"Don't you dare lay a finger on him." Penny's voice rang out, firm and authoritative.
The guards froze. The whips in their hands dropped to the floor with a dull thud.
They lowered their heads instantly. "W-We're sorry, Miss Penny," they said in unison, their voices trembling.
Ariana's eyes widened in disbelief.
What did they just call her?
Miss?
Penny?
A laugh nearly escaped her lips. They had no right to bow to Penny. She's nothing but a useless girl, a bastard, and an unwanted person.
"Are you all insane?!" Ariana's shrill voice cracked like glass. "What do you mean by sorry? She's no one! I gave you the orders. Not her!"
She turned to the guards, fire blazing in her eyes. "Continue. I said beat him until I say stop."
One of the guards swallowed hard and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Miss Ariana… but Miss Penny has spoken. We were told Master's wife must be respected above all."
Ariana's face twisted in rage. Respected?
