He grabbed Angie by the hair and pulled her towards him. Tears welled up in pain. Her whole body shook like an aspen tree. Kyle was now like a heartless tyrant. Angie was half-souled in front of the cruelty she had never seen before.
“Jerome will make sure to tell your parents so they don’t worry. We’ll need more manpower for a few days.”
Kyle whispered indifferently, his face almost touching hers. His face, smooth as marble and without cracks, looked like an exquisitely crafted wax doll.
“Your Highness, wait a minute! Let go of this...”
He pretended not to hear and dragged Angie into the study. When he opened the door between the study rooms, he saw an L-shaped corridor. The corridor, with golden candlesticks hanging here and there on each wall, was covered with a blood-red carpet.
Angie couldn't come to her senses. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her around for a while until he finally stopped at the end of the hallway.
Angie gasped and looked at the door. She was in front of a chamber that was all too familiar, except for the stairs that led to the Generalife Gardens and the hallway that she had just come from the study. Kyle opened the door and threw her inside. There was no sign of agitation on his face as he threw Angie onto the soft carpet.
"Master!"
“Stay here and think about it for a few days.”
Kyle turned around and snapped coldly. Angie tried to get up from the floor in shock but fell back down. Her right ankle was throbbing. It looked like it had been twisted when Kyle had just roughly pushed her down.
“Master! Master Kyle, wait a minute, wait a minute...”
The moment Angie got up, the door was firmly shut. The dull sound of the lock locking made Angie startle and she limped over to the door. She pulled the doorknob with all her might and pounded the door with her palm several times, but it was no use.
“Master! Open this door! Uncle Jerome! Mrs. Dunst! Is there anyone there? Please, open this door!”
For a long time, she struggled with the door and cried out for help, but no one came to help her. Angie looked around the wide room frantically, even though one of her ankles was uncomfortable. The room where she had secretly met him every midnight was no different from the image in her memory.
The bed and sofa with golden lion heads carved on each head and backrest, the magnificent picture frames decorating the walls here and there, the tea table and armchairs with elegant lines, it was still the same as before, overflowing with elegance even amid the utmost splendor. The only thing that had changed was Angie's feelings. The space that had been like a sweet paradise had now in an instant turned into a luxurious prison.
Angie approached the arched window with its ivory-gray curtains. It was three stories high, but even if only one was open, there would be a way out. She would have to shout loudly to attract the attention of the workers outside, or, worst case scenario, tear the bedsheets and use them as ropes to get down.
All the windows were locked. There was a small ventilation window in the bathroom wall, separate from the bed. Fortunately, it was open, but it was too high and too small to escape. Only a small animal the size of a puppy could barely get through.
Angie sat down in the middle of the room, dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe what was happening before her eyes. She was confused as she recalled the contrast between the appearance of the master and her. The image of her desperately clinging to him and begging him as if crying, and the face that suddenly changed into a stranger’s, flashed through her mind. When he grabbed her by the hair and forcibly dragged her into this room, she couldn’t believe the harsh and cruel look in his eyes.
He wasn't always gentle. He often lost control and became rough in bed. But the ferocity of his temper, which was about to explode, was close to passion. It was different from the cold violence of a moment ago.
“Kai...”
She couldn't believe that the man who was always so affectionate and warm would put her in this situation. There was no point in doing this. It would only torment her more and make things harder for her. Why didn't he know that?
Angie gave up trying to find a way out and buried her face in her knees. She tried to come to her senses but eventually burst into tears.
She had no idea which was more desperate: the fact that she would definitely see Leticia through to the second generation, or his firm determination to keep her by his side as his government.
Martin was standing in front of the harbor, a long way from downtown Wintergard, on a holiday. The weather was very clear. The dock was bustling with fishing boats and sailing ships going back and forth between the departure and arrival points.
At the corner of the harbor, the dock for the steamship and ship that would soon be completed was being finished. The first steamship would have great significance for mankind. His eyes fell on a sturdy-looking wooden sailing ship. It was the Kirstein, a fast clipper that his prospective craftsman, Willem, had chartered.
