The Princess Slave
Chapter 78

Violette POV

“Come on. Let’s take Snowball and go home.” He pulled away from my lips and grabbed my hand. I tried to pull away but he held onto me tightly.

He pulled me to Snowball and helped me climb onto him, and I held out my arm to help him. He grabbed it with a soft smile and hopped on.

“I’m sorry, Snowball. I know you have a name.” Viktor said as he scratched Snowball’s belly.

“You should be. He’s a good boy.” I said. He grabbed my h**s quickly as Snowball began to move.

“Please, don’t make him run.” He said. He leaned his chin on my shoulder and took a deep breath.

“It’ll be dark before we get home then,” I said.

“I’m okay with that.” He whispered. Chills ran down my spine when he did. And I think he felt my shiver..

“Cold?” He asked.

“No,” I said. I turned us around and made Snowball go just a bit faster, but not run.

“I really am sorry, Violette.” He said softly.

“I hope so.. because I don’t think I can deal with that again. I’d rather die than feel that way,” I said.

“Dont ever say that. Not after everything.” He growled.

“I won’t let you do it to me again. I refuse to let you hurt me anymore.” I cried softly.

“I won’t.” He replied. I wanted so badly to believe him.. but there was a little part of me that didn’t. I haven’t forgiven him, either.. that will surely take time. But how much more damage could it do to give him another chance? It would just be his last one. Could I really do that?

“When we get back, will you let Beatrice look over you? Please?” He asked. I let out a sigh.

“She lied to me. She told me nothing was wrong and then left me. And Lillian and Sylvia? They lied to me too.. everyone lied. I was the only one telling the truth.” I said. My eyes began to fill with tears again and it annoyed me. I hate being so moody. I’m never like this.

“They.. they didn’t know what to believe.” He said.

“They could’ve just believed me. I’ve never lied to anyone besides my Father. And I did hold back and not tell you that my pains were killing me. I don’t even know how much time I have left.. especially since last time.. I barely even remember.” I said.

“You almost died.” He said sadly. My eyes widened and a wave of fear rolled through me. I don’t think I’ll survive another time..

“I didn’t realize,” I said.

“Just don’t worry about it.. okay? I’ve got you.” He said. I let out a sarcastic laugh.

“I don’t think you can prevent my mate from being unfaithful, Viktor. Whoever he is.. he’s been the worst mate possible.” I said. He ran his hands across my belly where they rested.

“He has, Violette. He really is the worst mate, and I’m so sorry for that. Just.. don’t worry, okay? ” He said.

“Can I ask you something?” He asked after a few silent moments.

“Yes.”

“It’s about when I escaped from your Father’s.. dungeon..” he said. I tensed as he brought it up. He definitely noticed that.

“Okay..” I began.

“I always felt like.. it was too easy for me to get away. That two of your Fathers guards just had a change of heart and freed me. Did.. did you have something to do with that?” He asked. I took a deep breath and let it out. I would be a hypocrite if I lied.

“I.. I sent them.” I said truthfully.

“Why?” He asked.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of my Father torturing someone.. even if I did hear that this person wronged my family. I never asked Father what you did.. I didn’t even know it was you. Not until I saw you.” I said.

“What did you think when you saw me?” He asked.

“I knew if my Father found out he would lose his mind. That maybe he’d even kill me. I made my guards swear to secrecy.. and if they didn’t, I would have them banished.. but I trusted them. I felt.. responsible for you being there.. it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t lost my Mother.” I said.

“Thank you.” He said softly.

“Don’t. What my Father was doing to you was awful. No one deserves that. I’ve seen your scars. I know what pain came with them because I have some of my own.” I said.

“You didn’t deserve it either, Violette.” He said.

“Didn’t I? I smelled your scent on my papers.. my thoughts. I know you read them. I know.. that you know what I did.” I said as I swallowed back my pain.

“You were a child. He shouldn’t have left you alone to watch her. It’s not your fault. It’s his. And he will pay for everything he’s done.” He said. I wiped away my stray tear and sucked in a shaky breath.

“I was happy when I saw you run. I knew I had saved your life.. and I envied you. I wish I had run away too. Truth be told.. I almost chased after you to have you take me with you. I wanted to. I felt the need.. the urge to go with you.” I said.

“I didn’t know that..” he said.

“How could you?” I asked. He didn’t respond.

We sat silently as we rode home.. I’d just told him my only secret. A secret I didn’t want to tell him from the beginning.. Because one, I don’t like to gloat. And two.. because I didn’t think he’d believe me. Who would? His enemy’s daughter freed him. My family’s enemy..

When we got home he helped me off of Snowball and we walked him to the stables. As we got closer to the castle, even in the dark I could feel the eyes watching our every move.. but I tried my best not to let it bother me. By now.. the entire castle.. even the entire kingdom knows I’m alive. And soon, my Father will too.

“You never did answer me about having Beatrice look you over.” He said. I didn’t look at him as I spoke.

“I will allow it. Tomorrow. But I’m not ready to forgive anyone just yet.” I said.

“I don’t expect you to. But just know they love you, dearly.” He said. I didn’t respond because I don’t think I believe it. How could they lie to my face? Keep me in the dark about everything? People who love you don’t do that.

“Will you eat?” He asked.

“Now, you’re just asking too much.” I said with a straight face.

“It’s been days. You need to.” He said.

“I can’t stand the smell of any of it,” I said. I even gagged at the thought of food and he looked at me concerned.

“Can you not think of anything that sounds even close to appetizing?” He asked.

“Bacon sounds.. alright,” I said softly.

“Bacon it is, then.”