The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 79

If Aurelia's betrothal was genuine, she would have the backing of the royal family. Wouldn't that only embolden her to torment their lady further?

Bonnie frowned, sharing her concern.

She could only pray that their Prince would fiercely protect Lucia.

"Are all these gifts for Lucia?" Selena sauntered over, her eyes burning as she looked at the two maids.

"They are for our lady, yes," Celia replied smoothly.

"Did Prince Jareth send them?"

"They are a gift from Matron Cecily of the Prince's Estate."

Celia opted for the truth; it was not her place to claim the Prince's direct involvement when he was absent.

Selena's eyes darted back to the lavish goods.

"Where is Lucia, then? Shouldn't she come out and accept her gifts?" she demanded, stepping toward the bedchamber door.

Bonnie immediately stepped in front of her.

"Our lady is resting." And she would not be disturbed.

"But Matron Cecily has sent a small fortune in gifts! If she doesn't rise to accept them and offer her gratitude, word will spread that our parents raised a savage!"

Shoving past Bonnie, Selena began pounding violently on the heavy oak door.

"Lucia! Wake up! Matron Cecily has sent you a mountain of treasures!"

"Lady Selena!" Celia and Bonnie gasped, scrambling to pull her away. "Do not disturb our lady!"

Did the people of this house simply lack basic comprehension?

"Lucia, get out of bed! Save your sleeping for the night! Why are you in bed in the middle of the day? Get up!"

Selena ignored the maids entirely. The more they tried to stop her, the more desperate she was to wake her sister.

"Lady Selena, if you continue this racket, we will not hold back!" Bonnie warned, clenching her fists.

The impact against the door sent a painful jolt up Selena's leg, infuriating her further. She whirled back around, her hands hooked like claws, aiming directly for Bonnie's face.

Her fingernails were filed to sharp points; a direct hit would easily scar the maid for life.

"Selena, calm down."

"Selena, they didn't mean it. Please, don't be angry."

Aurelia and Zella rushed forward, shouting useless platitudes, though neither made the slightest physical effort to restrain their sister.

Seeing Selena attack like a rabid animal, Bonnie shot her hand out and clamped down on the girl's wrist.

"Lady Selena!"

"You dare resist me?! I will kill you, you filthy cur! This is House Beaumont! You dare touch me?!"

Trapped in the maid's grip, Selena flew into a blinding rage, kicking wildly at Bonnie's shins.

Bonnie gritted her teeth. She recognized the truth in the words, "This is House Beaumont." Defending herself by pushing a noble was one thing; actually striking a lady of the house would invite a brutal punishment.