Chapter 2
Upon hearing the words “a student’s duty,” Edmund’s face went ashen. He staggered back a few steps, unable to hide his shock.
In my previous life, I had been so
naive, unable to see the contempt in his eyes, mistaking his cold compliance for affection.
On our wedding night, he lured me to bed with a couple of marzipan sweets, coaxing me to rest early in the bridal suite. But in the next room, he pulled Eleanor into his arms, their muffled sounds of passion spilling into the night.
Eleanor leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper. “Edmund, what if someone
De smirked, barely glancing up. “Don’t sweat it.
She’s clueless. Even if show
her? Laced. She’s out cold for hours.
“Focus, baby…”
us like this?”
in, she’d think we’re just messing around. Plus, those sweets I gavè
They scoffed at me, naming me simple, while in secret they made a jest of my bed, reveling in their deceit. They thought me blind to their treachery, fool lost in ignorance.
Little did they know, a day would come when my wits would sharpen, and I would see their betrayal laid bare.
He loved Eleanor with all his heart. As for me, I would release him to her.
Father, gazing at me with an air of approval, said, “My dear, you have blossomed into a lady of great grace. Speak your wish, and it shall be granted.”
“Edmund, Eleanor? is it not fitting to offer thanks to your princess?”
a
Though today’s banquet was ostensibly for my selection of a suitor, it was also a spring celebration. The ladies were seated in the depths of the garden, far from the main festivities.
At my father’s command, a servant hastened to fetch Lady Eleanor. She entered, her countenance alight with subtle triumph. Yet she neglected the
courtesies due a princess, only kneeling after repeated prompting, her movements graceless and hurried.
Her lack of composure and poise immediately drew murmurs of disdain from the crowd.
“What kind of upbringing does the Grantham family have? A noblewoman who cannot execute a proper curtsy? Her grace is scarcely better than a cloistered rustic!”
“Her mother was a maid, after all. What noble qualities can be expected from a woman raised in such a manner?”
Eleanor’s face turned bright red, her hands shaking as she cast a helpless glance toward Edmund, silently pleading for assistance. But Edmund stood unmoving, his eyes trained firmly on me. Not a single word of defense passed his lips.
Once Father left his seat, the nobles slowly dispersed.
Meanwhile, I was surrounded by the eager suitors, enjoying their flattering attention.
Later, Edmund approached, offering me a blooming begonia. His eyes, faintly reddened, betrayed unease, and his usually firm voice wavered. “Princess, when did you come to such clarity of mind? Why conceal it from me? And why issue a decree binding me thus?”
“You swore your heart was mine alone–was that mere falsehood?”
Before I could respond, a nobleman voiced his displeasure.
“Princess, you just granted Lord Blackthorn a marriage, yet here he is, coming to court you, while his bride is left to wait. What is the meaning of this?” “Indeed! Princess just stated she has no romantic feelings for Lord Blackthorn. He should stop pursuing her, for the bond between master and pupil is one of honor, not love.”
Edmund ignored them, his gaze fixed solely on me, as though searching my face for answers.
I was confused. In my previous life, he had been completely devoted to Eleanor. They secretly carried on their illicit relationship, and now, when I had set them free by arranging their marriage, Edmund seemed upset.
Ilet out a soft smile. “Lord Blackthorn, you know well that in my past life, I was a fool. The things I said were meaningless then.”
Edmund froze, his face registering a brief moment of panic.
“Princess, surely you’ve only heard rumors about me and Lady Eleanor. Are you angry with me?”
“I have always only admired her… Please, do not misunderstand.”
Chapter 2
