Phoebe ran away as fast as she could through the hallways with tear-stained cheeks. Finally, she broke down and let herself fall unto the cold, marble floor. She leaned her back against the lemon chiffon walls, and curled up into a ball. Phoebe quietly sobbed into her arms, regardless of whether or not someone might see her.

Suddenly, she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw a fellow slave. "Corylus.." she muttered under her breath, "what are you doing here?"

The young man shrugged. He sat beside her and delved into a satchel he always carried. He took out a sheet of parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink.

Phoebe smiled as she watched her friend scribble something on the paper. She looked at what he wrote and sighed.

"Are you all right?"

"Not really, no," she said, hiding her face in her arms, "but I feel somewhat better now that you're here.."

Corylus flashed a small grin before turning back to the parchment. "May I ask why you were crying?"

"O-oh, um, it's not really important, but.." Phoebe trailed off.

She pursed her lips into a thin line. ".. Mistress Dyxsonne just.. threw me at the floor, not much of a big deal. I mean, it just hurt," she laughed, but it came out strained.

"They shouldn't treat you like that. It must've hurt your body a lot, but not as much as your feelings. No one should ever go through abuse or harrassment," Corylus wrote.

He remembered the days when he was the one being abused. He refused to dwell on the thought any longer, and just focused on the matter at hand.

"Y-yeah, I agree.. but I learned to accept it as the years go on," Phoebe sighed. "Thanks for keeping me company. I really do appreciate it, but I have to go and replace the flowers in the living room."

She bid her friend goodbye, and walked down the hallways, when she heard shouting and the breaking of glass. She hurriedly went to her destination, worried. She hid behind one of the pillars, and watched as the two Olivier's fought, throwing out statements that slowly overlapped each other.

Once Corrianne dashed into her room, Phoebe went out of her hiding spot, and stood at the doorway. "Master Olivier, is everything alright?"

"Phoebe? How long have you been standing there?" Xalvador asked, but soon just shook his head in annoyance. "You know what? Forget it. Clean the shards. Now."

"Y-yes, Master! But.. would you not like me to tend to Miss Olivier's wounds first..?"

Xalvador glared at her. "I said clean the shards. Excuse me, but who do you think is in charge around here?" he asked with his arms crossed.

"Y-you, sir," the slave replied quietly, "b-but I just thought it would be better if—"

"No one cares about your opinion! I thought we talked about this already. You are just a servant, and I am your master, so you follow my rules!" he shouted, pointing at Phoebe tauntingly. "I'm going to sell you off next week. I hope someone is willing to buy a worthless slave such as yourself.."

With that, Xalvador walked away, leaving Phoebe to drown herself in his insults and words.

"(Y/n)! Wait for me!" Eini called, trying to catch up to you. You had left her in the hallways after your encounter with Aurelia. She halted on her tracks when she heard quiet sobbing.

Eini went closer to the sound of the noise, looking sideways and under. Finally, she found Phoebe, resting against a pillar, head on her knees. "Hey.."

The young slave's figure jumped at the sound of Eini's voice. She looked at the woman before her with tear-stained cheeks. She quickly wiped away her remaining tears and stood up. She bowed her head down to pay respect. "How could I be of service, madame?"

"Oh, no, no, no. Phoebe, was it? I wasn't here to ask anything from you. I heard you crying, and I wanted to help," the American said soothingly before dragging Phoebe to the couch beside the stairs. "Tell me what happened."

"I—"

There was a knock on the door.

Phoebe quickly stood up and bowed down. "I-I'm sorry, Miss Milburn, please excuse me for a minute," she said before running towards the main entrance.

She opened the door, and standing before her was the king himself. She gasped and immediately knelt on the ground as a show of respect. "Y-your majesty.."

"Stand up. I would like to know where Sir Olivier is," George stated, growing impatient.

The chocolate-skinned lady stood up. "Of course, your majesty. Please come in. I will just call him from his room." Phoebe went at the side of the door to make way for George.

He took the invitation inside, and looked around. The walls were covered in aesthetic floral patterns. On the side was a long, furnished table carrying vases made of marble with a variety of flowers in each. The other side had a painting of the Olivier family. The frame was made of gold, and written at the bottom were the names of the couple — Christopher & Margarrett Olivier.

Aurelia happened to pass by, and took notice of the king. She walked towards him, crossing her arms. "What are you doing here?"

"Anything that has nothing to do with you," George said, not taking his eyes off the painting. He pressed his lips in a thin line, diving deep in thought.

"You're thinking about that girl again, aren't you?" Aurelia asked, leaning her side against the wall. She sighed. "You're dreaming of having a painting of you and her, hanged on the castle walls."

