Chapter 6

Juliana stopped wailing. She stared at me, eyes wide in utter disbelief.

She snapped, "You... you're making things up! When did I ever swindle you out of money?"

I smiled. "My dear aunt, you do have a selective memory. Three years ago, you claimed Hilda was gravely ill and needed a rare medicine to save her life. Didn't you take five thousand silver coins from me?

"I sent someone to investigate later. That medicine was only worth fifty silver coins on the market. So where did the other four thousand nine hundred and fifty silver coins end up?

"Doesn't that count as fraud? Under Eryndor law, swindling over five thousand silver coins means exile for a thousand miles."

Juliana's lips began to tremble. She never expected I'd recall such an old incident so clearly, let alone have proof.

"You're... you're making false accusations!" Juliana protested, still clinging to her last bit of hope.

"Whether it's slander or not, we'll know the truth as soon as the Magistrate's Court hears the case," I said.

I waved my hand. "Avril, go ahead."

"No!" Juliana screamed. She sprang up from the floor, clinging desperately to Avril's arm. "I'll move! I'll move right now!"

Juliana finally caved. Faced with exile or losing face, she picked the latter.

She had the servants haul out their things from my place, one by one. Silks, antiques, and paintings piled up at the door, looking like a little hill.

People gathered to watch the spectacle.

Juliana and those society ladies who'd come for the festivities had their faces flushed in embarrassment, wishing they could just disappear.

I lounged in the carriage, watching with leisurely amusement.

Once the last item was out, I signaled the guards. They locked the front gate with a heavy, echoing clang, using the padlock I'd prepared.

The key was in my hand.

I walked up to Juliana, who looked utterly defeated. "Aunt," I said.

She trembled all over, her eyes wide with fear as she looked at me.

I declared, "This manor is back in my hands now. You've got three days to return the five thousand silver coins. Pay me back every last coin, with interest. If not, I'll see you in Magistracy's Court."

With that, I turned away without looking back and climbed into the carriage.

The carriage rolled on, leaving the Montfort mother and daughter disgraced and in shambles far behind.

Avril looked vindicated. "My lady, you're incredible! Look at Juliana. She looks so pathetic."

I said, "This is just the beginning."

Hilda was Simon's weak spot. What I needed to do was strip away her defenses, thorn by thorn, until she was left with nothing of value.

I'd like to see if Simon will still treat her like she's his treasure then.

By the time I got back, it was already dark.

As soon as I stepped into Rosy Garden, I saw Simon standing in the courtyard. His expression was filled with rage.

"You went to the Montfort family today?" Simon asked, his voice tight with barely contained anger.

"Yes," I replied calmly.

He questioned, "You kicked them out?"

I retorted, "That place was mine to begin with. I just took back what belonged to me. How is that 'kicking them out'?"

"Celina!" Simon's voice suddenly shot up. "Do you realize what you've done? Now, Hilda and the Montfort family can't even show their faces in Lanercost! How will they live after this?"

I looked at him, finding it ridiculous. I said, "Simon, do you feel sorry for her now? When people were gossiping about Hilda, you felt sorry for her. What about me?

"These past few days, all of Lanercost has been buzzing with rumors, making me out to be some poisonous shrew. Where were you then? Did you ever speak up for me, even once?"

Simon was struck silent by my questions. He avoided my gaze, his eyes flickering restlessly.

"It's not the same..." he muttered.

I pressed, "What's so different? Is it because she's delicate, because she cries, because she brings out your protective side?

"And just because I'm strong and level-headed, does that mean I deserve to be hurt by you and misunderstood by everyone else?"

Simon's face flashed with discomfort. I could tell I'd struck a nerve.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He said, "Let's not talk about this. Celina, I'm begging you. Please, just leave Hilda and the Montfort family alone.

"They're just innocent, vulnerable women. If you have any grudges, blame me instead."

He spoke with such self-righteousness. He acted like he was some tragic hero bearing the weight of love, while I was the villain making trouble.

I laughed. "Your Highness, you're missing the real point here. I've never targeted anyone."