruel things. The whispers, your constant scrutiny and the way you belittle me at every chance you get and you think me unfaithful?"

Tilting her head with mock amusement, Lady Marina smirked at me. "Which makes me wonder why you are so defensive about it_"

"Because I am fucking tired!" I yelled at her and for a minute a heavy silence descended on the courtyard. Even Marina’s gaze widened as if she couldn’t believe what I had just did and maybe another time I would care but at this moment, I simply could not find it within me to care about her or anything else for that matter.

So I continued, moving closer towards her with each word I spoke. "I am tired lady Marina, tired of holding my tongue, playing dumb while you maltreat me, tired of pretending I do not hear the cruel things you and your daughter say behind my back, tired of being treated like a pawn or a piece of ornament. I am just so fucking exhausted of it all and so help me gods, I am done with all of it now!"

Marina’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared me up and down, then with a scoff she turned to look to Reagan. "Are you just going to stand there and watch her talk to me like that?"

Reagan sighed warily before he walked forward, placing a hand on my wrist. "That’s enough Dahlia. You can’t talk to your elders that way, you need to respect my_"

"Respect goes both ways!" I yelled whirling around to turn my angry gaze to him, "So, do not talk to me about respect Reagan Hawthorne, none of you have the right to talk to me about respect when you and your household have barely offered any to me. So spare me the hypocrisy."

Reagan’s jaw tightened while his fingers on my wrist flexed before he completely released his grip. I could see the conflict in his eyes but there was also something like admiration in them but I was done waiting for him to sort through his emotions.

I turned to stare back at Lady Marina who was staring at me like I had lost my mind and she wasn’t the only one. I also wasn’t done yet. "You’ve always treated me like I was beneath you, having no respect for my status or even me as a woman. You and your daughter both treat me like I am nothing more than an inconvenience to you but you forget, your precious daughter will one day get married too and I hope to gods she never experience what I am in this house." I said my gaze flickering to Adrianna whose façade faltered and for a minute I could see the fear in her eyes.

Drawing in a deep breath, I turned to look at Marina. "With that said, I have come to a conclusion that I shall be moving to one of the houses on the estate!"

"What?" Reagan asked from behind me but I ignored him.

"By marriage right, I am entitled to one of the houses on the estate which is where I am going to be staying henceforth." I said, glaring at them to challenge me and when none of them spoke, I decided I was done. "Heather, ready the servants and have my things moved to the new house I will be staying in." I said as I began walking away.

I could hear the smile in Heather’s voice as she replied. "With pleasure, my lady!"