George looked at her, with a dreamy smile in his face. "One day, those dreams won't be dreams anymore.."

A pair of footsteps approached the room. Xalvador stood in the hallway. He bowed his head down before approaching the two. "Your Majesty, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I just want to discuss a few matters concerning your friend, Miss (Y/n) (L/n)."

Xalvador looked startled at the king's statement. "O-of course, Your Majesty. Please, follow me to the main hall," Xalvador offered. He lead the way to the main hall and sat down at the seat across the couch. "Please take a seat, your majesty."

George took a seat, and made himself comfortable.

"Now, about (Y/n), has she done anything wrong?" Xalvador asked, worry lacing his voice.

"Oh, no, not at all. In fact, she's wonderful. I've never seen such a beautiful, smart and independent woman, which is why I am here today. I would like to make her my wife," the king with a confident smile on his face.

Xalvador looked at the man in front of him with wide eyes, and mouth agape. "P-pardon me, Your Majesty?" he asked, believing he heard wrong.

"I came here to take (Y/n) away, to make her my queen."

"O-oh. What do I have to do with this, Your Majesty?" Xalvador asked, leaning back against the seat.

George sighed. "I heard about what happened to (Y/n)'s parents not too long ago. Since you're the only one left that is close to her, I would like to ask for your permission to take (Y/n) away."

"That, of course, would still depend on (Y/n)'s decision."

"I am aware of that. I wish to speak with her, if you don't mind."

Xalvador nodded with a genuine smile plastered on his face. "Of course. Allow me to call her immediately. Phoebe, please call Miss (L/n) from her room. Tell her that His Majesty, the king would like to talk to her."

"Y-yes, sir." Phoebe left the room, leaving the two alone in uncomfortable silence.

After a while, you went downstairs and entered the main hall. "Xalvador, Your Majesty," you acknowledged their presence, nodding at the men.

Xalvador stood up from his seat and bowed down. "I'll go leave you two alone.." he said before making his way over to the door, and leaving.

"Your majesty, you asked to see me?"

"Oh, yes, (Y/n). Please, do sit down. I have important matters to discuss with you," the king replied. He was simply elated just to be in your presence.

You sat down obediently at where Xalvador sat before. You tilted your head to the side. "Now, what was it that you wanted to discuss with me, Your Majesty?"

"Let's skip the formalities, (Y/n)," George said, laughing. "I know we haven't seen each other for the span of 15 years, but I know that our relationship hasn't changed. We're still friends, aren't we?"

You've nearly forgotten about his name, and the time he asked you to call him by that. "Oh, yes, we still are. It's just.. it's been so long that I feel so awkward around you."

George gave you a frolic hum before smiling. "I guess so, but don't worry. We're about to fix that," he said, standing up.

"W-what do you mean by your statement?" you asked as you slowly dwindled on your seat in front of his intimidating figure.

"(Y/n), I would like you to be my wife, the queen of Great Britain and Ireland. I want you ruling by my side."

You looked at him, paralyzed. "I.. what? Your Majesty, th-this is all of a sudden! You can't just make decisions like this! Your choices will affect your country greatly!" you told him.

"Oh, trust me, (Y/n). I have been contemplating on this decision for 10 years," he said with a sadistic smile. "Ever since you left me, I became despondent. Everywhere I go, I was always woebegone, and all of the people started to pity me, but (Y/n).. I did not want their pity. I wanted you. I did not want anyone else. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't find myself loving another person. That is why I decided that you will

"S-stop! Your Majesty, you're hurting me!" you shouted in pain as George tried to get a hold of you. You wanted nothing to do with his incomprehensible behavior. You screamed in agony when he pushed you down to the floor.

He knelt down to you, and seized your right arm. "I wouldn't be if you just listened- but no, you had to make this hard for the both of us. Now, you are coming with me, whether you li—"

"What is going on here!" Xalvador shouted, bursting in through the door. He inspected the situation, and when he saw you on the floor, he immediately sprung into action. He went to you, and checked all the bruises you had. "Your majesty, what have you done?"

George harshly took you from Xalvador's grasp, pulling you up to your feet.

The soldier ran after the two of you. "Your Majesty—!"

"Olivier, stay out of this if you do not want your whole family to be hanged in front of all of Berkshire," George cut him off with a piercing glare.

Xalvador lost his ability to speak and followed you with his head low. He looked at you with sympathetic eyes. "I'm sorry.." he whispered inaudibly as a tear fell down his eye.

You nodded with a melancholic smile. You couldn't take all the emotions you were feeling - anger, confusion, sadness, and despair. The tears cascaded down your cheeks continuously.

"(Y/n)!"

You looked back and saw Eini with confusion written all over her face.

