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The carriage rocked upon the forest floor as the neighs of May drifted through the air.
Marshel loosened his buttons nervously as he heard the two ladies enjoying the ride.
Jocosa's eyes rested upon the dimmed scenery as Shelton remained quiet holding a couple of items.
"Sister! Look at the snow! It's so wondrous, is it not?" She gushed.
"Yes, Jocosa it is, but settle down. That's not how a lady conducts herself," Shelton lightly scolded the girl into settling in her seat.
"Yes, of course," Jocosa muttered.
"Good," Shelton smirked.
"Wait, sister why are we so far from the castle anyways? I know my parents don't want me venturing out very far," Jocosa mused.
"I have a surprise for thee, and I know how much you've wanted out of those confining walls. And I myself could also use some fresh air," Shelton covered her lie well, "So I had Marshel set something up for us to do, just up ahead."
This night was far from sweet intentions.
"Oh gosh! You're so sweet, why thank you! But I don't want you to get in trouble!" Jocosa gasped loudly.
"It is you who is too sweet, don't worry about such things," Shelton perked up a kind smile rubbing the younger girl's hand consolingly.
"Oh and before I forget I bought some treats along with us," Shelton reached into the seat next to her and pulled a basket into Jocosa's sight.
"Plenty of treats and drinks for us to enjoy," Shelton winked playfully.
"Oh my!" Jocosa squealed in excitement as she picked up the dainty basket. "You went all out! Thank you, big sister!"
A few moments go by as the carriage comes to a halt. "Lady Bloodworthe, we must walk from here. It's unsafe for the carriage as it is too wide."
"Open the door and let us out then," she slid the words through her gritted teeth. She would have preferred a cleaner escape as she dumps the girl's body in the woods but if this is the obstacle within her path then so be it. Both girls' allowed their heels to make contact with the crunchy ground. Alas, there they are.
There is a cleared area with precious blankets protecting them from the freezing forest ground. "Come and sit," Shelton beckoned the younger over to join her on the ground.
They waste no time opening the basket to reveal the treats inside.
Shelton grabbed two glass cups and a particular vial and bottle containing alcoholic contents. She poured their drinks while slipping a little something extra into Jocosa's cup.
"Here drink up!" Shelton handed her the glass with a cheerful, deceiving expression. Jocosa accepted the drink full of gratefulness and slipped the spiked contents down her throat.
And didn't take long for the concoction to take effect as her words began to slur.
"Sister... I don't feel so well," she mumbled as she attempted to grasp onto Shelton for support. But was shoved off quickly onto the cold fluff next to them.
"Serves you right," she murmured slyly.
"What's going on?" Jocosa asked as the fear caused her heartbeat to quicken.
"What's happening?" Shelton repeated tauntingly as she stood to her feet. "What's happening is I'm finally getting rid of a thorn in my side. You don't think I can't see through you? I want to marry your brother one way or another. It seems I chose the other way."
She crept closer and grabbed Jocosa's chin to gain dominance as she peered into her fluttering eyes. "Rest your eyes, little one. Don't fight it."
Jocosa jumps from her slumped position and grabs at her heaving chest. Who was that?
ns 15.158.61.51da2
