Hi everyone how's it going today?
I know it's been weeks since I've posted anything here and the reason is a combination of laziness and my writing focus being on this chapter. But I'm back for now and with the long awaited second chapter for this tragic tale.
As we saw last, Jemma has been confronted by her family which leaves her in a precarious position. We'll now see how that transpires and why Jemma has a genuine reason to fear her family. And so without further ado, let's get into this.
Disclaimer: I don't own "Agents Of Shield", "Jessica Jones", or their characters.
Setting: England
Location: Living Room-Simmons Mansion
Jemma stuttered for a moment, trying to figure out a way to bluff herself from her unfolding predicament.
"I was, um, well…..,"
"SILENCE!" her grandfather thundered while slamming his fist hard upon the table nearby with a resounding THUD, causing Jemma to jump in fright. "You didn't think we were aware that you've been cavorting with that boy this entire time?! Disgracing our family and status with your selfishness and deceit?!" he roared.
Jemma did her best to refrain from allowing the tears within her eyes to spill.
"You don't understand grandfather. I love him," she emotionally protested while her chin quivered to which her father responded by immediately lifting himself from his chair then marching towards her with rage before raising his hand and backhanding her hard across her face, flinging her backwards and sprawling onto the floor. Jemma gasped in pain and shock and clutched her aching and reddened face while the tears finally began to flow freely.
"Love? Love?! Do you think we will allow you to cavort with that commoner, disgracing our family, name, and reputation over something as fanciful as LOVE?! NO! We shall not permit it and you will learn your place in our great household!" her father thundered while towering over her. "As such we have prearranged a suitable marriage for you. Something we should've honestly done ages ago and especially since you've become of age in finding a husband of your station. Thankfully your shameful actions have awakened us from our erring in that responsibility of ours."
Jemma's eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?" she gasped out, unnerved by that prospective and not just because of her tremendous love and loyalty for Fitz but the terrible discomfort of the possibility of being shackled within a loveless and cold marriage. Something a number of young aristocratic women like herself were regrettably forced to endure.
"You heard your father my dear! And we are pleased to announce that the man we've betrothed you to is the powerful and honorable nobleman Wilfred Malick, the most prominent nobleman in the history of our great nation," her mother coldly responded to her then informed her with relish while sporting a proud smile.
Her daughter's reaction to this news was just the opposite as a feeling of horror washed over her.
"What? No! You can't!," Jemma exclaimed, eyes filled with fear while vigorously shaking her head in desperation. The reason being she was completely aware of Malick's reputation and particularly regarding his ruthlessness plus rumors of his cruelty. He was also known for ensuring his way always triumphed by any means necessary while those who'd tried to oppose him usually met some kind of undesirable end. Ends she'd dreaded to even imagine.
She was uncertain on how much of the rumors were correct or exaggerated but it was enough to be certain he was anything but honorable and that she had zero desire to be anywhere within his vicinity much less grant him her hand in marriage.
Her mother frowned in response to her objections and then her face morphed into an expression of severe displeasure.
"We can and we have! You shall be married to Lord Malick by the end of the week and you will know your place!" the older woman sternly countered while leaving no room for argument before snapping harshly.
Jemma stared back at her mother with betrayal and began to cry even harder though neither the latter nor anyone else present were moved by her tears, only regarding her with expressions of annoyance.
Her grandfather then spoke up once more.
"In the meantime you are to be confined to your room and you shall remain there until the day of your marriage! Your door will remain locked at all times and I will assign a guard at the door! You will only be allowed out to bathe, relieve yourself during the call of nature, and to dine with the family for morning and evening mealtimes!" he sternly stated to her while she continued shaking her head with each word. "I'm sorry my granddaughter but I cannot allow the risk of you continuing to cavort with that woodcutter and potentially compromising your virtue or worse by him absconding away with you and bringing the greatest shame upon our heads in doing so."
Once he'd finished he nodded his head towards her brother, Killgrave Simmons, who understanding the unspoken message pulled up his younger sister harshly by her hair and still maintaining his tight grasp upon it while wrenching her arm behind her and locking it in place with his painfully iron tight grasp escorted her up the stairs and to her room.
