Chapter 4
The road from the clinic to the palace wasn't long at all.
But for Audrey and Lydia, it felt like a death march—every step heavier than the last.
Grace led the way, boldly waving her hand and flashing her signet ring, as if she owned the place.
The royal guards spotted Grace, this notorious troublemaker, and didn't dare stop her. They could only watch as we strode right into the palace, making a scene for all to see.
I held Lydia's hand all the way, her grip tight and clammy with cold sweat.
She kept sneaking glances back at Audrey, whose eyes were full of menace—clearly scheming something.
When we got to the royal study, we could hear heated arguments going on inside.
The chamberlain was about to announce us, but Grace just marched up and kicked the door open without a second thought.
"Father, I've brought you some fantastic news," she shouted, her voice echoing through the room.
Inside, the King was sitting on his throne, rubbing his temples.
Below him stood several top officials. Among them was the Prime Minister, Herbert Evans, the old man with a bushy beard.
When our group barged in, Herbert's brow shot up in surprise.
And when he spotted his own wife and daughter among us, he was so stunned that his beard nearly stood on end.
"How dare you! This is the royal study. What kind of racket are you causing here?" Herbert barked first.
He was trying to use his authority to intimidate everyone and seize control.
But I cut him off before he could get another word out. I grabbed Lydia and bowed in the center of the hall.
"This humble doctor, Casey Parker, greets Your Majesty," I called out, my voice clear and strong.
I dropped to one knee and bowed my head low.
"Your Majesty, I barged into the palace today to beg for forgiveness—and to seek your blessing." My voice trembled with emotion as I spoke.
The King was scowling, but when he spotted me, his eyes flashed with surprise.
He knew me. I was the Crown Prince's trusted doctor.
"Casey? Why aren't you with the Crown Prince? What are you doing here, and why did you bring the Evans family along?" the King demanded, his tone sharp.
I looked up. Right on cue, tears started rolling down my cheeks.
"Your Majesty, Lydia and I have been in love for ages. We promised ourselves to each other in secret. Now she is three months pregnant, and the Evans family is pushing for a wedding. Even though I'm just a nobody, I could never let Lydia suffer any wrong. I beg Your Majesty to bless us with a royal wedding," I pleaded, my voice trembling with emotion.
Herbert's mind buzzed with shock.
He didn't know the full story, but when he saw Audrey dodging his gaze, it hit him—the whole city must already be buzzing with this scandal.
To save face for his family, he had no choice but to play along.
He took a deep breath, put on a stern, disappointed expression, and gave a deep bow.
"Your Majesty, I failed as a father, and my daughter has brought shame to our family. But what's done is done. Since Dr. Parker saved the Crown Prince's life, I'll accept this match," Herbert said.
Lydia heard Herbert give in. A secret thrill ran through her heart. She dropped into a curtsy.
"Your Majesty, please give us your blessing. We truly love each other. I won't marry anyone but him," she pleaded.
The King's face darkened. It was almost frightening.
The Prime Minister's daughter got pregnant before marriage. And now this scandal was unfolding right before his eyes.
And now, with Franklin barely recovered, the Evans family was already trying to pull his doctor to their side. The King couldn't help but question their motives.
"Lydia." The King's voice was low and grave.
He asked, "Tell me the truth—are you certain? Is the child really Casey's?"
Lydia bowed low.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It's true. Dr. Parker and I have shared a bed. This pendant is our token of commitment," she said, her voice trembling with fear.
The King leaned in, his gaze sharp and piercing.
"Lord and Lady Evans," he said. "I'm giving you one last chance. Are you sure beyond any doubt that the child Lydia is carrying belongs to Casey?"
Audrey felt a chill run down her spine at the King's strange tone, but she forced herself to bow low.
"Your Majesty, every word is true. The pendant is our proof. If Lydia didn't love Casey with all her heart, would she have cried her heart out in the street and thrown away her reputation? May heaven strike me down if I speak a single lie," she declared.
Herbert chimed in, "I may have failed as a father, but this child truly belongs to Casey. Your Majesty, please grant your blessing."
The King banged his fist on the throne, pointing at the Evans family, then let out a bitter, mocking laugh.
"You're still trying to cover this up? Casey is a woman. Plain and simple. So tell me—how on earth could she get Lydia pregnant?" he demanded.