Chapter 2

Kael was even more imposing than he'd appeared in the carriage. With chiseled brows and star‑bright eyes, a high-bridged nose, and lips pressed into a thin line, he radiated authority. Draped in a midnight velvet doublet, his presence was cold and stern, making him seem untouchable.

"Your Highness," I said, inclining my head deeply. "I'm Freya Frederick."

"You may rise," Kael said, his voice low and commanding. "So, you're the eldest daughter of the Frederick family, the one the Crown Prince broke off his engagement with?"

My body tensed up. "Yes, Your Highness."

"The one with the...fertile reputation?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I lowered my head, shame threatening to swallow me whole. "Yes... I was born this way. I've brought shame to my family."

Kael set down the book and walked over to me, his steps measured and deliberate.

He carried a fresh scent of pine mixed with the subtle aroma of ink, and for some reason, it made me feel strangely comforted.

"Raise your head," he said.

I lifted my head and met his eyes.

He stared at me for a moment, then suddenly broke into a smile. "How amusing. Most women fear they can't bear children, but you were cast aside for being too fertile."

There was no mockery in his smile, just a hint of amusement.

"Do you know why the Crown Prince called off the engagement?" he suddenly asked.

I shook my head.

"Because Minister Flynn promised that if the Crown Prince married his daughter, he'd hand over half the shipping profits from the three southern territories," Kael said, his voice calm. "Your reputation for being fertile was just a convenient excuse."

I was left speechless.

So that was the real reason...

It wasn't because I was worthless, or because I was too fertile. It was just that I was no longer of use.

The burden in my chest eased a bit, but a deeper sorrow quickly filled its place.

"I understand," I murmured. "Thank you for telling me the truth."

Kael fixed his gaze on me, his expression complicated. "Are you willing to stay at my place?"

I looked up at him in shock.

"I need a woman who can bear children," he said, not mincing words. "My grandmother is getting old, and she's been hoping for me to have descendants. If you can give me an heir, that would be a huge merit."

So that was it. He was interested in my special constitution.

I forced a bitter smile. "Aren't you worried that my lowly background will tarnish your family's reputation?"

"Reputation?" Kael let out a low chuckle. "If I cared about reputation, I wouldn't be standing at the pinnacle of power today."

At that moment, as I met his confident, proud gaze, I suddenly felt as if fate was giving me a second chance.

A chance for revenge. A chance to start anew.

"Yes, I am willing, Your Highness," I heard myself say.

That first night at the Regent's manor, I could not sleep peacefully.

My dreams kept replaying the day Rylen broke off the engagement, guests murmuring and gossiping, my father's grim face, my stepmother and half-sister's smug looks, and Rylen's cold words ringing in my ears. "Freya, you're not worthy."

I woke up in a cold sweat, the first light of dawn just peeking through the window.

Lily tiptoed in. "You're awake? The Dowager Duchess wants to see you."

I was taken aback. The Dowager Duchess Genevieve was Kael's grandmother, a woman who had been personally bestowed the highest honor by the late emperor and the most revered matriarch within the Regent's manor.

"I'll go freshen up right away," I said, quickly getting out of bed.

Genevieve lived in the Everpeace Hall on the east side of the manor.

When I entered the hall, an elderly woman with silver hair sat in the seat of honor, calmly fingering a string of polished wooden beads.

She looked gentle and kind, nothing like the intimidating figure I'd imagined.

"So, you're the girl Kael brought back?" Genevieve said, her gaze was sharp, but not unpleasant.

"Your Grace," I said, bowing respectfully. "I am Freya."

"You may rise. Come here, let me take a good look at you," she said.

I stepped closer, and Genevieve took my hand, carefully studying my face before brushing her fingers lightly over my wrist.

"You have such a blessed countenance," she nodded. "I heard you were born with a reputation for being especially fertile?"

My cheeks flushed. "Yes... Sorry if it's embarrassing, Your Grace."

"Embarrassing?" Genevieve laughed. "This is a blessing, not something to be ashamed of. All I want in my old age is to see this estate filled with children and laughter. Kael lost his parents at a very young age, and he's always been a bit reserved. He's already twenty-five, and he still doesn't have any children."

She patted my hand. "Freya, if you bear him an heir, you'll do our family a great kindness."

I froze for a moment.

No one had ever considered this trait of mine a blessing.

To the Frederick family, it was a disgrace. To Rylen, it was something shameful. To everyone else, it was nothing but a joke.

Only this elderly lady in front of me saw it as a true blessing.

"Wouldn't you mind my humble background, Your Grace?" I asked quietly.

"What does your background even matter?" Genevieve replied, waving it off. "I was just the daughter of a minor official when I joined this family through marriage. Plenty of people said I wasn't worthy. But look at me now."

Her eyes were bright and clear. "In this world, people care little for how you get by, only for what you achieve. If you can carry on our family line, that will be your greatest merit."

Just then, Kael walked in.

"Grandmother," he said, and bowed.

"Kael, you're just in time," Genevieve said with a smile. "I was just chatting with Freya. She's a good one, so you'd better take good care of her."

Kael glanced at me. "I understand, Grandmother."

"Good," Genevieve gave a satisfied nod. "I'm tired now. Off you go, then."