"Of all the ways you could've humiliated our family! I mean of all the bloody filthy ways you had to demean and make a mockery of us it had to involve prancing around with some pathetic little commoner! And after everything we've done for you?! Everything I've done for you?! Well I most certainly won't tolerate it for no sister of mine will be caught traipsing about with a pathetic, disgusting woodcutter. And for you my sweet sister to debase yourself that way makes you nothing as well. Oh I apologize I didn't mean that my mistake but what I meant was it actually makes you LESS THAN NOTHING!" he ranted at her the entire time before screaming at the end, causing the distraught young woman to flinch and shrink back as best she could from her brother's harshness. Something he made difficult for her due to keeping her back pressed tight against his body.
Soon they reached her room and after opening its door Killgrave roughly flung her inside and onto the floor.
"Now you stay here and think about what you've been doing my sorry excuse of a sister!" he growled at her before storming away while slamming the door behind him with a tremendous BANG. For a while Jemma just sat on the floor despondently before eventually dragging herself onto her bed then curling up into a ball before breaking down and sobbing hard into her pillow.
What has been one of her most perfect days had now been torn asunder and in just one night her world had been violently ripped from beneath her feet and trampled upon. As she sobbed and mourned she thought about her beloved Fitz and how he would react to the fact that she was to be married. That all of their dreams and desires and been shattered by the heartless and cruel actions of her family.
"Forgive me Fitz. Please forgive me," she sorrowfully whispered into the air. Hoping beyond hope that her lover would understand the position she was in and find it within his heart to forgive her. For she could not bear it if he gazed upon her with the same contempt as her family and especially if he mistakenly believed her betrayal was intentional upon her part. If only she could somehow have a message delivered to him so that he could be prepared for what was about to transpire.
With that in mind, she was now resolved to send word to him and the sooner the better lest he receive word on his own and in turn receive the wrong impression. That resolution caused the horrible ache in her heart to be partially soothed if barely.
Eventually her sobs began to subside and she found her body overcome with exhaustion due to the harrowing evening she'd just endured courtesy of her family. Before she knew it she was sound asleep. Her face stained with tears.
The Next Morning
The sun rose over the horizon and Jemma found herself roused from her slumber as its bright rays filtered into her room. Stretching out her body, her face stained from the tears she'd shed the preceding evening, she removed herself from underneath the luxurious covers and approached her still locked door before rapping her fingers against it since it was time for her to bathe. In response the door was unlocked then opened and standing on the other side was a burly looking man. He sported a menacing expression and wore a dark blue uniform.
Having received his instructions beforehand he silently escorted her to one of the bathrooms and then allowed her to enter before positioning himself in front of its door while patiently waiting for her to finish. Once she'd completed her bath she exited the bathroom wearing her white chemise after which her guard escorted her back to her bedroom where she dressed herself in a simple black gown usually worn for mourning. Both as a symbol to mourn the loss of her dreams and as a small form of rebellion towards her family.
The guard frowned in response upon seeing what she'd chosen to wear but otherwise said nothing before following her downstairs and into the dining room where her family awaited her presence. Upon seeing her they fell silent, the majority of them giving her disapproving expressions over her chosen attire and with her father and grandfather glaring severely at her though she couldn't possibly care less. Her older sister Lorelei was only bemused however and not caring either way.
"Oh I'm so sorry baby sis. Did someone tragically die?" she mocked her with faux sympathy and a pout before her face morphed into a cruel smirk. Killgrave on his part chuckled at the jibe towards their sister.
"That is quite enough you two!" Mrs. Simmons firmly spoke up, prompting the two older siblings into silence though they giggled derisively underneath their breaths.
"Nevertheless they have a point young lady. Your current attire is most improper," her uncle coldly addressed her next.
Jemma shrugged.
"Why do you care? It's not like any of you have cared about my wishes before so why start now?" she sniped at them.
"I'd advise you to show your uncle and the rest of us some respect young lady!" her father immediately reproved her which caused her to shrink back at his stern tone though her expression remained as defiant as she could muster it.
"It's no matter. Once you're wed to Lord Malick I have no doubts he'll expunge all remaining rebellious thoughts from your mind and turn you into a refined lady," her mother then said to her matter of factly which caused her to deflate as the fear from the preceding evening regarding that horrific announcement grasped ahold of her once more.
