Evangelina POV
My head was pounding with pain, I was so drowsy, vision was blurred and my body felt heavy. Though I knew my eyes were open, it made no difference, I was surrounded by darkness. 'Was I dead? What happened?' I tried to remember, alas my head pounded too much and the pain was unbearable. I felt something drip down from my nose and mouth so I touched it. It was blood, I could taste it. I cringed at the flavor of iron. 'Alek!' He had hit me and now I was most definitely going to die or worse become a slave, his slave. I'd rather be dead…than endure servitude of any kind. The dizziness returned, slowly I guided my face to the cold-damp floor and closed my eyes surrendering to the continued darkness. I felt Alek pick me up and place me over his shoulder. I was slowly slipping into unconsciousness, I mentally called out to my husband. 'Caruso…please, come to me…find me.'
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Caruso POV
"Ethan! Ethan!" I called out to my friend and Captain of our military.
I spotted him by my father a few leagues away. Ethan could not hear me, I scanned my surroundings and found my brother. So I called out to him, killing my way towards him while dragging this pitiful excuse of a king. "Merek, I am going to find my wife have Ethan take this King and his five upper rank officers to the dungeons. If anything is wrong with my wife or yours we will need answers from these cowards!"
"Aye brother I will see to it that this man is dealt with our way! The women went down the cavernous route with soilders to guide them. Go and see if our half brother has indeed betrayed us. If he has do not hesitate to end that fool! Brother or not he has put his ambitions before our family. He cannot plot to hurt us and live to tell the tale."
I nodded in accord and began sprinting towards our castle. While I ran I heard Merek speaking trying to hault the battle because King Ambrose was captured. The war seemed to be in our favor. I ran through dead and living, comrades and foes no one dared touch me. While I was mid sprint I felt a sharp pain hit my heart, I kept my pursuit. 'Evy my love, please be safe.' I allowed myself to pray, just this once, in hopes that whoever took her, was too late in her capture. I blazed through baracades and finally ran up the steps to the castle. I ran sword ready in hand through the hallways and then made my way towards the secret tunnels beneath our castle. It lead to our refuge residence twenty miles down, our underground castle. I spotted a fading torch on the floor of the large wooden door entrance. I grabbed the torch and opened the door, a few feet away was my mother and Lucia on the floor, they were unconscious. My heart sank at the sight of them then, was angered all at once. I ran to their bodies on the ground and searched for my wife but she was not there. My heart thumped faster in panic at her absence, they took her. I placed the torch on the stone floor and grabbed my mother. Her face had a bruise and her nose and mouth were bloody, she was punched hard in the face. I glimpsed at Lucia and their faces had identical wounds. The red haze came back as my anger heightened. I tapped at my mother's cheeks in a slap like motion. "Mother-mother wake up! Mother wake up! Where is Evangelina!? Where is my wife?!" I saw my mother's eyes flicker and she winched in pain and touched her face with her hand. "Ca-Caruso, Caruso? Caruso, my son! Evangelina my sweet girl! Caruso, Alek took her, I would not let her go and he punched me! We were fighting him but he was too strong and he yanked and yanked but we refused to let Evangelina go. So he punched us, look at sweet Lucia's face! Oh Caruso he has sabotaged us all! I will be fine, I will get Lucia up but go my son and find Evanglina!" My anger fumed and radiated my whole body I began to tremble with rage! My mom watched me shake in rage, she saw the beast coming through."Yes my darling, set the beast free, now's the time! Kill Alek and bring my daughter back!"
