Heir to the throne 4

Posted by Admink, ? Views, Released on July 11, 2025

Chapter 4

Word had it that Lord Southwell had been bragging across every campfire and war table–that his daughter was soon to be Crown Princess.

Military men might win battles, but they were rarely good at court politics. And yet, the General strutted around like he’d already conquered the royal court, not just the battlefield

At a feast, he was overheard roaring with laughter, tankard in hand.

“Those book–bound nobles at court? What use are they? Do they command battalions? No. I hold real power. Even the King weighs my victories carefully before speaking. And the Prince? Hah! He’ll thank me for marrying my daughter–he’ll owe me his future.”

That statement didn’t take long to reach the King.

Word drifted through the royal apartments: His Majesty shattered more than one goblet in his fury. Her Majesty, grim–faced, said nothing for a long while before quietly sighing, “He isn’t even blood of mine. If he insists on ruining himself, let him.”

Meanwhile, 1 had no interest in palace drama, I was far too busy preparing for my wedding.

Daisy and I went down to the Black Obsidian Scriptorium. I’d heard the scriptorium had just received a new shipment of vellum and artisan inks–perfect for a writing set, I thought the Duke might appreciate such a gift,

I was speaking to the shopkeeper when a sharp voice sliced through the air behind me,

“Wrap up all the fine vellum in a box. I’m buying every last sheet.

I turned. There stood Rowena–dressed in a bold crimson riding cloak, whip still in hand, smirking like she’d just taken a castle.

“Oh, Lady Cecilia,” she drawled, “didn’t see you there. Sorry, but I’m afraid I’ll be talding all the vellum today,”

I gave a slow smile. She clearly had no idea how this worked.

“There’s a bit of an unspoken rule here in Eboncourt,” I said sweetly. “Fine vellum has to be paid in coin. If you can afford it, of course–please, go right

shead.”

With an arrogant toss of her head, Rowena slammed a silver note onto the counter. “One thousand crowns. Keep the change.”

A ripple of laughter swept through the shop.

“Gods, is she serious?”

“She thinks a thousand crowns can buy out the entire scriptorium?

“She’s lucky if that covers a single box”

“And she calls herself the next Crown Princess?”

Rowena’s face darkened. She turned to the shopkeeper, voice sharp. “How much for all of it, thon?”

The man, sweating now, stammered, “To buy out our vellum stock? That would be thirteen thousand, my lady”

She slapped the counter. “Are you mad? For paper? That’s extortion! I could have the royal treasurer revoke your trading license,” think this little shop matters more than the Crown Prince’s favor?”

He turned pais, trembling “Please, my lady those are fair prices. Everyone here knows. I wouldn’t dare overcharge truly!” I stepped in

in, tone calm. “So? Will you be buying everything, Lady Rowena? Or shall we move along? The others are still waiting.”

she snapped. “You

Her cheeks turned crimson. She pointed at me, her voice shrill. “This is your doing! You set this up to humiliate me, you evil, scheming–You lost the Prince to me and now you’re trying to get revenge in public!”

I opened my inch,

, but before I could speak, Edward stormed into the shop.

He wrapped a protective arm around her and glared at in “Rowena isn’t playing games, Cecilia. She doesn’t know how to scheme or twist words. She’s honest. And that’s why I chose her. There’s nothing more to say

“She’s purely innocent. You balted her into this, made her look toolish, and for what? To feed your pride?”

“You could’ve used that sharp mind for something worthy. But instead, you turn every glance, every gesture, into a weapon. You twist kindness into cruty. That’s not strength–It’s polson.”

“You’ve disappointed me, Cecilia. There was a time I thought I could still find a place for you in my retinue–perhaps even as a lady of honor once Rowena and I were wed. But now? That door’s closed.”