The Duke's POV
Pati ac Dolor. My daughter.
I love her more than anything in this world—perhaps more than all my other children combined. Raising her was never a simple task; she was a fiery, feisty creature from the moment she could walk. How such a delicate girl can harbor so much simmering rage is a mystery that fascinates me. She thinks she hides it well, but to me, she is merely a sulking cat, claws out and back arched.
There is only one thing I cannot tolerate: she refuses to call me Father. I have waited years for that word to pass her lips, and I will continue to wait until she finally humbles herself.
When she burst into my office today, she stood there as if she owned the room. In truth, she does. She has inherited my pride, my steel, and my personality. She spoke with a tone meant to freeze me, but she doesn't realize I can see right through her.
When I mentioned the engagement to the First Prince, I saw the fury blaze in her eyes. My daughter, you may hate me for this, but it is for your own good. The First Prince will be the Crown Prince soon, and then you will have the absolute power you crave. I don't know the secrets you keep in that head of yours, but it matters not. Maria is by your side, reporting your every move to me. I see everything.
Derrick's POV
I am Derrick Ellington. Pati's brother... in name only.
Father ordered me to fetch her, thinking I despise her. Let him think that. He will never understand the blessing I feel every time I am in her presence. Today, I sent a maid into her chamber uninvited. I knew it would make Pati angry. Her rage gives me a pure, intoxicating joy that nothing else can match.
On my way to her, I met the maid I had ordered to spy for me. Hearing her report of how Pati reacted—how she hissed and fought for her privacy—sent a jolt of electricity through my body. My heart pounded against my ribs. I had to clench my fists to keep the mask from slipping.
When I reached her chambers, I found her on the balcony. She looked so peaceful, so untouchable, until she saw me. The moment her expression shifted into that familiar mask of disgust, I felt a thrill. She is beautiful in every sense of the word. When I call her name in that specific way—a way only she truly understands—and she snaps back at me? It makes me twitch with a hunger I can barely contain.
When she stood up, the morning light hit her nightgown, rendering the silk nearly transparent. God... the sight nearly broke me. I wanted to bury myself in her right then and there. I had to bite the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood to keep myself from pouncing.
It doesn't matter what Father wants. It doesn't matter who the Prince thinks he owns. I will make her mine.
My obsession. My love. My lust.
All mine.