Prince Edward was shocked by his father’s words, but then he realized that perhaps this was all meant to give the soldiers courage. After all, as a man who had just married, he should be somewhat reluctant to leave his bride.
"Okay, Father," Prince Edward agreed with an awkward smile. He knew his father hated being questioned more than anything.
When King George saw his son’s reaction, he felt relieved. In truth, the messengers had arrived shortly after Prince Edward returned to the bridal chamber. However, the king had thought it unwise to summon him immediately, so he had spent several hours consulting his advisors before making a decision.
The king rarely acted on his advisors’ words alone. He would only make a decision after seeking guidance from the royal seer. Usually, urgent matters were relayed through messages sent by birds. However, since the old temple had been opened, the seer had stayed behind in the palace.
Mostly, this was because the king’s life was nearing its end, and it was thanks to the seer’s abilities that he was still breathing. The seer had agreed that the Crown Prince should lead the army, but he had insisted that Anastasia must see him off at the gates of the royal city.
"Your Majesty, your son has missed the most important night with that lady. Remind him to fulfill his duty as a husband," the seer warned.
Though he did not elaborate, the king understood the weight of his words. He was also surprised that his son had not consummated the marriage.
Anastasia was a beautiful woman; it should not have been difficult for the prince to perform his duties. Now, looking at the awkward expression on Prince Edward’s face, the king could tell they might not have even shared the same bed.
"You may go now do not waste any more time," the king said, dismissing the others in the room.
His eunuch approached and assisted him back to his chamber. Prince Edward felt a pang of sorrow seeing his father so weak. With a Crown Prince in place, the king should have been able to rest easy, but his the sudden need made it impossible . Follow current novᴇls on novelFɪre.net
"Send a message to the Queen. Let her oversee all affairs for now. I do not wish to be disturbed. Only matters of great urgency should be brought to me," the king instructed as he returned to his chamber.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuch bowed, then helped him onto the bed before leaving to deliver the message.
Anastasia had not been able to return to sleep. She had stared at the window until dawn, deep in thought.
She was about to rise and freshen up when the prince returned to the bedchamber. His attire was different from the night before.
"Your Highness," she greeted, suppressing the small surge of anger within her.
She controlled herself. Even if she had connection to the Duchess and her family, she refused to throw a tantrum and let them use it against her. She would not be their puppet. Unless absolutely necessary, she would not allow them to interfere in her affairs.
In truth, her anger was not because the prince had left their chamber to visit his mistress. It stemmed from her dream.
Though a part of her still believed it was just a dream, Anastasia was beginning to feel uneasy.
Prince Edward noticed the flicker of anger in her gaze when she first looked at him. He had expected her to question why he had not returned to their bedchamber last night. After all, it had been their wedding night, and his actions were inappropriate. But to his surprise, she swallowed her anger and simply greeted him.
Seeing her act so submissive, the prince felt a twingeof guilt. Neither of them could refuse this marriage. He realized that he was at fault.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, making an effort to show her some care. His voice was unexpectedly gentle and kind, but for some reason, Anastasia found it annoying.
"The night passed quickly," she replied, her voice cold. Prince Edward noticed the sharpness in her tone she did not seem to appreciate his concern.
"Last night, an urgent message arrived from the northern border," Prince Edward suddenly felt the need to explain himself.
Anastasia raised her head and looked at him. His gaze appeared sincere, but a mocking smile curled her lips.
Had she not woken up in the middle of the night, she might have believed his lie.
The prince had been gone for at least four hours before the king had summoned him. He had not been in his study or his courtyard, dealing with military affairs. If he had been, then when the messenger arrived, the horse that left shortly after the messenger left, should have been heading toward the front hall; not toward the east.
"Oh..." she dragged out the word, making it clear she did not believe him.
Prince Edward felt irritated.
"I will be leaving for the northern border this morning," he said. "The king hopes you will accompany me to the croyal city gates."
He mentioned the king because he worried that Anastasia would refuse out of anger. Then, he took the time to explain that it was all meant to boost the morale of the soldiers.
"I understand," Anastasia said.
Even though she found him irritating, she knew she had to fulfill her duties as his wife.
"I will send the servants to assist you in getting dressed," Prince Edward said before leaving the room.
Anastasia took a deep breath, thinking back to her dream.
If she had been ignorant of his actions, she might have believed his words.
Since the old queen in her dream was herself, she knew that she would be easily swayed by kindness. she might have fallen for his charms and eventually loved him.
After all, Prince Edward was a charmer.
Even though many parts of her dream remained unclear, standing before him now made her reconsider cause and effect.
Anastasia sighed again.
She was now married to the prince, but she refused to suffer the same fate as in her dream.
The thought crossed her mind for only a split second before she pushed it aside.
She had neither money nor power. If she failed in her escape, the prince’s wrath might result in a far worse fate.
"Your Highness," a voice called out.
The two maids from yesterday had entered the room.
"Where is my personal maid?" Anastasia asked.
She was not willing to trust strangers.
"The maids you brought with you must undergo seven days of training to learn the palace rules before they can return to your service," one of the maids explained.
Anastasia felt at a loss but had no choice but to accept it.
The royal household was different from others. This was likely a standard training process.