Chapter 4
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 “Earl Sterling really does dote on Miss Vivian…”
“He does indeed. I heard when she was poisoned days ago, Earl Sterling even went to the princess’s castle himself…”
The whispers suddenly died away.
All eyes drifted to Lena–but she acted as though she hadn’t heard a word, sipping her coffee in silence.
“Just painting Easter eggs is a little dull,” someone suggested suddenly. “Why not make it fun with a talent show?”
envy.
Someone quickly chimed in, “With Princess Lena here, who dares show off? I still remember the flamenco dance at her birthday banquet–it was breathtaking…”
Clink-
The glass in Ethan’s hand trembled, spilling red wine.
Chapter 4
He looked up sharply at Lena, his eyes full of disbelief.
She could dance flamenco too?
Flora’s face turned ghostly pale. Her fingers clenched the edge of her sleeve tightly.
Lena glanced lazily in their direction, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“1 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.
“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…”
