"She kicked me in the stomach too. It hurts so badly now. You have to stand up for me and our child." Celeste clutched at Ferris, her voice pitched to carry.
Charles Matthews, Vice-Minister of Ceremonies, sucked in a sharp breath from behind the heir. "Whoever dares harm the heir's child must be severely punished! Everyone knows how difficult it's been for the heir to produce an offspring. The heir's wife has gone too far with her jealousy."
Ferris walked toward me. I was still on my knees, pinned down by the guards.
He glanced at me once, his lip curling in disgust. "What are you dressed like? You look nothing like the heir's wife."
I had just returned from my pilgrimage, still wearing plain robes. The simplicity of my appearance only deepened his contempt.
Celeste burrowed into his arms. "My lord, I was so frightened. She truly meant to kill me. Our child and I nearly never saw you again."
Ferris looked down at me. "Wretched woman." Then he drove his foot into my body. I fell backward, and the veil slipped from my face.
Celeste let out a little gasp and pressed closer to Ferris. "No wonder you don't care for the heir's wife. Look at her. She looks even older than you."