The Crown Princess Wants A Divorce

Synopsis

It was my sixth year as Crown Princess, yet my husband, Crown Prince Lawrence Glover, had still never touched me. In the halls of his Eastwatch Palace, he sheltered the songstress he'd rescued from a pleasure house, a woman named Marina Reid. I kept General Thomas's necklace on my own altar. We were the kingdom's most noble couple, yet hearts and souls were worlds apart. Everything changed when the court denounced him for his lack of an heir. He pressed me into the bedchamber for three days and nights. In the flickering candlelight, his eyes held pure, icy hatred. "If not for you," he hissed, "Marina would not remain a lady's maid!" I fought back just as fiercely, my nails carving crimson trails down his back. "If not for you," I cried, "my General Thomas would still be alive!" I conceived. Forced by duty, he began to share my chambers. In those long days together, something softened in him. At times, he would return from court bearing a sprig of snowdrop. On some nights, he would even draw me into his embrace. Then, on the day I gave birth, Marina cast herself into the palace lake and nearly died. Instantly, his warmth vanished. "Julieta," he said, voice hollow, "I wish to take Marina as my consort." I placed our newborn son into his arms and smiled. It was my first true smile since our wedding day. "You may give her the title of Crown Princess as well. I am returning to Northwilds." My gaze drifted beyond him. "He has waited for me long enough."