Whoever You May Be Ch.3

[cesi-19.livejournal.com]

Title: Whoever You May Be
Author: Cesi
Rating: R
Pairing: V/O
Summary: Liv enjoys the power and pleasure of nobility, while Orlando suffers the harsh life of a commoner. The arrival of a Danish Lord may put them in their rightful place. Can you live a life, and keep a love that's destined for someone else? AU. V/O
Feedback: Yes please! I love constructive criticism : ) Thanks to everyone who’s still reading!
Disclaimer: Not mine, they belong to themselves.
Beta: My sister at heart, NJ





A/N: The passages Orlando recites are from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthrone. This chapter also contains a lot of abuse. Thanks again for your support : )


Chapter 3- Shadows of Circumstance


“P-please…I don’t have anything t-to pay you back…I swear…please, please, give me some more t-t-time,” the old man’s his words were blown out of him as Bernard kicked him down. He struggled to get up, only to have a heavy foot crush his head against the ground.


“You filthy liar,” Bernard spat, pinning the frightened man’s head further, “Word around is you just got your wages yesterday,” The cruel man sneered. “So where's my money?”


“I d-don’t-don’t have it, I swear Bernard I don’t…”


“Where’s the damn money?” Bernard kicked him again, sending torrents of pain through the poor man’s body, “You owe me! I want the money now! What did you do with your wages?”


“It’s…. gone… my daughter...m-my daughter and three g-grandchildren are sick, I couldn’t Bernard…I j-just couldn’t… I meant to pay you…but th-they needed help…” he cried as red streaks ran down his face, begging for his life, “I promise Bernard, I swear on their lives…. I swear to God….I-I’ll p-pay you back next time please…”


“They’re not helping you now are they?” Bernard knelt down, grabbed the man’s collar and hissed a breath away from his terrified eyes.


“If I don’t get the money you owe me. I swear on your grave that your daughter will have to whore herself to pay for your funeral!” with that Bernard released his hold on the man, letting the grey old head meet the ground with a satisfying thump and left the alley.


***


Miranda tossed a blanket into the fire behind their cottage, a puff of embers rising to the air as she did. She watched as the flames consumed the gift, slowly eating away at the fine material. Her uncle came home from the nearby village with a sour mood that evening. It seemed that a poor old man failed to clear his debt with Bernard. Miranda wasn’t certain of what happened, but she knew from her uncle’s state when he came home that the debtor had a rough time.


She took one of the toys and fed the flames once more. Bernard’s mood had worsened when Miranda showed him the array of gifts Lady Cate brought.

“Get rid of it! I don’t care what you do, sell it, burn, it, just get it out of my sight! I want none of their charity here, and don’t you dare let the boy near these things!” Bernard had shouted at her as he flung the basket to the ground.


She couldn’t sell them. No one for miles had enough money to buy any of these things, and people might wonder why she was trying to be rid of them. So she lit a fire at the back of their house and spent the last half hour destroying evidence of the Lady’s generosity. She threw the last of the toys and clothes in along with the blue basket that held them.


Even though she was only feet away from the fire, she still felt cold. A weak wisp of air ran through her as she turned away from the smoking pile when something caught her eye. The fire light flickered across the darkness to reveal golden cloth crumpled on the ground. As Miranda reached for the mysterious object she noticed it was not spun of gold, but of soft yellow. She grasped the blanket, the solitary survivor. As the fire died she crept quietly into the house, hiding the blanket as best as she could. Miranda walked quickly as she passed her uncle’s room, careful not to disturb his heavy slumber.


Miranda closed her crooked bedroom door as best as she could. With a sigh she reached beneath her bed to retrieve a simple wooden box. Despite everything that happened, couldn’t help but smile as she opened the box which held her most prized possessions. Two letters, a torn page from a book, a small woven bracelet and pressed flower petals. They were simple and ordinary objects, but they were glimpses back to another time. For Miranda, these simple treasures were testament that there was a time in her life where she was truly happy. Those happy memories felt distant now as she placed the blanket into the box.