Then a man from the old town recognized him and greeted him warmly. It was George Kirstein, the owner and captain of the sailing ship.
“Welcome, Martin. I see you’ve heard about the schedule change.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Captain.”
The two men approached the ship, shaking hands and exchanging news. He had informed Willem van Armitage a few days ago that the sailing date might have to be postponed a little further. This was because a storm was expected at the time of the planned departure at the end of February.
Recently, as synoptic meteorology centered on the ocean has been gaining attention, fishermen have been predicting the timing of heavy rain or typhoons by adding their many years of experience to the maritime forecast based on this.
“The mast is strong enough. Still, it is better to avoid the storm if possible.”
“I understand what you are saying. Safety is of the utmost importance. However, since the fog of the problem will also be clearing by then, it would be difficult to postpone the departure... Is there no way?”
“Is it okay if I just find the island, check its location, and approach it? I’ll also find the relative I mentioned last time and bring her back.”
“Yes, that’s the goal for now. If things don’t go well, we’ll at least figure out the location of the island and wait for the next opportunity, but because of the fog, it’s uncertain when we’ll be able to approach again.”
“Then... How about this? It depends on whether you are confident that you can endure it. I am a veteran of the sea, so if you just trust me and follow me, you will have no problem surviving. Mr. Armitage said he will take responsibility for the insurance of the ship during the rental period, so I am prepared for some damage.”
The captain took my hand and told me what he thought.
“Just before the storm comes, we go to the sea area in advance. There are some rocky islands here and there, so we anchor there, and as soon as the fog clears, we circle around them and find the islands. Then, we achieve our goal as quickly as possible, and depending on the sea conditions, we anchor at the rocky islands for a while and then return.”
Martin had a serious expression on his face the whole time he was listening to the captain, but eventually, he nodded.
“I agree. But can you keep it a secret from Mr. Armitage? I will take full responsibility for the rest.”
“I thought so too. You're his prospective son-in-law, so of course he’d be worried. And so would his daughter. If both of us can return safely, there’s no need to worry about what happens next. Just hold on tight and survive, prepared to take responsibility for what happens next.”
The captain burst into laughter and patted him on the shoulder. Martin smiled faintly in return. He wasn't completely uneasy, but he had no other choice.
There was only one thing that bothered him. If Amber could appear in his dreams just once before the execution date, he would be more than happy to ask for it.
It was past midnight when he returned. Angie, who had been sleeping as if she had fainted, woke up at the sound of the lock opening. Kyle took off his jacket and unbuttoned his cufflinks one by one. Under the soft candlelight, his beautiful face, as if painted, looked as hard as stone.
“Master, let me go. Please. No matter what you say, it’s no use! How much more do I have to say...”
“How many times do I have to tell you, Angie?”
A dark face came close to Angie's eyes. Its dark blue eyes were dazzling, swallowing up the candlelight.
“If you won’t listen to me until the end, I can’t do anything about it. I’ll have to keep you here until we leave for the capital next week.”
“No, you can’t! You can’t do that, Young Master.”
“There’s no point in resisting. Either you get on board the ship on all fours, or you get carried away like a load with your mouth gagged and your hands and feet tied. One of the two is bound to happen.”
Angie's breath caught in her throat. She seemed to be going crazy.
“Do you really think you’ll feel better if you do that?”
“...”
“Tell me. Will you still give in to your stubbornness?”
Angie closed her eyes without saying a word. Cold fingers reached out and grabbed her chin. Her terrified green eyes opened again. Kyle lifted her chin and looked straight at her.
“Answer me, Angie.”
“Ma... Master Kyle.”
“Don’t call me that.”
He clenched his teeth. His jaw felt like it was going to break with just three fingers. His hands moved down her chin and down to her neck.
“Where on earth did that woman go? The woman who used to call me Kai and smile brightly...”
A palm as cold as ice wrapped one hand around the swan's neck, which was thin and smooth. It seemed as if it would break if even the slightest force was applied.
