Reborn Financier-Chapter 17: Chains of Submission

After princess Sofia and Steven dispatcher, Lord Veldon soon turned and strode toward Erina, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. His dark eyes glinting with satisfaction, he extended his hand and grasped the curve of her jaw, lifting it with a tight grip, the position of her head tilting upwards toward his.

"You did great this afternoon," he growled, his tone insincerely sugary. "You’re such a great girl."

Erina, still keeping herself from breathing, let out a soft sigh, "thank yo—"

Slap

The sound of a slapping blow was heard on the side of her face, and she recoiled. The force of the blow was so great that she lost balance and fell on the cold, hard earth.

She wept-eyed as agony washed across her cheek. Her mind scarcely had time to know what had occurred before—

Sput

Lord Alric’s boot struck into her ribs.

She shrieked, the sound wrenched from her as agony sliced across her.

"How long did it take for you to answer them? Why did you take so long to answer?" Alric snarled, his expression darkening. "What was going on in your mind? Did you actually think of leaving me for that miserable princess which family is as good as fallen"

He dropped to his knees beside her, grasping a handful of her hair and yanking her head backward. His breath was warm against her face.

You forgot all the things I did for your family. You forgot that their destiny is mine? He snapped his fingers. "And with a little little finger snap,Boom, they’re dead."

A shiver of fear traveled down Erina’s backbone.

Before she even had the opportunity to alter a single word

STOMP

Alric kicked her stomach with his boot, and she jerked with the pain. She hacked up blood from her mouth.

"You’re mine!" Alric bellowed, kicking her for the fourth time. "You’re my property, get that in your skull before I break it, YOU ARE MINE! MY PROPERTY!"

Erina’s bruised face was streaked with tears as she doubled up, shaking lips apologizing on quivering breaths.

But no matter how much she apologized, the thrashing did not stop.

The last sight she saw as the darkness consumed her was the smug, sadistic smile of Alric.

Her body was on the ground, hardly breathing. Her lips, nose, and skin were all covered with blood. Her shiny eyes were swollen up, their lids now firmly shut. The little body was covered with bruises.

And still, it was the thought of the same, with repetition.

This is my fate.

This is my fate.

This is my fate.

Or at least, that’s what she kept telling herself.

****

The large castle doors opened wide as the carriage arrived outside. Standing at the entrance, beaming with excitement, was Kaidën and Elena.

Elena moved forward, her smile radiant with happiness. "Welcome home, my—

She never had the chance to complete her greetings.

With a fierce glare and clenched fists, Princess Sofia charged out of the carriage. Ignoring etiquette, she stormed past Elena without a single glance, her dress billowing behind her.

Steven followed quickly, his expression grim.

Elena and Kaidën exchanged bewildered glances. Something was definitely wrong. They trailed behind her in step.

****

BOOM

The Princess struck the desk with her open hand, and there was a loud crack that resounded in the study.

She cursed under her breath, "Fuck!" 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Elena drew back, not used to the princess being this furious.

Steven stood by the door, keeping his peace, remaining silent. He knew better than to interrupt her this way.

"That son of a bitch," said Sofia. "He must think I’m nobody. I will bring him down, I promise. I will bring him down with all the energy I can muster."

She exhales deeply, the entire body shaking with rage. And then, suddenly, lips crumpling into a slow, determined smile.

"Elena, take Kaidën to his room," she demanded, the sharp edge returning to the voice.

Elena stood still, but curtsied respectfully. "As my lady wishes."

Sofia scowled at Steven

Bring me a messenger bird, she demanded. "If they think that because my husband is still bedridden our family is weak, they have forgotten that my brother is the king. It time I start the royal family authority".

Steven nodded, then hastily departed to fulfill her demand.

Sofia clenched her fists.

Alric Veldon, Your days are numbered.

****

Elena escorted Kaidën across the darkening corridors of the castle, eventually stopping outside of his quarters. She stood before him, with a warm, soft smile on her face.

"Young master," she said, purring, "your mother is rather busy for the time being. Won’t you sit with me for a bit, then?"

He leaned forward slightly, the wide, childlike grin spreading across his face.

Kaidën tilted his head slightly, his innocent, boyish smile lighting up his face.

"I would love that," he said softly with a cute and innocent smile.

Elena’s heart melted at his cuteness. She giggled, taking his small hand in hers as they enter his room.

Unbeknownst to her, behind Kaidën’s charming innocence was a mind far more dangerous than anyone in this castle could imagine.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes for a brief second.

But Elena... she didn’t notice it, as he had other plans for himself.

****

The Valtorin family ate later on the long, formal dinner table. The traveling candlelight cast dark shadows on the walls, creating a warm glow upon their faces.

They were sitting down for dinner for the first time in what felt like ages.

Kaidën looked around at those people he knew. His mother, Sofia, was at the end of the table, serene but deep in thought. Steven was next to her, silent. Elena ate quietly.

The atmosphere was tense despite the location.

There was nothing but the sound of cutlery on plates filled with food.

What a cringe moment, Kaidën thought, observing.

The silence was finally broken when Sofia laid down the fork and turned toward Kaidën.

"Kaidën," she said firmly, but reserved. "You’re almost nine now. Your birthday will be here shortly, not even a month from now."

Kaidën nodded. "And yes

She took a deep breath.

It is near the time for the family’s tradition.

The moment those words were on her lips, the atmosphere was transformed.

The silent weight dropped across the table.

Kaidën’s expression was stony. "

Sofia hesitated for a moment, then assented. "Aye. Normally, your father would be the one to take it on, but since he is. unavailable, I will be the one."

A small, reassuring smile quivered on her lips.

"I want you to prepare yourself," she told him.

Silence fell once again.

Kaidën studied her carefully.

So... what exactly is this ’tradition’?

To Be Continued...