Lena had just opened her mouth when Ethan, as though not caring to hear her response, spoke first.
“The situation was dire. I’ve already asked for punishment. If the princess is still angry, put your anger on me.”
He paused, his eyes growing cold.
“But please, don’t take it out on Flora. And… don’t harm her again.”
He held the whip out with both hands, as if saying–if you’re still not satisfied, take it out on me yourself.
Lena looked at the blood–stained whip and suddenly laughed.
“You love her that much?”
“Yes,” Ethan said without hesitation.
“She’s the one who told you I poisoned her?”
Ethan was silent for a moment before replying, “This has nothing to do with Flora.”
“Just answer yes or no.”
“…Yes.”
Lena’s nails dug into her palm.
“So between me and her, you chose to believe her?”
“Yes.”
Three cold affirmations. Each one cut like a knife, shattering the last trace of hope in her heart.
Just then, a guard rushed in to report, “My Lord, Miss Vivian has awakened. She’s crying and asking for you.”
Relief flooded Ethan’s face. He gave Lena a quick bow.
“I must go.”
He turned and walked away without looking back.
Lena stared in the direction he’d gone, her voice quiet.
“Mistaking glass for a gem… Ethan, I’ll be waiting for the day you regret this.”
While recovering, Lena kept to her chambers.
She didn’t step outside until an invitation to the Easter banquet arrived.
At the banquet, Ethan came too–bringing Flora with him.
Though they weren’t seated together, Ethan attended to her every need.
He poured her wine, offered her a handkerchief when she sweated, all with such tenderness that it made the noble ladies at the table burn with envy.
Chapter 4
“Ear Sterling really does dote on Miss Vilen
“He does indeed I heard when she was poisoned Gays ago, Ear Starting man want to the princess’s caste timeet
The whispers suddenly died away
All eyes drifted to Lena–but she acted as though she hadn’t heard a word, sipping her collas in stance
“Just painting Easter eggs is a little coll someone suggested suddenly. “Why not make it fun with a Salent sh
Someone quickly chimed in, “With Princess Lana here, who dares show off I remember the flamenco dance a het birthday banquet–it was breathtaking
Chok
The glass in Ethan’s hand trembled, spilling red wine
He looked up sharply at Lena, his eyes full of diabetes
She could dance flamenco too?
Flora’s face turned ghostly pale. Her fingers clenched the edge of her sleeve figy
Lena glanced lazily in their direction, a faint site tugging at her lips.
“I wasn’t lucky enough to see that banquet myself someone said, cheering
“Would we have the honor of witnessing Princess elegance today
Voices of agreement followed one after another.
Under Ethan’s stunned gaze, Lena rose slowly from her seat.
“Of course,”
Just as she was about to begin her dance, Flora let out a sudden cry and knocked over her wineglass, drenching herself in red wine.
“Ethan…” she whispered tearfully.
Ethan immediately stood up.
“Excuse me.”
He left the banquet with Flora in a hurry–and did not return even after Lena had finished her dance.
After the banquet ended, Lena stood alone by the lakeside.
“Your Highness.”
Flora’s voice came from behind her.
Lena turned, surprised to see that Flora hadn’t curtsied this time. She let out a soft chuckle.
“What’s this? Dropping the act already?”
Flora bit her lip, then suddenly knelt
Chapter A
“Your Highness, have you… found out the truth?”
“Found out what?” Lena asked, feigning innocence.
“I’m guilty!” Flora kowtowed hard, her forehead striking the ground. “It was I who led Earl Sterling to believe the wrong
person. I deserve to die!”
Her eyes were red, her voice choked with emotion.
“I’m not the chancellor’s first–born child. I lost my mother young, and survived under a stepmother’s cruelty. Life has been
bitter. I’ve never asked for much–only Earl Sterling. I beg you to let him go and spare me the truth…”
“In all the realm, there is no man you cannot have,” she sobbed.
“Please, I beg you–let me have Earl Sterling…”