Miranda concealed the box beneath her bed again and turned to the crib tucked away in the corner. She gazed down at the child, his skin deathly pale and cold against the darkness. Miranda brought him to her chest with more care than she ever did before. The touch wasn’t exactly tender or loving, but he welcomed it. His brown eyes searched her face curiously as she held him and rocked him for the first time. He started to cry.


“Hush…it’s alright Orlando,” Miranda spoke softly, “You have to help me. I’ll take care of you, and you get better. Please. You’re the only hope I have to see Liv again,” she laughed at herself. Like the child could understand what she meant, it was just a baby. To her surprise the child gave a faint smile before settling comfortably in her arms. For a moment she imagined her own daughter in his place. It was the most peaceful moment she had in a very long time.



***8 years later***



“Incorrigible. That’s the only word to describe her Cate! That child is something else! I don’t understand where she gets it from!”


“She struggles Ian, she’s already pressured with so much and your reprimands aren’t helping her get any better…,” Cate sighed in frustration at her cousin.


“And letting her go on like this will do better? Cate, you should be thanking me. The child believes she can get her way with everything! Reprimands…she doesn’t get enough!” Ian scoffed before gulping all of his tea down in a single swallow.


“I tried my best to teach her, but she refuses to listen. She’s a smart girl Cate, but she just doesn’t like being corrected or being told what to do! She just sits there and asks me when I’m going to be done because she has more important things to get to. Like what? Play with dolls and fumble with tea sets? I’ll be glad when Hugo returns from Denmark. He’s the only one who Liv really listens to, the only one not afraid to put her in her place when she needs it!”


“Ian, she is only eight years old. Let her be a child.” Cate would never have allowed anyone to speak of her beloved daughter that way, but she made an exception for Ian Holm.


The old teacher was her distant cousin and an old friend of Hugo. Ian happily retired from teaching years ago, but when Hugo and Cate pleaded with him to teach Liv he couldn’t refuse. Now that he understood why the girl’s former teachers all quit, he wished he never agreed. After decades of teaching Ian Holm was accustomed to nearly every kind of student. There were the diligent ones, like Lady Cate who was one of the most brilliant students he had ever taught. Then there were those who wanted to learn but struggled, like his nephews. But Liv was different. She was a very clever child but she refused to acknowledge the possibility that there would be at least one person in the world who knew more than her. How could he teach a pupil who didn’t want to be taught?


“Dear cousin I understand that she needs to experience childhood, but she isn’t just any other child. Cate… she is your only daughter, the heir of this entire estate! I mean no offense but I’m terrified of what her subjects would go through once you and Hugo are gone. She needs to learn that there are people depending on her. Not little porcelain dolls and little castles in the air, but people Cate, living breathing people!”


Cate just sighed as she stirred her tea. Ian had a very passionate way of speaking his mind, especially when he was angry, and she was used to it. But she also knew in her heart that Ian was right, and that she was to blame. Cate’s whole life revolved around her daughter. She had doted on Liv since she first held her, and as she grew Liv started to believe that the entire world felt the same way.


“My Lady, a letter from Lord Hugo has just arrived,” Cate turned to see Bernard handing her a thick letter. She smiled when she saw the heavy seal stamped neatly on the paper to keep the envelope from tearing. Obviously Hugo missed his family as much as they missed him.


“Thank you Bernard. I’ve been expecting this for quite some time.” Cate said politely as she placed it on the table.


“Where is Orlando? I haven’t seen the child in weeks, how is he faring?” Ian asked, his face brightening with a smile. It was a complete transformation. Ian had gone from absolute frustration to joyous pride in a matter of seconds.


“Just fine.” Bernard answered curtly. He never liked Mr. Holm. The old teacher seemed to be particularly fond of Orlando ever since the boy wandered into one of Liv’s lessons when he was five. Before Ian could inquire further, Bernard quickly added, “He needs to learn how to handle the land and tend the animals. I appreciate your concern master Ian, but the boy needs to learn his place. I can’t have him reading all day. There is work to be done without any sort of distraction. Besides, I don’t have money to spend on his education. I’m sure you can understand.”