"W-what's going on?" she asked, looking at all the guards in the hallway. "No, wait! You have the wrong person!"

Xalvador pulled her back, and wrapped his arms around her petite body. "Don't go after her. You might get hurt."

Eini whipped around to face Xalvador. Her eyes were watering as she spoke. "You know, I would love to just fall back in your arms, feeling safe and everything, but that," she said, pointing at you, "that is my friend we're talking about right there."

"What's this commotion all about?" Corrianne asked, entering the hallway. She saw you crying while being taken away and immediately gasped. She took you from the king's arms. "You have no right to take (Y/n) away out of her own will! She can decide for her own self!"

George looked at her with a scoff. "Stay out of this, you insolent woman! You are a disgrace to your family! How dare you defy the king?" he said, making serious contact.

"NO! I WILL NOT GIVE HER TO YOU, AND I NEVER WILL!"

"Look, I promise I'll take care of your friend. She'll have a better life with me than here with you. Now, can you please give me (Y/n) back?

Corrianne stared at the king's eyes. ".. No.. never.." she muttered.

"Sorry, wrong answer."

"NO!" you shouted as George pulled you away from Corrianne.

A red stain started to spread through her clothes. Her eyes were wide open, and her mouth agape. Trickles of blood came oozing down her chin. "I-I.." she stuttered out, finding it harder and harder to breathe.

The British king took out his sword and sheathed it. He sighed. "What a waste.. She could've made a nice maid of honour."

The body collapsed to the floor, lifeless. Al

Xalvador looked at his younger sister, flabbergasted and in disbelief. He ran to Corrianne's side and gently placed her head on his lap. "No! Not now.. no.." he cried.

You followed, and sat across the soldier. "No.. Corrianne, don't leave me.. No! Don't you dare cry!" you demanded. It was quite ironic since you were crying yourself.

"Oh, (Y/n).. I'm sorry I couldn't save you.." she mumbled before turning to Xalvador and giving him a smile.

Xalvador kept crying and refused to look at his sister's face. "I'm sorry.. for everything I've done to you. I was so foolish. I-I can't even be a good brother.."

"I forgive you. Y-you know, I wish we had m-more time.. I'm sorry I couldn't be the perfect sibling.. b-but.. I wanted you to know.. that I have a-always loved you, as my big brother." closing her eyes. A tear cascaded down to the side of her pale face.

You sat there, watching Xalvador shake his sibling's dead body in denial. You cried over her dead body, slowly drowning yourself in sorrow and grief.

George placed his hand on your shoulder. "Come along, now. We don't want the coachman waiting.."

You swatted his hand off your shoulder. "You just killed my friend, and you expect me to go with you?" you snickered. "How imprudent are you?"

"You are going to come with me, whether you like it or not. Otherwise, you leave me with no choice." With that, he took out his sword and immediately held it just a centimeter before Phoebe's neck. "Now, make your decision."

Phoebe gasped like a mouse as she looked down on the sword. Her eyes were swirling with fear, and her muscles were taut. Nevertheless, she looked at you. "D-don't worry about me, Miss (L/n)! It's okay.. I can take it."

"No.. no, it's me that he wants," you said, standing up. You faced him with your (e/c) eyes looking at his with sheer anger. "Am I right? It's me you want, isn't it? Take your sword away from Phoebe's neck, and I'll come with you. It's not like I have a choice.."

====[Author's Note]====

Psycho: Hey, guys! No, I am not dead. Book cover's not done yet so.. um.. maybe in a few months. Anyways, I know I've been neglecting my duty of informing you of history jazz and stuff about the story, so I'm bringing them back up - including the ones from last chapter.

"We were married in Scotland, which means I am able to retain my precious surname that shows just how high my social status is."

In Scotland, while women also had limited legal rights, they did not have coverture and women kept their family name on marriage. This reflected a belief that marriage was not the subsuming of women into her husband's family or person, but that marriage was the joining of two families in an alliance. In a world where marriage was not for love, but because it brought economic and political benefits, women kept their own family name to signify her links to her natal family and the benefits she brought. -

About the Tag Yourself challenge:

I already picked the winners, and got the OC information. There were so many creative comments, and I am so upset that I couldn't take all of you. ;v; Anyways, the winners are and . Thank you for all those who participated, and congratulations to the winners!

You've met our first OC character, which is Corylus Zaph Hollis, F.A. Woods' OC. You'll see more of him in the next few chapters. The other one, though, will be in future chapters and stuff. I don't really have plans. I just go with the flow. ¯\_(ツ)_/ ¯

Will this story have lemons?

Hahahah.. no.

Thank you for reading, and for 200+ hearts! I appreciate the support and the feedback I've been getting. I really do. Have a nice day!