The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 8

"Mother and Father sent people to retrieve you. Why were you with Prince Jareth?"

Her head spinning, Lucia remained silent.

Scanning her battered form, Aurelia's voice dripped with sudden, malicious glee. "Lucia, did you run into bandits on the road?"

She gasped theatrically, covering her mouth with her hands. "Good heavens! Did those ruffians do this to you? Did they touch you? Lucia, do you have any other... injuries?"

Lucia met her gaze, easily reading the toxic excitement in the girl's eyes.

"What exactly are you implying?"

"Lucia, if something terrible happened, you need to tell me. I will go straight to Father, and he will track down those beasts to avenge you!"

A soft laugh slipped past Lucia's lips.

"You are just dying to ask if I was defiled, aren't you?"

Aurelia blushed at the blunt phrasing, but her eyes sparkled with a ravenous hunger. She was practically praying it was true.

"I hate to disappoint you, but I am perfectly fine. Purer than you, I imagine," Lucia replied smoothly.

If Lucia weren't still recovering from her injuries, she would have kicked Aurelia out of the room right then and there.

"You can't hide something like this! If you were soiled, we need to prepare a contraceptive draught. If you somehow carry a scoundrel's bastard, you will be drowned in the river—"

"Aurelia! Physician Finch has arrived. Is your sister awake?"

Lady Beaumont's voice drifted through the door.

Aurelia gasped. "How did he get here so quickly?"

"Mother, bring him in! She is awake!"

Alistair and Lady Beaumont entered the room, escorting an elderly man with snow-white hair and a matching beard.

Lady Beaumont shot a frantic look at Aurelia.

"Physician Finch." She instantly painted on a polite smile and offered a deep bow.

To her utter shock, the old man dismissed her entirely. "Save your useless pleasantries! I asked about the injured girl!"

Lucia had no idea who Physician Finch was, but her family's fawning reaction gave it away. This was a man of significant status, undoubtedly sent by Prince Jareth. She had to admit, sending a physician to her earned the Prince back some favor in her eyes.

"Physician Finch, I was just trying to coax her into bed," Aurelia said, her voice dripping with fake concern. "But she is behaving so erratically. She refuses to let anyone near her. Do you think she suffered some unspeakable trauma on the road?"

The old physician's face darkened.

Lady Beaumont seized the opportunity, letting out a dramatic wail as she threw herself toward Lucia.

"Oh, my girl! After experiencing such a tragedy, how will you ever show your face in public again? How will we ever find you a husband?"