Something which Mrs. Simmons observed with a satisfied expression.
The family then continued eating as they consumed their breakfast in silence until they finished. Afterwards Jemma removed herself from the table and her guard escorted her back to her room and locked the door behind her after she'd entered it. Leaving her to spend the remaining day in depressive silence until dinnertime during which she was released to dine with them once more as promised before being transported back to her room for the evening.
Foe the rest of the week this routine continued with her room having effectively become her prison. Not allowed to go anywhere except for the bathroom and the dining table to consume her morning and evening meals with her family. As her dreaded wedding day came nearer, she used her time in isolation to immerse her mind within a picture perfect existence.
One in which she and Fitz lived in bliss together. Playing and laughing together within the forest whenever they could. Her always eagerly awaiting his return home upon the completion of his work that day. Keeping their home clean and welcoming. Raising and making wonderful memories with the energetic yet well behaved children they'd have doubtless conceived. The happy family always content while together persevering through any obstacles that might arise. Her and her love growing old together and passing whatever legacy they'd managed to create onto their children and hopefully grandchildren.
Alas, those were only dreams. And the closer her wedding drew nigh was a continuous and brutal reminder of that which made it feel as though her heart was being repeatedly stabbed.
The Day Before The Unwanted Nuptials
It was midafternoon and Jemma was currently seated at her desk next to her bedroom window as she prepared to pin her long anticipated letter to Fitz. She'd meant to accomplish this sooner rather than later. Truly she had. But the number of times she'd attempted to do so over the week only reinforced the horrible reality of her current situation which is why she'd kept procrastinating. Nevertheless she knew she could procrastinate no longer and therefore set out to do exactly what she'd resolved despite the tremendous anguish it brought to her heart.
Back and forth she kept trying to figure out what choice of words to use, trying out certain words and then balling up each sheet of paper and tossing them away. After some time she finally figured out what she wanted to say and picking up her quilt she set it upon the current blank page of paper before her.
"My darling Fitz," she began and then continued while tears streamed down her face and with what felt like the sensation of a sharp knife repeatedly piercing into her soul with each stroke of her quilt. By the time she'd completed her letter she was sobbing hysterically and her hands shook before quickly and furiously wiping her eyes and taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. Knowing that her tears and anguish would not do anything to extinguish the sorrowful existence she was about to be shoved into.
Afterwards she lifted herself from her seat and rapped her knuckles on the door alerting her guard who opened it a crack.
"Could you please summon Miss Jones to my room?" she politely requested, referring to the assistant cook and one of Jemma's closest friends. The aforementioned young brunette woman also being one of the extremely few individuals aware of her relationship with Leo.
Jemma was aware this was the time Miss Jones would be on her way to purchase the necessary ingredients for the evening meal and that was something the former was counting on.
The guard's lips were pursed, suspicious, though he nevertheless nodded in acquiescence and motioning to one of the footmen nearby instructed him to go to the kitchen and fetch the requested servant. The footman obeyed and went to the kitchen where Miss Jones was currently wrapping her shawl around her head as she prepared to leave. He then approached and informed her that Jemma was summoning her and she quickly agreed, wondering what her friend needed and desperate to see her to ensure she was alright.
When she'd heard what had happened to the Lady Jemma her heart broke for her. Yet she was but only a simple servant and therefore as much as she wanted to aid her friend in her predicament there was nothing she could do, breaking her out least of all. Something which would have surely failed and only brought down tremendous wrath upon not only herself but Jemma as well and she could not bear the thought of one of her dearest friends being placed in further trouble.
It wouldn't stop her from whispering angry mutterings towards her employers underneath her breath for what they'd done to her friend and what they were forcing her to do. Word of Jemma's wedding to Lord Malick having rapidly spread throughout the mansion.
There was none however among her employers that she despised more than Lord Killgrave. Not only because of his own cruelty towards his sister even though it was the primary source of her fury towards him at the moment. But his clearly transparent lust towards her along with the lecherous gazes he often sent her way made her skin crawl. She could not even bear to be within the same room as him.