"Take the torch mother." I picked it up and shoved it into her hand, "I shall not return until I find my wife! The war is won, tell Merek my words, do not kill that coward king until I find my wife. I want to rip him apart, piece by piece! I will deal with my half brother, then bring him back, death is a mercy. I will give him none, as for my father, I'll do what I need to do if he interferes!" I sprinted off and thought to myself, you're done Alek, whatever small morsel of emotion I had for you as a brother is gone now! I roared for my stallion and obediently he came. I mounted him and headed for the hidden trail through the forest where we hunted. Alek is not that clever to think he can out smart me. He would assume I'd search for him on the main road, but he doesn't know that Merek and I constantly hunt these woods. I know them well, so I will find him even if I have to sniff him out! I rode for about 30 minutes, I'm not sure how far along they had departed before me but I could sense something ahead. An animal, a hungry animal…I slowly dropped my pace and stopped my horse in a thick wooded area. "Stay here," I command my steed in a still small voice. "I'll whistle or call for you." I walked down the slope quietly and heard heavy breathing and footsteps breaking branches carelessly. I watched silently in the brush and through the large pine trees. There, about three hundred feet away from my position was my Evanglina. Alek had her layed over his right shoulder. Just seeing him with his hands holding her infuriated me. 'Only my hands touch her, she's mine, and I'll be damned if I continue to watch him handle her that way!' My eyes went crimson, the rage was so intense that I felt no pain while I turned back into the beast. I slowly approached to begin my hunt…I was steadying myself to attack, I noticed a mountain lion watching my brother, hidden behind tall grass. The lion was not a threat yet, after I chastise my brother, I'll feast on it. I listened and waited for the right moment, I could hear Alek whining.
"That company of soldiers better be waiting for us, we need to get out of these lands quickly. I'm sure my brother must know by now that you're missing my sweet." He let out a laugh, "Caruso is such a fool, didn't even care to take you to safety. I was counting on him being careless and focused on the war. My plan was perfect, everyone is predictable, fools! Ambrose better have killed my father, I want to be king."
I'd heard enough, I sprinted forward and lunged at him with a punched. Alek fell to the ground, Evangelina bounced off his shoulder and rolled towards a tree. I went to check on her and when I moved her long hair away from her face I saw her eyes, nose and mouth bruised. Blood streaked out of her nose and mouth, he punched her in the face as well. I kissed the side of her face and laid her down. "I'll take care of this darling I whispered into her ear. I'm here and he will never touch you again! That I swear to you!" I kissed her cheek.
Alek stumbled and staggered dazed from my hit.
"Alek you idiot, can't take a hit from a man? Of course you can't, you're a dandy." I circled my prey, with vengeance in my eyes. I could see my brother was scared.
Alek caught his balance, "Caruso, I didn't expect for you to have figured out my plan this quickly. I underestimated you, you're not an fool after all." He taunted and spit a chunk of blood.
I lunged at him and grabbed his neck and squeezed. He jolted as I gripped tighter. "I could end you right now and snap your neck but death is a mercy. You don't deserve mercy, I want to see you suffer and beg! You assaulted my mother, sister and MY WIFE!" My voice deepened and roared, "you attempted to rape my wife in the library and think I'm going to just let you go unpunished?" His eyes flickered with a new discovered fear, he didn't think I knew about the library incident. "Then you kidnap my Princess to make her yours no Alek, you will endure immense pain by my hand. I'm going to flay you and watch you beg for death but I will not give it to you!" I willed my rage to take over, I levitated again with my brother convulsing by my hands cutting off his airways. Terror engulfed his face as we rose into the air. When I reached twenty feet above ground I taunted him, "I don't want you dead yet, just punished, for touching what's mine." I let his throat go and watched him plunge to the ground. His eyes watched me panicking while he gasped for air. When he collided with the earth, I heard a few bones crack. I smiled sardonically, my feet were back on solid ground. I listened to his breathing to make sure he was still alive, he was just unconscious. I whistled for my horse and a few minutes later he arrived. I bound my brother's wrists and ankles then, I tied him face down on the back of my horse. I could careless if he was in pain tied up. I lifted up Evanglina, I cradled her and kissed her head then mounted my stallion. On our way back to the trail that lead to the castle I called out to the mountain lion. "I'll come back for you my friend, you're a worthy opponent," I growled. We galloped hastily towards home, I need to make sure my princess was tended to. Once she was treated, vengeance would begin for Ambrose and Alek.