Unfortunately Ian didn’t.


“Bernard, I think you’re making a big mistake. The boy has an exceptional mind! To have him spending his days looking after sheep and pigs, and tilling the land would be a great waste. He is the only child I know who can out-match Liv’s intelligence.” Ian said. Both Bernard and Cate were taken aback.


“I can still remember when he and Liv were five. Liv was a lot easier to teach back then. She had just finished reading a poem perfectly for the second time and decided she had enough. She darted out the room and I of course had to fallow her. She has an extraordinary talent of not being found when she doesn’t want to, did you know that Cate? Anyway, after searching for half an hour I hear the very same poem coming from somewhere outside. I see this little boy sitting on the steps of the kitchen door, head on his hands, reciting the poem word for word. He stopped abruptly when he saw me, then ran outside, his curly hair trailing after him.” Ian laughed at the memory.


“I caught up with him, and assured him that I wasn’t angry. He confessed to have wandered into the room where I was teaching Liv while he was looking for his mother. He heard Liv reading and decided to stay behind the door and listen. You should have seen the look on his face! He was so scared that I would be furious at him for wanting to listen. So I told him he could stay behind the door whenever I gave Liv her lessons. Bernard, Orlando has a brilliant memory! Do you realize how rare such a memory is? The boy has great promise and I can see it in his eyes that he so desperately wants to learn more! Why would you want to waste such talent?”


“Master Ian, you don’t know Orlando as well as I do.” Bernard answered, “As your story proves, he has an inconvenient habit of getting in the way. His memory may be sharp, but so are the market gossips. I’m sure you will find him very difficult to teach. Besides, someone has to care for our land when I’m gone. Orlando can’t do much more than that. He is a very simple boy.”


“Bernard, if it’s money that keeps Orlando from a proper education, I would be more than willing to help.” Cate offered.


“My Lady, you have been so kind to my family already. I cannot accept such generosity…”


“But Bernard…” Cate caught herself in time and changed the course of her words, “Very well, if that is your choice…then it will be.” She didn’t miss the disbelieving look Ian threw at her. Cate wanted to pressure Bernard into letting Orlando study but she knew it wasn’t her place to do so. She could have easily taken Orlando in and given him a proper education, but she wasn’t anything to the child other than his mother’s employer. So what right did she have?


“Thank you my Lady. Good day master Ian,” Bernard bowed slightly to both of them before heading off.


“The man’s an utter fool.” Ian proclaimed once Bernard was out of ear shot, “Is he going out of his way to ruin the poor boy? Or is he just a natural born idiot, letting a better mind go to waste?”


“I really don’t approve of Bernard’s decision. I understand that given his station in society, Orlando has to learn how to work the land sooner or later. I just don’t like it…he shouldn’t be exposed to such work at a young age.” Cate imagined Orlando working with the merciless summer sun beating down on him. She couldn’t bring herself to see the little child she had grown so fond of living such a harsh life. Whenever it came to Orlando, Cate always found herself worrying. She couldn’t help it. She couldn’t understand why Bernard didn’t see Orlando's potential, but most of all, she couldn't understand how the boy could be so dear to her.


“Orlando is an endearing child,” Cate reflected warmly with a smile, “I haven’t seen him in so long... I have to tell Miranda to bring him along when he’s not working.” Cate’s smile faded with the thought of the work Orlando was doing right now.


“You are very fond of him, aren’t you?” Ian asked gently, carefully watching Cate’s reaction.


“Yes. Very much. Though I don’t quite know why. I guess I just want another child so very much, I find myself actually wishing Orlando was my own,” Cate confessed her voice filled with longing, “If he were mine, I would care for him. I would make sure he received the best education, dwelled in the best company…”


Ian came closer to Cate as she her eyes threatened to release the tears she held back for so long. He held her, offering the comfort she needed as the tears broke through, as her deepest wish revealed itself.