The only reason Killgrave had not laid his hands upon her, carnally or otherwise, was because she'd formally complained to his father regarding the young man's unwanted advances. In response Lord Simmons had sternly told her off and reminded her in no uncertain terms of her place and that she wasn't in any position to raise complaints of any kind. Leaving her rattled.
Not to mention telling her in an underhanded way that his son's advances were probably her fault due to some alleged misconduct on her part. That females were only approached by males if the former group did something to invite their attention.
Nevertheless he later acquiesced and reigned in his son's behavior towards her. Not out of any concern for her wellbeing but mainly because he didn't want any of his children cavorting romantically or intimately with those beneath their class and the help especially. Image was the number one priority of the prestigious Simmons household both inside and outside of their home. That didn't stop Killgrave from continuing to harass her whenever he could and when no one was looking. Though she was grateful that so far he had yet to escalate it further than that per his father's instructions.
Shaking herself from her thoughts, Miss Jones followed the footman to Jemma's room after which the guard allowed her entry but kept the door partially open in case they wanted to try any funny business.
Seeing that they couldn't converse freely since the guard was clearly observing them and knowing they needed to be extra cautious lest their words reach the Simmons, Jemma spoke first and took the lead.
"Thank you for coming so promptly. I don't mean to be a bother but when you get to the market could you please purchase that delicious baked apple scone for me if they have any available? It's just been a long time since I've enjoyed one and it'd really be nice to indulge in it once more," she said to her brunette friend out loud and with an imploring look. One which conveyed she was requesting far more than her favorite delicacy.
"Of course milady. I'll see if there's any available and if so I'll be sure to bring you one," Miss Jones readily agreed with a bright smile. Also speaking out loud as she played along.
Jemma then pulled her closer so they wouldn't be in hearing range and they began to whisper quickly.
"How are you holding up Jemma?" her friend questioned desperately with tremendous worry etched upon her face.
"Honestly this is all so horrible Jessica and I don't know how I'm going to endure this," she answered truthfully and emotionally before her voice transitioned to a harder tone. "But one thing I shall not allow is for my family or Malick to witness my fear and emotional pain. I wholeheartedly refuse to grant them that satisfaction," she added with conviction.
Miss Jones, or Jessica which was actually her first name, nodded in understanding and a proud smile. But she still felt awful over what Jemma was currently going through.
"Is there anything I can do for you? Anything at all?" she questioned the auburn haired woman wanting to help her in any way she could.
"That's actually why I called for you. I need you to pass on this message to Fitz and before tomorrow. He needs to know about my unwanted wedding and why it's transpiring so he can be prepared," Jemma answered her while gesturing to the letter in her own hand before quickly pushing it towards Jessica who grasped ahold of it.
"I will get this to him. I promise," her friend swore to her with a determined nod while holding the letter close to her chest.
"I know Jess. You'd better go now," Jemma replied and returned her nod before gesturing towards the guard who was clearly growing impatient. The two women then shared a quick yet tight embrace before Jessica exited her friend's room and the guard closed and locked it behind her. She then turned and headed down the stairs and was headed back to the kitchen when Killgrave suddenly stepped in front of her. Blocking her path.
"I assume you're headed someplace at the present moment?" he questioned her with lifted eyebrows
"I'm just headed to the market to purchase the needed supplies for dinner tonight. As always," she answered him while doing her best to maintain a straight face and swallowing her nervousness.
Killgrave nodded.
"Of course. Of course. It is that time after all. Though I can't help but wonder as to what you and my dear sister were discussing considering you just exited her room and therefore if you're intending to do more than just head to the market," he coolly replied then stepped closer to her. Causing Jessica to gulp. He then scanned his eyes over her before noticing something poking from her dress.
"And what might that be?" he questioned her further with interest and a touch of menace while gesturing towards the pertaining concealed object.
In response she tried to quickly move past him but he was faster and quick as lighting reached forth his hand and grasped ahold of what turned out to be the letter before wrenching it from her dress. He then opened it up and read its contents, scanning over the words with growing interest. Upon reaching the end he nodded to himself then promptly shoved the letter into Jessica's hands before getting in her face.
