I braced myself against the wall, barely upright. "So you'd rob me of ever having children again?"
Milton let out a short laugh. "Now that's unfair. Lola was the one who laced the food. Lola was the one who decided you wouldn't keep the child. I merely... mentioned the idea."
I stared at him, nails digging into my palms until I felt skin break.
He rose and walked over to me. "Though, you should count yourself lucky the child isn't yours. Imagine it growing up and calling me 'Father.' How would you stomach that?"
"Bring the tonic over. Make her drink it. Help build up her strength."
The guards pried my jaw open and forced the liquid down my throat. I recognized the taste. Severance Root.
I thrashed, tried to spit it out, but they held me fast, fingers clamped around my face.
Milton crouched in front of me and patted my cheek, slow and deliberate, every touch a humiliation. "Can't have you coveting Lola down the line. Can't have you producing more heirs and stirring up trouble."
"My wedding's in two days. Still need to go try on my Golden Circlet. If you'll excuse me."
As he stood, the jade pendant at his waist swung into view. He made no effort to hide it.