“Ian, I would love him. I would love him the way a child like him deserves to be loved. I think I already do Ian, I already love Orlando…I would give anything to stop this horrible feeling! I have Liv, and I-I love her so much. But Orlando never, never leaves my mind…Ian what is wrong with me? At times I fear that I love him more than my own child!”


Her confession unfolded the guilt in her heart, and it hurt her to admit it. She found great delight in her daughter, but her true happiness came in the form of a quiet little peasant boy. The simple, childish things he did could relieve her of any sadness she bore. In an instant the softest smile or the meekest greeting from him could transform her entire day. Something in the child’s pleading eyes, his voice, the way he would look at her, the way he felt when she would embrace him and comfort him when he was lost and crying for his mother…something in how she would await the hour until she could see him again…something was constantly pulling her away from her daughter towards that poor, sweet child who should have meant nothing more than another peasant to her.


Ian for once, didn’t know what to say as he held her. So he just listened as Cate poured her heart out. Cate was always so calm and collected, rarely letting her emotions get the better of her. For her to just collapse in a fit of tears…


The two remained that way for awhile, unaware of the figure that watched them with intense blue eyes. She picked up her skirts and quietly walked away from her hiding place. She had heard everything they said and saw every tear her mother shed, and for the first time Liv’s heart was broken.



***



“Orlando,” Liv hissed as she tore open the nearest book she could reach and began to read. She found it hard to concentrate as Ian’s praises and her mother’s confession echoed in her mind.


A brilliant boy! The only child who can out-match Liv


I find myself wishing Orlando was my own


The boy has exceptional mind! Brilliant!


I love him more than my own child


Tears dripped on to the pages, the ink bleeding through in horrible stains. Liv let out a sob as a gentle hand touched her shoulder. She turned to see a blurry figure kneeling beside her. While she continued to cry the mysterious figure reached out and wiped her tears away. Liv opened her eyes to see the most welcomed face in the world.


“Miranda!” She hugged the maid tightly, burying her face in the maid’s embrace. In other circumstances, Liv would never touch a servant like this, it was beneath her. But Miranda was especially kind to her and right now she really didn’t care whether she was a maid or not. Miranda was her friend, she would never hurt her. Whenever her father would reprimand her, all she had to do was find Miranda and she would have instant ally. It didn’t matter what she did, or who was hurt, Miranda would always take her side. Liv hugged her even tighter.


Miranda held the child, gently running her hands through her dark wavy hair in comfort. Miranda tried to memorize everything about this moment, knowing it would never come again. Liv was shaking slightly, and Miranda could feel the tears staining her neck and clothes. She spoke comforting words to calm her and eventually the tears started to cease.


“Let’s get you cleaned up miss,” Miranda said kindly after Liv released her hold. Liv smiled weakly and nodded, following Miranda out of the library. As they walked through the halls, Liv tugged on Miranda’s skirt. Looking down Miranda nearly flinched as she saw a familiar gleam in those blue eyes.


“Tell your son to leave my mother alone” Miranda turned away, unable to watch as jealousy overflowed in her daughter’s eyes.



***



Liv smiled as she twirled around the hall. She felt much better after being washed and dressed in her favorite blue dress. Passing by a mirror, she stopped to admire her appearance. She looked like a doll, many people thought so. Porcelain skin, clear blue eyes, and dark long wavy hair. She gave another twirl, letting the light blue dress lift a little off the floor. She was the prettiest child, and there was no way her mother would ever replace her for some dirty faced peasant boy. Her mood soured as Orlando came to mind.


“Mommy didn’t know what she was saying,” Liv reasoned, “It must have been the sun...” Liv tried to convince herself as she remembered how her mother cried. Suddenly Liv didn’t feel so good. Perhaps a drink of water would help she thought as she realized how extremely thirsty she was. She started on her way to the kitchens. She was surprised that she barely saw any of the servants walking about. She didn’t think much of it until she reached the kitchen door.