“How can you say you’re leaving me so... so casually? Even though you love me...
“Jerome will make sure to tell your parents so they don’t worry. We’ll need more manpower for a few days.”
Kyle whispered indifferently, his face almost touching hers. His face, smooth as marble and without cracks, looked like an exquisitely crafted wax doll.
“Your Highness, wait a minute! Let go of this...”
He pretended not to hear and dragged Angie into the study. When he opened the door between the study rooms, he saw an L-shaped corridor. The corridor, with golden candlesticks hanging here and there on each wall, was covered with a blood-red carpet.
Angie couldn't come to her senses. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her around for a while until he finally stopped at the end of the hallway.
Angie gasped and looked at the door. She was in front of a chamber that was all too familiar, except for the stairs that led to the Generalife Gardens and the hallway that she had just come from the study. Kyle opened the door and threw her inside. There was no sign of agitation on his face as he threw Angie onto the soft carpet.
"Master!"
“Stay here and think about it for a few days.”
Kyle turned around and snapped coldly. Angie tried to get up from the floor in shock but fell back down. Her right ankle was throbbing. It looked like it had been twisted when Kyle had just roughly pushed her down.
“Master! Master Kyle, wait a minute, wait a minute...”
The moment Angie got up, the door was firmly shut. The dull sound of the lock locking made Angie startle and she limped over to the door. She pulled the doorknob with all her might and pounded the door with her palm several times, but it was no use.
“Master! Open this door! Uncle Jerome! Mrs. Dunst! Is there anyone there? Please, open this door!”
For a long time, she struggled with the door and cried out for help, but no one came to help her. Angie looked around the wide room frantically, even though one of her ankles was uncomfortable. The room where she had secretly met him every midnight was no different from the image in her memory.
The bed and sofa with golden lion heads carved on each head and backrest, the magnificent picture frames decorating the walls here and there, the tea table and armchairs with elegant lines, it was still the same as before, overflowing with elegance even amid the utmost splendor. The only thing that had changed was Angie's feelings. The space that had been like a sweet paradise had now in an instant turned into a luxurious prison.
Angie approached the arched window with its ivory-gray curtains. It was three stories high, but even if only one was open, there would be a way out. She would have to shout loudly to attract the attention of the workers outside, or, worst case scenario, tear the bedsheets and use them as ropes to get down.
All the windows were locked. There was a small ventilation window in the bathroom wall, separate from the bed. Fortunately, it was open, but it was too high and too small to escape. Only a small animal the size of a puppy could barely get through.
Angie sat down in the middle of the room, dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe what was happening before her eyes. She was confused as she recalled the contrast between the appearance of the master and her. The image of her desperately clinging to him and begging him as if crying, and the face that suddenly changed into a stranger’s, flashed through her mind. When he grabbed her by the hair and forcibly dragged her into this room, she couldn’t believe the harsh and cruel look in his eyes.
He wasn't always gentle. He often lost control and became rough in bed. But the ferocity of his temper, which was about to explode, was close to passion. It was different from the cold violence of a moment ago.
“Kai...”
She couldn't believe that the man who was always so affectionate and warm would put her in this situation. There was no point in doing this. It would only torment her more and make things harder for her. Why didn't he know that?
Angie gave up trying to find a way out and buried her face in her knees. She tried to come to her senses but eventually burst into tears.
She had no idea which was more desperate: the fact that she would definitely see Leticia through to the second generation, or his firm determination to keep her by his side as his government.
***
Martin was standing in front of the harbor, a long way from downtown Wintergard, on a holiday. The weather was very clear. The dock was bustling with fishing boats and sailing ships going back and forth between the departure and arrival points.
At the corner of the harbor, the dock for the steamship and ship that would soon be completed was being finished. The first steamship would have great significance for mankind. His eyes fell on a sturdy-looking wooden sailing ship. It was the Kirstein, a fast clipper that his prospective craftsman, Willem, had chartered.
