Devil's Heart

Chapter twoThe bartender pushed her out and yelled, anger impinged in his voice, "Next time, do not come to my store if you can't pay for what you drink!"Monica staggered and leaned against a wall, eyeing the man ruefully, "Curses! I have money…all of it. You pesky little..."Before she completed her sentence, the man slammed the door, disgusted by her drunken state. As far as he knew, the women of England did not go around dressed in trousers and boots, not to talk of being drunk.Monica frowned and swallowed, returning her gaze to her path. The lane seemed to dance erratically and divide into three, "Foolish English. You all think you are so smart. When I get my duchy back, you'll see."She stopped walking and stared into darkness, her eyes shutting slowly and tiredly, just before she surrendered to the arms of unconsciousness.***"I know he will be as good as father," Anna Forland said to the duchess as they stared down at Philip through the window.Her mother grinned, "I believ

Chapter fourPeople chatted and glasses clinked, typical English style. Philip watched the people downstairs and held his hand out for Elizabeth. She looked at him, in a dark blue velvet suit embroidered with gold patterns, just before she placed her hand in his, "You look splendid."He smiled slightly and stared at her, "You're perfect."With one last breath, they both descended the spiral staircase, all eyes turning to them.All the chatter and clinking of glasses stopped just as a footman announced the procession of the Duke and his betrothed.The couple faced the people, the male with a slight bow and the lady with a curtsy. What excited everybody most was the youth of the two. Fresh and beautiful. The smiles on their faces confirmed their approval already.Moments later, a slow dance began. With Elizabeth in his arms, Philip still had his thoughts straying, looking around for the Scottish damsel, although he did not know what to expect.***A foot stepped through the double door

Chapter six"Shut up you foolish girl," cried her mother, "That was the last thing I had of him!"Monica watched her mother in disbelief, "What else do you have to do with the man who did not just betray you and along with his allies, took your home away from you?"Miriam Maitland frowned at her first daughter, shock overcoming all her emotions, "You think love ends that easily Monica? Are you that inconsiderate that you had to give the necklace back to his son?"The younger lady laughed angrily, "I have a reason. With that piece of jewelry, I can get your dignity and property back," then she glowered, "and maybe teach that Viscount's daughter a big lesson!""Is that all you think of? Revenge," her mother snarled, "Monica I loved that man and you have no right to hurt his family."Monica smiled at her, eyeing her mother with hatred clearly in her eyes, "So you never loved father?"Miriam shook her head blatantly, "He was a very bad person."Her daughter immediately made a threatening

Chapter eightAnna Forland watched Elizabeth helplessly.The aura of the room was tense and confusing. Her shock kept her still, not even able to console Elizabeth who was crying an ocean before her.How could the Viscount of Mareda die so suddenly?Carol Garlesh however had the blonde wrapped in her arms, consoling her slowly with pity in her eyes and voice, "It's alright my love. Stop crying."The lady in her arms looked up at her, her eyes sore from tears. Her voice came out as a faint whisper, "He was my father," she stated, as though nobody knew that.The Duchess just stood there as well. Mother and daughter seemed confused, unaware of something befitting to do. Somehow they wanted to cry too but the news was as good as unbelievable.Elizabeth had barged into the empire like a runaway bride, with her ankle length dress hovering above her feet, tears pouring from her eyes.Her Coachman followed afterwards when he noticed the lady was too broken to say a word to the Forlands.He ha

Chapter tenNormally, the rich were independent of the poor, and sometimes even turned them to part of their wealth.But when that unfortunate moment came that the cream would need help from the less affluent, it normally stirred confusion.But to Monica, it was amusing instead. She tilted her head with a grin while she watched the men, "Oh my…"Absent mindedly, she threw the bag of money back to Braxton and curtsied for the millionth time, "Well I am at your service.""You will have to join us to the empire," Peter informed her.And that was when she realized she had no horse. And what a pleasant idea she thought of then, "Can I ride with you my Lord," she asked while facing the Earl of Vetcom.Instantly, Jason huffed and pulled the straps of his animal, riding away from all of them. Well that made the lady smile in satisfaction.But then her stare travelled to a footman riding behind the Monarchs. How dare he be on a horse while she was looking for one!"Get down," she commanded.Th