“Come on lad, let’s hear another one!”


That was Andy’s voice, Liv thought as she opened the door to get a glimpse. She saw ten or so of the maids, plus Andy, huddled around a small, shabby looking child. Liv frowned as she recognized the dark curly hair peaking from beneath his cap.


Orlando shifted nervously as he fumbled with his hands, trying to think of yet another passage he memorized over the years. After a second, he began in a small hesitant voice.


‘A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other…’ Liv recognized the passage. She opened the door a bit more to see the maids smiling adoringly at Orlando while they continued to prepare dinner. Liv also didn’t fail to notice one of them placing several food items in a small sack. Orli continued softly.


‘Every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret; that every room in every one of them encloses its own secret; that every beating heart in the hundreds of thousands of breaths there is a secret to the heart nearest it...’


One of the cooks looked up from the soup she was stirring and clapped, “So true Orlando…now, why not just one more before you go?”


“But I really shouldn’t be here Miss Fran. I was supposed to stay at home…” Orlando explained meekly, “I should leave before Uncle Bernard sees me here…”


“He’s busy out in the garden Orli…just one more, your favorite one!” Fran insisted. Orlando couldn’t refuse all the smiles directed at him, so in a wavering voice be said,


‘Love, whether newly born, or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create a sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward word,’


“Amazing! I love that quote too. Here you go Orli,” Fran handed him the sack she had filled with food before kissing the top of his messy cap, “And bring your strange friend along next time, we always get a laugh when he’s around.”


“I’ll tell Dom you miss him when I bring this over his house,” Orli smiled as he lifted the sack over his shoulders.


“You do that now alright? You’d better get going dear, it’s getting late.” Orli thanked them and began making his way out from the kitchen’s back exit when he felt his cap slip. He quickly picked it up and as he looked back, he could see Liv peeking through the door, and then in a flash of blue she disappeared.


“Thanks,” Orli mumbled again to the staff as he ran after Liv.


“Liv!” Orlando called out, but she still wouldn’t stop. Liv stormed her way out of the manor and into the garden. The very same garden were her mother, a few hours ago confessed that she may love Orlando more than her. The thought sent a bitter taste to Liv’s mouth and her eyes darkened. She finally slowed down enough for Orlando to catch up with her.


“Liv, are you alright? I haven’t seen you in weeks!” She didn’t respond even as he came to walk right beside her, “Is Master Ian still giving you a hard time?”


If she wasn’t so determined to hate him, she would have heard genuine concern in his voice, instead his words mocked her as she remembered how Ian had praised the ‘brilliant Orlando’ and reprimanded the ‘incorrigible Liv’. She turned to look at him, the darkness in her usually clear eyes making him step back.


“Leave me alone!” she spat at him. Orlando just stood there, his eyes filled with hurt. Aside from
Dom, Liv had been his only friend, at least when they were younger. But as the years went by it seemed that Liv distanced herself more and more from them until she ignored them all together. They would see each other from time to time, but they wouldn’t talk or play like they used too. Orlando missed Liv, and ever since Bernard forced him to stay home he’d wondered if Liv missed him too. He didn’t know what he had done to make Liv dislike him, but he wish he could find out so he could fix it.


“Liv…I-I just wanted to know if you’re alright” Orlando tried again.


“I was until you came,” Liv answered harshly between breaths of air.


“W-what? I honestly don’t understand…we’re still friends…right?” Orlando’s eyes widened when Liv suddenly clasped her hand over her heart, her breathing staggered and broken, “Liv?”


Liv choked as she felt something deep within her constrict. She gaped in horror as short sharp jabs stabbed her heart followed by one powerful shot of pain that tore through her. She fell like a rock to her knees, her hands shaking tightly over her heart, her eyes shut in pain.


“Liv!” Orlando ran to her side, but before he could reach out to help her, she pushed him away with surprising strength. Her eyes wide with shock. Orlando stepped back and tried to help her again, his mind racing in panic.


