The dukedom of Lancaster

In the north of Alasthia there was the dukedom of Lancaster. After the duke's demise, the duchess Olivia lived there with her stepson, Jehan Lancaster.

From outside it was like a loving family of two. Infront of others she was a perfect mother who lavishly spoiled her stepson and loved him like her own son. But the reality was something else.

" Ahhh, this smell of blood. You can not imagine how much pleasure I get just by smelling your filthy blood. ", said Olivia. She slowly licked her wrist which was damp with blood. She grabbed Jehan's hair and said," Oh my, you look so pretty when you cry! How adorable. "

Jehan couldn't utter a single word. He just pursed his lips and chanted the verses of God in the hope that the night which was no better than a nightmare, passes away quickly.

Olivia was forced to marry the duke when her parents discovered that she was in love with a mere commoner. After the demise of the duke, she caught strange habits. After every few days she used to drag Jehan to the inner dungeon of the castle. At first she used to give only a small beatings but as the time went by her torture's method became more and more inhumanly. Sometimes she used to whip him till blood oozes out from his body while the other times she used to prick him with needles.

Even the castle's maids used to shiver at those sights but no one dared to utter a single word of revolt.

The boy whose beaming smile can cure a withering rose turned into a person of cold personality just like a stone. He was loosing his will to live. Olivia did each and everything to secure that he can not ask help from outsiders. All that was left for him was to hope in God.

It was the year 288 . It was Jehan's ninth birthday. He was happy by thinking that atleast that day he would be relieved of getting any beating. He thought that she will spare him on his birthday. But alas! He did not know that the memories of his eleventh birthday will haunt him even in his dreams.

Jehan was sitting on his chair while suddenly he sensed that someone is stroking his head. He turned back immediately.

" Oh.. umm.. mother, w.. what are you doing here? Do you n.. need something. " He stammered as he spoke. It was natural, after all these days of torture.

" My dear child. Can I not come here to meet you? . "

Jehan quickly rose from his chair and said, " Y.. yes of course."

"I am here to wish you on your birthday. I have prepared something for you come with me. "

After telling this she started dragging him towards the dungeon. The more he was going towards the dungeon the more he wa panicking inside his heart. 'Again? Can I not spend a single day with relief'. Tears started rolling down his cheeks without his realisation.

After they reached the dungeon, Jehan saw a lamp and a stick. Olivia took the lamp and lighted the stick. He got goosebumps down to his toes.

She started walking towards him, " Let me give you a mark of love . A mark which will show, how much love is present in my heart for you. "

Jehan started trembling. The more he stepped backwards the closer she was coming. The sight of fire maddened him. His heart was throbbing like a bell out of fear.

"Don't be afraid. Come to mumma. "

Jehan knew that if he does not revolt this time, next time who knows what will happen to him. Olivia forcefully tried to burn him. Jehan struggled. He struggled for his life. He pushed her with all his might. Olivia fell down and in that struggle the fire gets caught in her dress. Jehan also got some burns on his face but he did not had any time to react on his wounds. He quickly locked the door of the dungeon.

" You unfilial son, open the door or I will k*ll you when I come out. " Olivia shouted repeatedly. Jehan collapsed on the floor. He started weeping. He knew that he was doing something horrible. A sin which is unforgivable. But he had nothing to do. He just cried sitting outside the door.

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The maids did not help her. They knew her wrongdoings. From the very beginning they wanted to help their young mastar but they had no choice. They were relieved that finally they can bid farewell to the evil mistress.

" Young mastar, let me carry you to your room and treat your wounds.", said the maid.

Jehan was trembling out of fear.

"Do not be afraid. We are on your side. We won't help her. Let her di* there. "

After telling this, she carried him to his room and treated his wounds. After making him sleep, the maids and the head buttler had a meeting. They decided to let her die there. They burnt her room. After that day the butler sent letter to Olivia's parents that she died while catching fire in her room. When Olivia's parents came to see Jehan and ask him what happened that day he repeated the same thing which the head buttler taught him.

Years went by. Jehan is thirteen years old now. After all these years he could not forget the sight of that day. The screaming of her dead mother still haunts him. The burnt mark on his face makes him recall the sin he performed years ago.

It was the month of autumn. He went to the capital as he was summoned to the palace, where his uncle, the current emperor resides. After meeting him he decided to visit the lake which is famous with the name " Lake of desires". It is said that if someone throws a coin in it and prays, his or her wish comes true.

Jehan did not believe in superstitions but he wanted to try it. If it could change his rotten fate he can perform anything. He threw a gold coin and prayed, ' I wish that I can recieve a ray of hope to live this undesirable life. ' As he was wishing in his mind someone shouted at him.

" Hey boy! Even if you throw a thousand gold coins, your burnt face will not change . " ,said a boy.

Even though he was humiliated, he did not utter a single word. What could he say? He was always rediculed due to his burnt mark.

Just when he was going to turn back to return someone hold his hand.

" How mean of you! How can you say something to a person. You should never judge someone on his appearance. "

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Jehan stared at her. He could not see the face because of the long veil she was wearing. The person was no other than Elina.

Elina leaned at him and whispered, " Meet me at the temple of Cybella tomorrow at eleven in the morning."

"But your name?", said Jehan, as he saw her running back.

" You will know after you come. " After telling this she ran back to her carriage.

Jehan with a little smile on his face mumbled, " The lake of desires, I see. "

To be continued ~

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