Chapter 5

　　With the servants and maids trembling, Arthur Mu dragged Elizabeth all the way into the remote West courtyard of the palace. Though the ceremony had been canceled, the tent remained. He kicked the door open, lifted her up and threw her on the bed. 　　"Please," Elizabeth pleaded. 　　But Arthur Mu's eyes were cold. Then he grabbed her by the ankle and dragged her to himself. She bit her lips to stop herself from saying anything, afraid it might provoke him further. Also, the wound on her face was deep, and every time she spoke it bled even more.  　　"Elizabeth, haven't you always dreamed to be the Duke’s woman? I will make you happy today.” This woman. She was a devious, manipulative woman, but she always pretended to be as clear as a lotus. 　　Unable to stop herself, she lashed out. "The Duke is disgusted with me, why force himself?" The blood had coagulated on her cheek, but talking ripped it open. Elizabeth was so upset, she barely noticed the pain. 　　Looking at her stubborn face, Arthur Mu tore her dress open and laughed angrily. "I heard that the souls of the people who just died float around. Elizabeth, what do you think? The Mo family should be able to see you now." 　　Elizabeth trembled. In her heart was a mixture of regret, anger, and shame. And fear, too. Her eyes showed her fear. "Arthur Mu, how can you be so cruel to me?" 　　"Cruel?" Arthur Mu sneered, looked at her soft body, and slowly untied her court clothes. "When you left Jessica, your sister, in the barren mountain, you were eager to freeze her to death." 　　Ignoring her, he undressed himself and proceeded to force himself on her. She struggled and screamed. Elizabeth almost fainted with pain. Her clenched lips had already filled with blood, and the coppery smell filled her mouth. 　　There was so much blood. 　　Arthur Mu didn't want to stop. He clutched at her delicate waist with his huge hands, and his surging motions were deliberately forceful. 　　Elizabeth stopped struggling. Her eyes were like broken beads, and her tears streamed down. The pillow under her cheek was wet with tears and blood. 　　Outside the window, it began snowing. It felt like an eternity. Elizabeth began to lose consciousness. Her pale face was stained in blood. Her face no longer looked stubborn. Her cheeks were covered by long black eyelashes. At this moment, she looked so peaceful. 　　Arthur stared at her face. Impulsively, he wanted to wipe it clean. As his fingertips were about to touch her cheek, he suddenly stopped and then laughed. How could he care about this woman? Arthur Mu suddenly remembered the girl who was smiling at herself when the flowers were blooming all over the mountain, and guilt washed over him. He had promised her that he’d never take another, but here he was. He’d just consummated a wedding ceremony that never actually took place, to a concubine whom he didn’t actually want. 　　At the door was Jessica Mo, who had been standing outside. Her long nails dug deep into the flesh of her palms, but she didn't feel pain. Though she knew her own words had backfired and had provoked her husband to take his concubine then and there, still she couldn’t help squeezing her fists, in jealousy and in anger. She knew that he hadn’t done that just to teach her sister a lesson. She could tell that he desired her.