“Don’t you dare touch me! You-you f-filthy d-dirty… w-who do y-you think y-you…” Liv couldn’t finish as the words were drowned in her frantic breathing, and with a great cry she collapsed entirely.


“Liv!” Orlando shook her, desperately trying to keep her awake, “Liv, wake up please…Help! Help!” Orlando whipped his head around, yelling at the top of his lungs. Liv was still shaking, her blue eyes rapidly opening and closing. Orlando could hear weak cries of pain between her drastic breathing.


“Help!” Orlando cried, his heart racing in panic “Please wake up, Liv…Liv…please….” he pleaded.


“Get away from her!” Orlando hit the ground hard as Bernard shoved him aside. Any relief Orlando felt at having his cries answered were cut as Bernard shot him a menacing look. Bernard scooped Liv’s tiny form into his arms, running back inside the manor. Orlando forced himself to get up and follow them, images of Liv’s hand grasping over her heart driving away any fear he had of his uncle. He had to find out what happened to Liv, and he wouldn’t stop until he did.



***



Miranda’s heart froze as Liv lay pale in Bernard’s arms. Around her servants were yelling and dashing about, some clearing the way, some rushing to get the doctors, others frantically searching for Lady Cate. But all Miranda could see was her daughter, helpless and weak as Bernard carried her up the stairs.


“No.” she choked, tears pouring down her face as she raced after them, “NO!” Her screams drowned in all the commotion. Her heartbeat was faster than it ever was before. Her mind filled with images of a dying little girl, her little girl. She ran after Bernard as he burst into Liv’s room, gently placing the child on the bed as if she were made of glass, ready to shatter at any second.


Before Bernard could stop her, Miranda was at Liv’s side, tears streaking down her face onto the child’s. Miranda’s words refused to form as she watched her daughter in agony, wanting with all her heart to comfort her, to take the pain away even though she knew it wouldn’t keep her from dying.


No! She can’t die! Not her, please, not my baby girl. Miranda grasped Liv’s pale hand, bringing it to her lips as she prayed desperately.


Don’t die. Please don’t die. Don’t leave me…please. If you die I’m sure to follow…please...don’t die...


she could think of was keeping her daughter alive. Miranda gently stroked Liv’s hair with a trembling hand, speaking soft words of comfort.Miranda thoughts made everything else seem dim, the commotion, the shouts, even Bernard’s strong hands pulling her away from Liv.


“No! Uncle stop! Don’t! Put me down!” Miranda screamed as Bernard pulled her away and pushed her out the door. Miranda looked once more to see Lady Cate rushing into the room, screaming at the sight of Liv’s pale trembling body.


Miranda fought her way out of her uncle’s hold and ran back into the room. He was about to get her again when he saw someone that made his blood erupt with indescribable hate.


“You,” he gripped Orlando’s arm with so much force the boy started to cry, “You did this!” He hissed, every word forced and heavy, “You shameless shit!” He picked Orlando up like a rag doll and dragged him through the halls and down the stairs, letting the child’s legs collide with every step down. As Orlando’s cries grew louder, Bernard’s grip intensified till all he needed was one swift motion to rip the arm right off.


Orlando thought he could hear Fran yelling from somewhere. He never heard Fran’s voice like this before.


“Bernard! Let go of him!”


“Stay out of this!”Bernard shouted back as he dragged Orlando out of the servant’s entrance, and threw him on top of his horse. Orlando gripped the mane with all his might to keep from falling, sheer pain shooting up his arm as he did. Bernard joined him after chasing Fran off, who had rushed after them with another frying pan. Bernard kicked the mare sharply and Orlando almost slipped off from the impact. As they left the manor grounds, Orlando tried to look back but all he could see was a thick trail of spiraling dust…



***


“Get off!” Bernard sneered as he pushed Orlando from the horse. He sneered as the boy fell in a crumpled heap, “Get up!” Bernard demanded as he dismounted his horse. Orlando struggled to raise, his body struggling to control itself.