Then a man from the old town recognized him and greeted him warmly. It was George Kirstein, the owner and captain of the sailing ship.
“Welcome, Martin. I see you’ve heard about the schedule change.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Captain.”
The two men approached the ship, shaking hands and exchanging news. He had informed Willem van Armitage a few days ago that the sailing date might have to be postponed a little further. This was because a storm was expected at the time of the planned departure at the end of February.
Recently, as synoptic meteorology centered on the ocean has been gaining attention, fishermen have been predicting the timing of heavy rain or typhoons by adding their many years of experience to the maritime forecast based on this.
“The mast is strong enough. Still, it is better to avoid the storm if possible.”
“I understand what you are saying. Safety is of the utmost importance. However, since the fog of the problem will also be clearing by then, it would be difficult to postpone the departure... Is there no way?”
“Is it okay if I just find the island, check its location, and approach it? I’ll also find the relative I mentioned last time and bring her back.”
“Yes, that’s the goal for now. If things don’t go well, we’ll at least figure out the location of the island and wait for the next opportunity, but because of the fog, it’s uncertain when we’ll be able to approach again.”
“Then... How about this? It depends on whether you are confident that you can endure it. I am a veteran of the sea, so if you just trust me and follow me, you will have no problem surviving. Mr. Armitage said he will take responsibility for the insurance of the ship during the rental period, so I am prepared for some damage.”
The captain took my hand and told me what he thought.
“Just before the storm comes, we go to the sea area in advance. There are some rocky islands here and there, so we anchor there, and as soon as the fog clears, we circle around them and find the islands. Then, we achieve our goal as quickly as possible, and depending on the sea conditions, we anchor at the rocky islands for a while and then return.”
Martin had a serious expression on his face the whole time he was listening to the captain, but eventually, he nodded.
“I agree. But can you keep it a secret from Mr. Armitage? I will take full responsibility for the rest.”
“I thought so too. You're his prospective son-in-law, so of course he’d be worried. And so would his daughter. If both of us can return safely, there’s no need to worry about what happens next. Just hold on tight and survive, prepared to take responsibility for what happens next.”
The captain burst into laughter and patted him on the shoulder. Martin smiled faintly in return. He wasn't completely uneasy, but he had no other choice.
There was only one thing that bothered him. If Amber could appear in his dreams just once before the execution date, he would be more than happy to ask for it.
***
It was past midnight when he returned. Angie, who had been sleeping as if she had fainted, woke up at the sound of the lock opening. Kyle took off his jacket and unbuttoned his cufflinks one by one. Under the soft candlelight, his beautiful face, as if painted, looked as hard as stone.
“Master, let me go. Please. No matter what you say, it’s no use! How much more do I have to say...”
“How many times do I have to tell you, Angie?”
A dark face came close to Angie's eyes. Its dark blue eyes were dazzling, swallowing up the candlelight.
“If you won’t listen to me until the end, I can’t do anything about it. I’ll have to keep you here until we leave for the capital next week.”
“No, you can’t! You can’t do that, Young Master.”
“There’s no point in resisting. Either you get on board the ship on all fours, or you get carried away like a load with your mouth gagged and your hands and feet tied. One of the two is bound to happen.”
Angie's breath caught in her throat. She seemed to be going crazy.
“Do you really think you’ll feel better if you do that?”
“...”
“Tell me. Will you still give in to your stubbornness?”
Angie closed her eyes without saying a word. Cold fingers reached out and grabbed her chin. Her terrified green eyes opened again. Kyle lifted her chin and looked straight at her.
“Answer me, Angie.”
“Ma... Master Kyle.”
“Don’t call me that.”
He clenched his teeth. His jaw felt like it was going to break with just three fingers. His hands moved down her chin and down to her neck.
“Where on earth did that woman go? The woman who used to call me Kai and smile brightly...”
A palm as cold as ice wrapped one hand around the swan's neck, which was thin and smooth. It seemed as if it would break if even the slightest force was applied.
“How can you say you’re leaving me so... so casually? Even though you love me...
How dare you.”
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