Chapter 3
The Queen waved her hand with finality, “I understand. I’ll speak with His Majesty. You may
Prince Edward led Lady Rowena from the hall. As soon as they disappeared from view, Her Majesty turned back to me.
“Cecilia, His Majesty will soon issue the formal writ naming you Duke Northmarch’s bride. Make ready for your wedding ”
Mother and I stepped outside the audience chamber–only to be stopped at the foot of the stairs. Prince Edward stood there, jaw tight with fury.
“What did you say to my mother?” he demanded. “Listen to me, whatever schemes you’re plotting, they won’t work. I’ve already pledged myself to Rowena. We’ve made our vows. Nothing you say can change that.”
That silver brooch I gave you when we were promised to each other–I’ll have ly returned. His voice grew colder. “I know you stand to lose a lot by not becoming Crown Princess. I’ll see that you’re compensated. But don’t come running after me again.”
Iyanked my arm from his grip.
*Your Highness, I assure you, my family doesn’t beg for crowns or chase after men who toss them aside.” I said, voice steady. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’d sooner be alone than chase a man who’s already offered his loyalty elsewhere.”
Rowena gave a mocking little laugh beside him. “How I hate these prim and proper noble daughters–pretending to be above it all. Tell me, Lady Cecilia, if you truly didn’t care, would you have come crying to the Queen?”
She tilted her head, a sneer curling on her lips.
Let’s be honest–Her Majesty dislikes me, doesn’t she? That’s your doing, isn’t it?”
Then she stepped closet, her voice laced with poison.
But what are you so proud of, really? House Croyden has no military power, no battlefield glory. Me? My father is Lord General Southwell–hero of the southern front. His name alone could win me any match. What do you have?”
She didn’t stop there.
My father commands half the royal anny,” she added snugly. “If I’m wronged, do you truly think His Majesty would risk offending the man who defends his borders—for you?
I couldn’t help but laugh. Out loud.
She’d just said it openly, brazenly–that her father would use his military record to strong–arm the Crown into granting her a royal marriage. As if that wouldn’t backline spectacularly
Any noble worth their salt loew how dangerous it was for a general to let his famme cast too long a shadow. And here she was, waving it like a flag.
I didn’t have to lift a finger. Her own words would reach the King’s ears soon enough.
I took a step back, smiling coolly.
“Then may the two of you live happily ever after. And may you enjoy every moment of your bibssful little palace lite ”
Mother was trembling with fury. If I hadn’t held her back, she might’ve slapped Rowena right there in front of the royal guards.
In the carriage, she looked at me, clearly worried.
“I’ve heard the Duke of Northmarch is difficult stern. He’s twenty–two and still hasn’t married. They say he was poisoned years ago in the south. No one knows if his condition leir him… unit. Are you sure this is wise?”
I gently laid my hand over ifers.
“Don’t worry, Mother. No man, no matter his rank, will over have the power to shame a daughter of House Croyden. Trust me,TM
“And besides,” I added with a small smile, “have you noticed how every lord in court walks on eggshells around him? They respect him. Even tear him. He may be cold, but I doubt he’s wealt
“If I marry him.. even Prince Edward will have to bow when he sees at court.”
Mother finally laughed through her worry. “You naughty girl.”
That evening, when Father returned to the manor and learned what had happened at court, he snorted.
“A fool like that? Better he cuts ties now.”
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He poured a glass of wine, his voice turning contemplative.
“The Duke of Northmarch is not a man to underestimate. If anything.. this might be the best outcome for you.”
Three days later, the royal decree issued.
The engagement between House Croyden and the Crown Prince was officially dissolved
In its place, a new decree was issued–naming Lady Rowena as future bride to the Crown Prince.
The news sent ripples through Eboncourt like wildfire.
Whispers followed me through every corridor, every shop, every hall. The noblewomen watched with thinly veiled curiosity. The sons of court officials made pointed, mocking remarks ar balls.
They all thought they’d see me fall apart.
But Prince Edward had made one mistake–he broke off a royal betrothal at the eleventh hour.
And in doing so, he’d deeply offended House Croyden.
House Croyden was no minor name. Among the noble houses of the southern provinces, we carried weight–and our words held sway. The Crown Prince had severed a bond with one of the realm’s most respected lineages. And that mistake would echo through every corridor of court.
And he’d just burned that bridge to the ground.
Clapte 3