“I said get up!” Orlando gasped in pain. He felt his scalp nearly ripping from his skull as Bernard grabbed a fistful of his hair. He pushed Orlando painfully forward, shouting at him to move onwards. It felt like he was walking closer and closer to death as Bernard threw curses at him.


Wicked thoughts filled him as he dragged Orlando to the back of their house. They lived barely half a mile from anyone else in the village, no one would see or hear….no one but him… Bernard glanced at the setting sun with disappointment. He wanted to see every detail of Orlando’s misery, every scar and bruise and tear. No matter. Light or dark, this would give delightful satisfaction.


Bernard gripped the boy’s jaw, forcing Orlando’s eyes to meet his. He smiled cruelly as he saw pure, undoubted fear in those wide, tear stained brown eyes.


Eyes that reminded him of his own miserable past.


It was like throwing embers in a sea of oil. Renewed anger rose within Bernard like lethal poison, shadowing reason. Any traces of mercy were extinguished as he saw those eyes. In his blind rage he hit Orlando straight across the face, not once or twice but four violent times.


“Didn’t I tell you to stay right here?” Orlando sobbed uncontrollably as Bernard screamed in his ear, “Answer!”


“Yes…”Orlando answered, his voice quivering as he drank down his own tears.


“Then why did you disobey?” Bernard demanded as his grip on the child’s hair tightened. He saw the sack tied to Orli’s back for the first time. He ripped it right off and tore it open.


“So this is what you’re after?” Bernard asked as he tossed the food out, crunching his teeth as he did, “You greedy hog!” Orlando screamed as his mouth was forced open.


“Eat it then! Eat it you selfish bastard!” Orlando choked as a loaf of bread was crammed in his mouth, “Eat some more! It’s what you want isn’t it? The food your mother and I provide not good enough for you? I said eat it!” Bernard smashed the bread back into Orlando’s mouth as he coughed it out.


“What’s that Orlando?” Bernard’s voice mockingly sweet, “Still not to your taste?”


“It…it w-wasn’t…wasn’t for me…” Orlando’s broken voice pleaded. Bernard wasn’t listening. He pulled the frightened child by the hair again, the tender curls now matted with dirt and blood.


“What did you do to Liv you leech?” Bernard shoved Orlando further away from the house, his goal in sight. Orlando tried to protest, he tried to break free, but soon found that it was less painful to just keep walking. He coughed as he tasted the metallic flavor of blood swarming in his mouth.


“N-n-n-nothing…” Orlando struggled as they approached the pig pen, his eyes stung in a mix of blood, dirt and tears.


“You’re a damn liar you ambitious shit…Tell me Orlando,” Bernard spoke cruelly as he stopped short of the pen’s gate, “Did you think that by getting rid of Liv, you could take her place? Do you think that the Lady would just welcome you with open arms?” He knocked the gate open with a powerful kick.


“Do you see yourself there now little Orlando? Do you see yourself in her place? Too ambitious for your own good…” He roughly wiped the hair that stuck to Orlando’s face, relishing at every bruise and cut he found. The red stain running down the bastard’s mouth was priceless. He ordered Orlando to open his eyes, and smiled demonically as he saw incomparable terror.


“Do you really think that they would replace her with a worthless pig like you?” With a brutal blow of his hand, Bernard struck the helpless boy into the muck, “You fancy yourself a Lord, Orlando?”


Orlando felt himself sink deeper into the mud as he summoned the last ounce of his strength to get up. Bernard gripped Orlando’s neck and twisted it enough for Orlando to see the pigs scampering in all directions, their loud whines and snorts mingled with his cries.


“Here,” Bernard forced him closer to the hideous swine, “Here is you realm! A manor fit you. See your subjects, how they all adore you? Listen, do you hear their praises? They love you!” Bernard laughed like a madman, the last bit of sanity left in him slowly succumbing to the anger and vengeance that festered in his heart.


“Orlando, my lord,” The child breathed frantically as Bernard dragged him to the feeding trough, “They have prepared a grand feast for you!”


