Chapter 32

The Accidental Rescue:

The frigid winds blasted over the rushing river as Arnold waited on the shore, watching the woman struggle against the powerful currents. His lips pinched into a narrow line. He turned to his soldiers and said, "Do not save her. Let her be. But as the woman's head vanished beneath the churning waters, Arnold felt something stirring inside him. Without hesitation, he sprang into the river, his powerful figure slashing through the frigid waters. Pushing against the inexorable tide, he grabbed the woman and dragged her limp body to the land. Coughing and gasping, the woman opened her eyes to see Arnold's icy glare. "What do you want from me?" she inquired, her voice shaking. Arnold maintained an indifferent expression as he hauled her to her feet. "You, my dear, will be the mother of my heir," he asserted emphatically. The woman's eyes widened in shock. "Through intercourse?" she inquired, her tone just above a whisper. Arnold shakes his head. "No, not during inter