A few days later, the people of Gube sued for peace. Prince Edward was pleased to receive the news. He led the team to attend the peace talks. Knowing that Nixel could not continue the war either, he did not demand much from Gube, only that they pay tribute to Nixel.
The peace talks went smoothly this time; Gube didn’t play any tricks. Prince Edward was also wise enough not to show weakness, even though he knew they couldn’t continue fighting.
After everything was settled, it was time to return to the royal city. That morning, they prepared to depart with the royal army reinforcements led by Prince Edward. As usual, Anastasia was to shared a carriage with Rosa and Miss Magdalene.
Although she had recovered, she still pretended to be weak. After all, people needed to know and remember her role in the war.
Among the soldiers, her contribution wasn’t hidden. Someone had even spread the story of her almost being kidnapped and how she fought to the death with Gube spies. Though these men were not afraid of dying, they understood that if Anastasia had been captured that night, their victory would have meant nothing.
Anastasia’d brave act had won many hearts.
After all, they couldn’t act as they pleased if Anastasia was in Gube’s hands. Whether the prince favored her or not, she was his wife, and abandoning her would be seen as a sign of weakness. So they praised her courage and believed she was fit to be their next queen.
"That female physician, I thought she was the princess’s personal physician? How did she get to ride in her own carriage?" Anastasia overheard a soldier’s voice outside. She pursed her lips. She wasn’t in charge of the return arrangements, so she hadn’t known Dorothy had been given a private carriage. But she wasn’t surprised either.
"Don’t you know?" another replied. His voice was lower. These men didn’t usually gossip, but given the good mood in camp, it was inevitable.
"Know what?" the first man asked. Anastasia had the urge to go out and see which men were gossiping.
"Lower your voice. I heard that being the princess’s personal physician is just a cover; she’s the prince’s mistress," the second said. Though his voice was low, Anastasia heard him clearly.
"Mistress? But I thought the prince could only take a mistress one year after marriage or at least after the princess gets pregnant?" the first man asked, clearly puzzled. As the crown prince, he was expected to set a good example.
"Exactly. That’s why she has the fake identity of the princess’s physician..." There was a pause. The man looked both ways and, seeing no one nearby, continued. "There are also rumors she visits the crown prince’s tent often."
"Well, maybe those are baseless rumors. She could be delivering something for the princess or treating the prince’s injuries," the first man said. But even he sounded doubtful.
The second man sneered. "I heard there was no need for the princess to take such a risk and lure out the Gube spies. The female physician has a similar body structure and could have been used to deceive them. But the prince was unwilling to let her take that risk. Even a fool can tell she’s his beloved."
"Ah! So the princess had to risk her life herself..." the first man began, but the second quickly covered his mouth.
"Careful! Don’t repeat this to anyone. I overheard two colonels talking. I do not wish to lose my head," he warned. Anastasia listened as they walked away and suddenly felt bitter.
She had asked the prince to find a substitute, but he claimed there wasn’t time. She hadn’t expected him to favor Dorothy so much.
"Your Highness," Rosa said. She was present in the tent, helping Anastasia get ready for the journey. She had heard the soldiers’ words and was furious.
At most, Dorothy was just a mistress. When had it ever been heard that a man would value a mistress’s life over that of his wife? It was truly unjust. Her mistress had even suffered injuries and was nearly killed. The more Rosa thought about it, the angrier she became on her mistress’s behalf.
"It’s fine. She’s only a mistress; I am the wife. Just stay away from her," Anastasia said calmly. According to her dream, the prince had dared to kill her because of a mistress. Now, he already valued Dorothy’s life more than hers. She didn’t want Rosa getting into trouble trying to vent her anger. Rosa was the only servant she could trust.
Just like in her dream when she became queen, many maids who once claimed loyalty abandoned her as soon as she fell out of favor. Only Rosa stayed until the end. Since reality was beginning to mirror that dream, she now viewed it as a divine warning. She planned to build her power slowly gather loyal servants and earn a good reputation so the prince would not be able to discard her so easily like in the dream. Nothing must happen to Rosa or her reputation.
"Your Highness, it’s time to leave," Miss Magdalene called from outside the tent.
"Come in," Anastasia replied. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ Nove1Fire.net
Miss Magdalene entered the tent. Together, they helped Anastasia into the carriage.
"Your Highness, there are two carriages this time. I will ride with Physician Dorothy. You’re still weak, and traveling is hard on you. Three people would make this carriage too crowded," Miss Magdalene said. Her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear.
Miss Magdalene had sensed that Dorothy was trying to shed her identity as Anastasia’s physician. If she rode in a private carriage today, rumors would spread. Since the prince had arranged the carriage for her, Miss Magdalene chose to ride with her instead.
Anastasia looked at Miss Magdalene and understood her intentions. With Miss Magdalene in the carriage, the implications would shift.
"All right. I’ll ask Rosa to call for you or Physician Dorothy if I need anything," Anastasia replied, cooperating with Miss Magdalene.
Anastasia had a good impression of her. Despite Anastasia’s poor treatment in the Duke’s residence, Miss Magdalene never looked down on her.