"Listen to me very carefully. You go and do exactly what my sister has instructed you to do. Deliver this message to that woodcutter and make certain he reads it," he hissed at her while she could feel his hot breath against her face. "He's going to find out sooner or later and the sooner he does the better. Once he finishes reading my dear sister's final words to him I want you to tell him that he is not to disrupt her soon to be wedding bliss or come anywhere near her for the remainder of his days. Then impress upon him that failure to do so will lead to the severest consequences possible for him and that if he values his life he'll take heed towards my warning. Can you do that?"
Jessica in response nodded quickly while trembling.
"Excellent. Now you be on your way," Killgrave grinned then added before turning and walking away from her after which she hurried away and back to the kitchen before gathering what she needed then exiting through the door of the servants quarters and into the outside.
Out In The Forest
Fitz was currently inside of his home and getting his hearth ready to prepare dinner consisting of the deer he'd hunted along with some fresh vegetables he intended to roast. As he was gathering together the necessary ingredients there was a soft rap, rap, rap upon his door to which he got up and opening it saw Jessica standing on the other side.
"Jess?" he greeted her with a surprised yet pleased smile upon seeing one of his shared friends with Jemma. His expression then transitioned to one of concern upon seeing her distraught expression. He then gestured for her to enter to which she did before he closed the door behind them.
"What is it Jess what's wrong?" he softly questioned her with a worried frown while leading her to a chair and having her sit on it.
The young woman swallowed nervously and took a deep breath before looking up at Fitz with a sorrowful expression.
"It's Lady Jemma. I'm afraid to say that she is about to be married. She is to be wed to Lord Malik tomorrow afternoon," she emotionally answered before dropping her face into her hand with distress.
Fitz in response dropped the large spoon in his hand and it clattered to the floor with a loud THUD which emanated throughout the room. For what was only a few moments but felt like an eternity to him he stood paralyzed. Unable to move or to speak as the color drained from his face and his heart rate increased while a multitude of emotions surged through his brain at this stunning and unexpected news.
Emotions ranging from shock, confusion, bewilderment, heartbreak, a hint of betrayal, and fear. The last part due to him also being more than knowledgeable of Malick's reputation and in disbelief that his beloved would allow herself to be betrothed to such a wicked man.
He eventually found himself overwhelmed by his emotions and collapsed onto the floor and onto his knees.
"No this can't be true please tell me it's not true," Fitz emotionally repeated in stunned disbelief while continuously shaking his head in denial. Looking morose.
Jessica then got up and moving closer to him and reaching into her dress took out the letter she'd been carrying and presented it to Fitz.
"I promise this will explain everything. Yet you must believe that this is not what she desires and nor does she have any inclinations of any kind towards Lord Malick. You are the love of her life and no one else," she responded to and then implored him.
Hearing her words caused some of the current weight upon his shoulders to be lifted yet he still felt great distress that this nightmare was even happening. With trembling fingers he then unfolded the letter and lifting it towards his face began to read it as follows:
"My darling Fitz,
"Writing this brings me an untold amount of anguish but you need to know so you can be prepared for what's about to happen. It's with a heavy heart that I must inform you that our worst fears have transpired. My family not only found out about us but as it turns out they've somehow known for some time. They confronted me about it the evening I returned home from our wonderful outing and it was awful. They've since confined me to my room like a prisoner and are forcing me to be wed to that monster Lord Malick. Someone I'm certain you've heard of since his reputation proceeds him. And by this time tomorrow night I'll be his bride.
"I swear to you my love that this is not what I wanted and yet fate has conspired against us and has dealt us with this cruel hand and despite my desperate wishes to the contrary I'm afraid there doesn't seem to be any way out of this tragic situation we've been thrust into.
"I want you to know however and in no uncertain terms that this does not change what we have. You are and always will be the love of my life, the only one who holds my heart, and the other half of myself. And I will never regret falling so hard and so deeply for you and I hope you don't either.
"We are each other's soulmates and shall be forevermore and each moment we've spent together has been more than a wonderful dream that I wish we didn't have to awaken from. But no matter what you will always be my one and only.
"I also have no doubt that once you finish reading this that you will want to gallantly come to my rescue like a dazzling knight in shining armor. And while that's one of the things I love about you and my desperate desire is indeed for you to liberate me from this current prison I'm forced to endure, I must strongly implore you to restrain yourself from doing so. I know it will be hard for you to do so but you must stay away from me for your own good.
