Chapter 2
“But the daughter of House Croyden does not enter any man’s home through the servant’s door,” I said steadily. “I cannot go against my family’s creed
not even for love. And I would never stand in the way of Prince Edward and Lady Rowena’s affections. I ask Your Majesty to rescind the royal betrothal and release me from the engagement.”
The Queen let out a weary sigh.
*But the ladies of House Croyden have only ever wed into the royal line,” she said gently. “Cecilia, there are no other unmarried princes. I fear you’ll be wronged.”
I lifted my eyes to meet hers. “Then I beg Your Majesty to grant me to the Duke of Northmarch.”
My words seemed to shake even my mother. “What? You wish to marry the Regent?”
The Queen’s voice sharpened, each word talling like a stone. “Do you understand what you’re saying? Once my decree is issued, there’s no turning back.”
1 lowered my gaze and bowed my head. “I have no regrets.”
The Queen looked at me for a long moment, a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
You were chosen by His Majesty himself to be Crown Princess,” she said. “Among all the noble daughters of Eboncourt, none are more poised, more virtuous, more refined. To be Crown Princess is no small honor–it is a role few can bear The Prince he is a fool.”
Lady Sybilla, seated nearby, gave a thin smile. “He takes after his birth mother, clearly.”
Prince Edward had been born of Lady Moira, who died young. The Queen, childless herself, had raised him as her own. And with that, his status rose. By the King’s decree, he was named Crown Prince.
To secure his place, the Queen and the King arranged a betrothal to a daughter of House Croyden. But none of them had foreseen he would throw it all away… for Lady Rowena.
As the Queen sat lost in thought, a maid entered hurriedly,
“Your Majesty, Prince Edward waits in the antechamber. He’s brought Lady Rowena and requests an audience.”
The Queen’s brows knitted. “Bring them in.”
Prince Edward entered, pausing when he saw me. His brows drew into a frown, his voice sharp with anger.
*You came here to tattle on me
He stepped forward. “Marriage is about love. I already told you this morning–I won’t marry you: Did you really think dragging Mother into this would force my hand?”
“I thought you were better than this, Cecilia. I thought you understood dignity.grace, restraint, But clearly, you’re no different than the rest–ambitious, status–hungry, so eager for status and power you’d claw your way to the throne if you could. You’ve disappointed me.”
My mother’s face turned stone pale with fury, ready to lash back. But before she could speak, Edward pulled Rowena close by the hand and dropped to his
es before the Queen
Mother, I love Lady Rowena of House Southwell,” he said. “I ask Your Majesty to bless our union”
Quran’s one reated calm, but her eyes had turned cold.
“You are already promised to Lady Cecilia. Do you forget your father is King? His word is low. What place do you intend to leave for House Croyden if you cast diem aside or this?
Edward looked up at her, as alight with conviction.
even love.
“I want to marry the woman truly love,” he said. “Cecilia was Father’s choice, not mine. I used to believe my feelings for her were affection, ex But after meeting Howers, I finally understand what I want is a woman with fire in her soul, someone who lives freely and speaks her mind.” “I don’t want a marriage filled with resentiment. Please, Mother. Call off the betrothal and name Rowena my future Princess. Howena stepped closer, holding tight to his ang
“Your Majesty,” she said boldly. “I know he is your son. But he is not a pawn. He is a man. Doesn’t he have the right to choose whom he loves?”
The Queen gave a cold, humorless laugh “He is more than a man–he is the Crown Prince. And the Crown Princess is not merely a wife. She is the future Queen of this realinTMTM
Howes lifted her chin, defiant. “I’m not afraid of the weight that comes with that crown. I won’t embarrass him. Unlike those pampered ladies of
Experience intelligent conversations
Eboncourt–schooled to curtsy, to smile, to speak when spoken to and never think for themselves–I’ve lived. I’ve fought, I’ve ridden, I know the world beyond silk and satin. If that offends you, so be it.”
Her words were meant to belittle me
But she’d forgotten one thing.
Every woman in this room–myself, the Queen, even Consort Sybilla–was raised under the same noble code of Eboncourt.
We were the very noblewomen she so brazenly insulted