“N-no…no! Don’t! p-please…” Orlando begged as he dug his feet in the ground and struggled wildly to break free from Bernard’s hold, “Please...don’t!” Orlando gasped in pain as Bernard forced him down to kneel before the trough. Orlando was shaking violently as Bernard spat at his face, his voice no longer mocking. Instead, it sounded like another creature altogether, like a dark demon.


“Eat it.”


Orlando trembled in place, his head shaking as he begged Bernard to stop, to just let him go.


“I said eat!” Bernard forced Orlando further into the trough, merely an inch from the gruesome slop, “Maybe this will suit your taste!” Orlando shut his mouth as Bernard smeared the revolting mess on his face.


“Open your mouth and eat it! You’re too good for the food your mother and I give. Here’s food fit for a king!” Bernard demanded as he tore open Orlando’s mouth and thrust the child’s face brutally into the muck. Orlando pushed himself out from the trough, the slop covering his entire face with a horrible stench. He felt his stomach protest as the disgusting slop filled his mouth and throat. He spat out frantically and tried to crawl away from the maniac holding him down.


“Don’t you DARE!” Bernard snapped as he sunk Orlando into the slop again, “I said to eat it! So eat it! You’re nothing but a filthy pig! You greedy, selfish, ambitious little bastard! This is what your kind eats. Go on, have you fill! Orlando, lord of swine!” Orlando fought the urge to breathe beneath the vile muck, but panic opened his mouth and a gulp of slop went down his throat.


And then he felt Bernard’s hold abruptly loosen. Then another pair of hands held him, strong yet protective, gentle. He threw up as his face rose from the trough, wrenching the foul substance from his stomach. The horrible sting made him gag and choke. He felt arms wrap around his body protectively, turning his face away from his screaming, cursing uncle.


“You have no business here!” Bernard cursed at Orlando’s savior, his voice sharp and venomous.


“Enough Bernard, this has gone too far! You’re killing him!” the rescuer shouted back.


Andy


Orlando couldn’t see what was happening, too afraid to open his eyes. But he did hear Bernard tearing his way back to the house, cursing and threatening the entire way.


Orlando shook uncontrollably and nausea washed over him. He threw up again, this time right on Andy. Before he could apologize, shame and disgust overcame him. Weariness and humiliation overpowered his last ounce of strength. All he could think of right at that moment was to hide. So he buried his anguished face in the embrace of his defender, crying his heart and soul out until his tears were spent and the blood dried from his face.



***



“Goodness! Do you know what’s happened to Miss Olivia?” a fat old cook asked as she set the tea kettle on the stove.


“I pray for the Lord and Lady’s sake that she’s alright. It would be their death if anything happened to her.” Fran said wearily. It was nearly midnight and no one in the manor had gone to sleep, no one wanted to miss the moment when the doctors would reveal Liv’s condition.


“Do you think…do you think this could stop the engagement?” Several heads turned.


“What engagement?” asked a new maid, curiosity brimming in her eyes.


“Lord Hugo went to Denmark because of that reason!” another maid gossiped, “When he finds about this…when they find out…”


“Find out what?” The curious new maid demanded. Fran rolled her eyes. Of course, the girl was new, how could she possibly know?


“Listen, everyone in the manor knows…we all have since the day Liv was born.” Fran explained patiently. “Before her birth we all thought that the arrangement was null…I mean since the Lord and Lady didn’t have any children…We believed the agreement was off…but then Liv came…”


“I don’t get it, what agreement? What engagement?”


“It was arranged years ago that if Lord Hugo were to have a child, the child would also marry into nobility.” Fran said, “It was agreed between this noble family and the Danish royals that their names and powers be united should our Lord and Lady have a child.”


There was a stir of silence in the room.


“Liv is that very child. She has been engaged to the heir of the royal family before she was even born…to Lord Mortensen’s grandson…I believe I heard his name once, just before Lord Hugo left for Denmark…Viggo, yes that’s it …Viggo Mortensen.”



TBC…