"You have to understand that my family is not only powerful but are more than used to getting their way and won't stand opposition. And I'm frightened that if you come near me then who knows what they'll do to you and I have no doubt that Malick would ensure you met a terrible demise.
"If you love me, really and truly love me if I am truly your whole world, you'll heed what I've instructed you to do and stay away from me for the remainder of our days. It may be the only thing which will preserve your life and possibly both of our lives. I know what I'm asking will be difficult for you and it will be as hard for myself but you must do this for I could not stand to be in a world without you in it.
"I will forever treasure the precious moments we've spent together and you will forever be my soulmate. And please know that you'll also forever be the only owner of my heart. But I must now bid you farewell and once more I strongly implore you not to seek me out.
"Yours always,
Jemma"
Upon its conclusion there was an endless stream of tears pouring down the cheeks of the distraught young man. Fitz's world just as shattered as Jemma's was. His arms loosely dropped downwards and the letter slipped from his fingers and onto the floor beside him. With his head bowed and his eyes cast downwards he continued to weep as he mourned the unfairness of it all.
Jessica sat back for a bit, allowing him this moment of grief, before scooting herself closer to his side after which she gently rested her hand upon his shoulder.
"There's something else you need to be made aware of. After Jemma gave me her message and when I was about to head out, Lord Kilgrave intercepted me and upon noticing it he snatched it from me and read its contents before returning it and allowing me to deliver it to you as his sister wanted. He then instructed me to also inform you that you are not to disrupt her wedding or engage in any contact with for as long as you are alive. Otherwise severe consequences would befall you. He even seemed to infer that your life may be forfeit if you didn't cooperate with his commands."
She then took ahold of his hands in a tight grasp while fixing him with an intense gaze.
"I have no doubt that a part of you wishes to disregard all of this and come charging to Jemma's rescue but I must greatly advise against it. You must understand that her family are highly ruthless and accustomed to getting what they want and won't allow anyone to sabotage them. They will do whatever it takes to destroy their opponents and Lord Killgrave especially will do all he can to ensure exactly that," she emotionally and strongly implored and warned him before continuing. "Multiple times he's harassed me and left me terrified in his wake. And you already have more than an inclination of how dangerous Lord Malick is and he would most certainly kill you if you came anywhere near Jemma. Not to mention that he and the Simmons have a number of allies and resources at their disposal making it suicidal for anyone to challenge them.
"And so I beg of you Fitz. Please, please, please don't challenge these people and not even for Jemma's sake. Otherwise she'll never forgive you for getting yourself killed or myself for standing back and allowing it. I know all of this is horrible and more than unfair but it would break her heart even further if you came to harm or met some tragic end. Instead but the only thing you can do now is to cherish the love the two of you share and to never ever lose those precious memories you created together."
Every fiber of his being wanted to disregard everything Jessica was saying and to go immediately and charge into that mansion anyway and liberate his beloved from it. Uncaring of the consequences. In fact everything within him was screaming at him to do exactly that. Yet another inner voice was strongly urging him not to do so and to instead heed hers and Jess's warnings or else there was a significant chance he'd meet a terrible fate.
Eventually however and as much as he hated it but the latter voice prevailed. Especially due to his objective understanding that Jess was more than likely correct in that Jemma would never forgive him if he got himself hurt or worse for his troubles and even for her sake. And that was something he was unable to bear.
As a result the found himself deflating as the fight drained out of him and after which he began to sob harder.
Fitz then felt a pair of arms enfolding him as Jessica pulled him close to her and held him tightly, allowing his head to rest upon her shoulder, the two of them crying together with tears now streaming down both of their faces. Fitz especially feeling hopeless and disgusted with himself that he was virtually abandoning his love to a potentially dark fate.
Little did any of them know that this was only the beginning of the nightmare they were facing. A nightmare which would continue to unfold and worsen around them as it barreled the young lovebirds towards their fate.
To Be Continued
A/N Well things are definitely deteriorating for Fitzsimmons here aren't they? And as I mentioned above but the situation is only going to worsen from here on out.
Time will tell when the next chapter will be available but for now I hope you all enjoyed this one in between hating the Simmons family for what they're doing to our sweet young couple here.
Until next time, have a great day.