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Evangelina POV
"Alek please, stop!" I screamed and kicked as Alek tore at my dress, revealing my under garments and breast. "Please I beg you, stop this isn't right, you're ruining me and my reputation! I'm your sister by law and you're married. Please stop!" It was no use, the lust in him had taken over his whole being. "That's right Evangelina, beg and scream for me!" He grunted while assaulting my neck and collar bone, making his way towards my exposed breasts. "Stop!" I shoved and kicked him and then scratched him on his face. He stopped and winced in pain, and I kicked him off and attempted to crawl away. Alek grabbed me by my legs and dragged my towards him. "You're paying for that!"
"Caruso!" I screamed desperate for my husband then jolted up and instinctively touched my head. I was dizzy and pain shot around my face.
"Ouch!" I cried out, opening my eyes slowly, skimming my surroundings. I was in my chambers and it was dim, candlesticks flickered, it was nighttime. 'Was I dreaming? Or did that scene truly happen? No, no I reassured myself, he hit me and lifted me and he walked, for a long time. I remembered a few things while in and out of consciousness. Yes, it's a nightmare, it didn't happen.' Perhaps my mother, Helga woke up and found me? I do not know, I was just glad to find myself back in my own chamber, safe, I presumed because Alek was not present.
I flinched at the heavy door swinging open, then happiness overwhelmed me when I saw Caruso's concerned face running to me.
"You're awake my beauty !"
He gently cupped my jaw into his hands and kissed me gently. I kissed him back and tears poured down my cheeks, we both tasted my tears while we kissed.
Our kiss broke but Caruso still held my face in his hands.
"How do you feel Evy?" His brows furrowed in attentiveness.
"I'm shaken but I will be fine, my head hurts so very much and it hurts to open my eyes." I pouted in pain.
Caruso winced and a flicker of anger trespassed his gaze. "You're bruised my darling, your face is swollen. That imbecile struck you hard more than once!" His teeth grit in vexation. "That's why it hurts so much love." I nodded understanding and recalling the day's incidents. "Yes, he did."
He seemed reluctant to ask the next question. He placed one hand on my hand, I grasped it. "He did not defile me Caruso, that I promise you. If I'd of not been found then I'm sure he would have." My voice strayed and became a whisper when I uttered that last part of my sentence. I watched my husband's resentment flicker while I spoke. "I was afraid to ask those words love, I'm glad you were not violated. I am sorry to even attempt to ask such a thing. It is just that the physician ask me to inquire, if it had happened you'd need to be examined properly. Since that did not transpire, then your wounds are what's visible. You were checked when I brought you home. Evangelina, my love please forgive me for not making sure you were safe. I was a fool for leaving you on your own, I will never forgive myself for that. Your face, battered and bruised gives me conviction of anger and failure." Caruso embraced me and I laid against his chest to hear the rhythm of his heart. "All is well again my love," I kissed his neck, "I am so fortunate that you found me and delivered me safely back to our home." He broke our embrace, his eyes dark full of sadness and his eye brows brooded in remorse. "It is my responsibility to make sure you're protected. I should have finished Alek off the day he tried to assault you in the library." I was not going to persuade him of what transpired, he would just accept all blame. So I just kept quiet and allowed him to speak, hoping he would fine some solace for himself. "Where is he?" I asked timidly. Caruso flinched and a tone of hatred escaped his full lips. "He's in the dungeon, awaiting my judgment. Along with Ambrose, his captains and my father."
Confusion enveloped my face, "your father? Why is he in the dungeon Caruso?"
"He defends Alek, he would rather kill me or Merek than Alek. He condones everything he does. He didn't believe us when we told him that Alek had plotted to murder him. He refuses to accuse his son or his betrayal. So he mush die too." I was off put by this new information. "I don't understand everything Caruso but I know you will do what you must to protect the kingdom and your family. I will not stand in your way." He kissed my forehead, "I appreciate that my love. Now you need to rest and I will be right here beside you, you need not fret." Caruso laid me down and caressed my head and played with a piece of my hair. I was lulled to sleep and rested to recover.
