Chapter 36
“Jessica, don’t be rude!” the Queen chided lightly. But when her gaze fell on Jessica, there was an unusual gleam in her eyes.
She spoke slowly, “It’s just some rumors going around. Why make such a fuss? There will always be busybodies, and if you let a few careless words from others push you to despair, how many times would you have to die to prove your innocence?”
At last, the King understood and let out a dismissive grunt. He was never interested in such matters. “If it’s just gossip, why take it to heart? Everyone, get up.”
The Queen smiled. “Yes, it’s just people talking. Jessica, don’t let it bother you. The innocent will remain clear, and no one will believe the rumors.
“I thought the same,” Jessica replied. “I didn’t pay any attention to it. But just now, Miss Mcbride pulled me here and insisted I prove my innocence.” “What?” A flash of excitement crossed the Queen’s face. She thought, ‘Jessica really doesn’t disappoint me. This night is shaping up to be interesting
But she feigned shock and asked, “Miss Mcbride? Who is she to demand that you prove your innocence?”
The King’s gaze, however, shifted to the woman standing beside Waldo.
She was plain–looking, unremarkable even compared to the palace maids, and certainly no match for the breathtaking beauty of Jessica. The difference was striking–like night and day.
The Queen had already begun questioning, so Waldo could no longer ignore the situation. He hurriedly responded, “Father, Mother, she… is Priscilla.” He glanced at Priscilla.
Priscilla seemed to understand at last and quickly added, “I am Priscilla.”
“Father, when I pacified the Mcbride clan, she-”
“Is it you who dragged Jessica here and insisted she prove her innocence?” The King’s face darkened, his anger barely concealed. “You certainly have some nerve.”
The sharp words made Waldo and Consort Adele’s hearts sink in shock.
Just as Waldo was about to explain, Priscilla suddenly lifted her head, meeting the King’s gaze, her tone unexpectedly proud. “Your Majesty, Prince Waldo and I are in love. We have already secretly pledged ourselves to each other for life-”
“Priscilla, be quiet!” Waldo urgently interjected.
But Priscilla didn’t seem to think she had done anything wrong.
“Your Majesty, I have always been sincere with Prince Waldo. What’s wrong with wanting his sincere affection in return? If Your Majesty has ever loved a woman, you would understand that you wouldn’t want anyone to come between you two.”
The imperial garden was vast, and the breeze rustled through the leaves. Apart from that, the night was eerily silent. Everyone present was lost in their own thoughts.
Priscilla’s words were truly bold. Not many would have the courage to speak so freely in front of the king, especially a fragile woman.
Yet, for some reason, hearing her words felt… off. Even the King seemed stunned–nobody had ever spoken to him like that.
Priscilla had finished speaking; neither Waldo nor Consort Adele could stop her in time. Both grew increasingly uneasy, but neither dared to speak up.
After what seemed like an eternity, a soft voice broke the silence beneath the moonlight. “The love between Prince Waldo and Miss Mcbride is certainly enviable, but if the two of you wish to pledge your hearts to each other, why drag an innocent person into this?”
Jessica looked at Priscilla and Waldo, her eyes filled not with anger, but with sorrow and despair. “Your love is perfect, but what about me—the one who
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Chapter 36
was dragged here to prove my Innocence?
“How will I face the whispers of everyone for the rest of my life? You two are in love and determined to be together, but does that mean 1, the one who unloved, should die?”
AD
