Thread: To be conquered (Methos and PreciousPetra)

The note the Duke of Alben had sent to her husband just the day before now sat on the table not far from the grieving young women whose form was still upon the floor. Isabel wasnt even convinced her legs would be able to hold her if she tried to stand at this moment which though seemed surreal was bringing such pain to her it were if someone had thrust a knife or a sword deep into her flesh just as they may have with her husband and children. Her whole life was shattered and she had no inclination of what she should do next. She had always been able to insure things within their home had run smoothly just as she had with the raising of her sons but she had little idea about the things which had always been taken care of by the male head of the house. When she had been a child it had been her father and then Alistair with nothing in between as she had gone from childhood to womanhood in a mere day just as many a lady before her and many since. Lifting her right hand she looked at the two rings sitting on her slim fingers and felt fresh tears falling down her face. No women should have to suffer the loss of a child no matter who she was or how rich or poor. Losing her husband was painful of course but to lose two lives she had carried inside her for those long months when she had been a young bride was something she was certain was a pain which would now never leave her. In time the sharp pain which was racking her body may fade but that would be with the passing of much time and she knew, she knew the dull ache would always remain deep inside her. A constant reminder of what she and they had lost that day. Eventually after several hours she lifted her gaze to the table and the note which lay upon it. Such lies within it told by a young Duke who held anger and greed in his dark heart, blaming others for something which they had no part of. He wanted the un-claimed throne and as just as all those consumed by such greed he would do anything to make sure he was able to get what he wanted. And it didnt matter to him how many lives were lost in the process or how many others were left in pieces either in body or spirit. But it did matter to her it mattered to her a great deal. Reaching out her fingers wrapped around the arm of one of the chairs and slowly she pushed herself from the floor finding her legs would hold her upright though they felt weak and very strange. She sat down in the chair and it was then she became aware of the sounds of horses in the courtyard and she felt a fresh wave of sickness wash over her. Her guards had let him pass or he and his men had killed them just as they had her family. Soon he would enter the castle its self and there was nowhere for her to hide that he would not be able to find her, though at this time she knew she didnt have the strength to even try. All too soon, much too soon she heard noises in the hall outside her chambers and she breathed deeply trying to calm herself in the moments before he forced open the door and stood tall in the doorway. Her eyes fell upon him as he then closed the door taking in his blood splattered appearance fresh from his killings upon the battle field. Slowly she stood up and though her face was tear stained and her eyes puffy and red she refused to appear weak before this mere boy. Yes I am the Duchess of Denvorn. His words which followed un-nerved her slightly not understanding why her being pretty had anything to do with this matter or why he would enjoy it all the more. His mistake though was to gloat, at least that was how she saw it as he stated so matter of fact that her husband and children were dead and that he was victorious and would now claim Denvorn lands as his own. Isabel took several steps toward him before she held her head high. And you are the Duke of Alben, the murdering, lying stupid little boy who took those I loved from me. All her grief, anger and pain could be heard in her voice though he would feel it in a rather more direct way when she lifted her right hand and slapped him hard across the face, catching him with the rings she wore now in memory of her slain children. How dare you enter this castle and stand before me in such a way when you killed my husband and my sons mere hours ago. Get out get out of my chambers at once. You shall never be welcome in my presence. Such action on her part may not have been wise or stop the outcome of what he had always intended but she would never be sorry she at least tried to make a stand against him.