POV Caruso
The next morning I wiped the sleep from my eyes and quickly made sure Evangelina was still by my side. I kissed her temple and moved her long brown hair away from her face. A flash of rage overcame me, I felt hot just looking at her bruised and cut face. I washed my face with the water basin by the balcony and dressed quickly to meet Merek down in the dungeons. I was going to tie my hair back like I always do but I decided to leave it wild, Evangelina mentioned she like my hair wild. I smiled and turned to glance at my wife. "My wife…" I thought to myself, I never though I'd ever marry and actually be in love. But here I am absolutely smitten and more than willing to kill anyone who hurts her. A guttural growl escaped my throat, thinking of Alek even touching her. I clenched both fists, pulled my boots on and laced my leather tunic. I closed our chamber door slowly and headed down to the dungeons.
The great dungeon trembled as the gates of black iron groaned open. From the darkness emerged not a beast of mindless rage, but the eldest brother—Merek the Monster Prince. Towering above every soul in the chamber, crowned with twisted obsidian horns and draped in a cloak woven from living shadows, he was the last creature anyone wished to face in judgment.
His amber eyes settled upon his kneeling brother. Caruso now beside him in his demon form, his eyes were crimson with hate. Caruso listened and watched his brother speak.
"You betrayed your blood. You raised your hand against the women who are our family. You poisoned this kingdom with deceit and turned our father into your accomplice Alek."
Silence swallowed the chamber.
The Merek's voice echoed like thunder.
"For your crimes, I strip you of your name, your title, and every right to this kingdom. From this day until your last breath, you are exiled beyond the Black Divide Alek. Should you ever return, death will greet you before the gates."
I stared at my brother, "Merek you said you would let me kill him! I want justice for him touching my wife! I roared with anger. Merek put his hand up for me to be quiet.
His gaze shifted to the old king—their father—whose head hung low beneath the weight of his shame.
"Father… you were entrusted to protect our family. Instead, you chose conspiracy over justice. You allowed Alek to snare a conspiracy that nearly destroyed those under our protection." The dungeon grew colder.
"As next in line for succession , I cannot overlook your betrayal. As your son… this is the deepest wound you have ever dealt me and Caruso."
He raised the Blade of Judgment. "By the ancient laws of House Dracu, I sentence you to death—not from hatred, but so the kingdom may know that no crown, no bloodline, and no brother or father stands above justice."
Then Merek lowered his head, a single tear vanishing into the darkness.
"May the Creator have mercy on your souls… for today, I cannot."
Merek swung the sword and our father was now dead. Merek looked at me, "Caruso we cannot kill Alek, he can remain here in prison but we need him alive."
I roared in anger, "you gave me your word Merek! How dare you go back now! I am stronger than you, I need vengeance! I'd of rather you killed Alek as opposed to our father!"
Merek placed a hand on my shoulder, you may chastise him, I am too because he hurt Lucia too. But death is a mercy he doesn't deserve."
"Fine," I growled. I let the beast rise and I tore Alek apart with my hands and beat him until the brink of death for lusting, kidnapping and beating my wife. I broke both his legs and his arms so all he could do was lay there helpless. Like he left my mother, sister by law and my wife. "Rot in here forever and let your conscience torture you everyday." I stomped out of the dungeon glaring at Merek. "This is the last time I take you in your word Merek. I am not a pawn, I am your brother and you'd do well to remember who the strongest beast is in this kingdom!"
Realization hit Merek and he nodded, "I am sorry I changed my mind last minute brother, I do not want your wrath. Next time I will be sure to inform you when I've changed my mind." He whispered with all sincerity. Caruso let the beast fade, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Time will tell if you keep your word, but as of this moment they're just empty words brother." I stomped out, my boots heavy with guilt. My father's blood stained more than my hands—it had become another soul weighing upon my conscience.