Chapter 2

No point dwelling on it. Instead of searching for reasons later, I'd better wake up now and stop this nightmare before it begins.

Once everyone believed my story, I slung my hoe over my shoulder and headed home.

The moon was high. By now, the King should have left.

They'd finished their reunion. Now it was my turn.

Sure enough, as I reached my doorstep, Edward was waiting. "Charlotte, we need to talk."

I didn't want him to suspect I'd time-traveled, so I forced myself to listen patiently.

When he finished, I asked calmly, "So, Your Highness, what is your plan?"

Edward lowered his head, looking guilty, and said the same words as before, "I want you and Evelyn to switch places. She will be my wife, and you... my concubine."

Before he could continue, I cut him off quietly. "All right."

He was stunned. "...Aren't you going to ask why?"

I offered an understanding smile. "Your Highness, you've endured years among commoners. Whatever you decide, you must have your reasons.

"Don't worry. I'll tell the villagers we were only pretending to be husband and wife to keep you safe. I would never put you in a difficult position."

Edward sighed in relief. "No one has ever treated me better than you, Charlotte."

Out of habit, he reached to pat my head.

I gently stepped aside and reminded him, "Your Highness, we did sign wedding papers. Shouldn't we draw up something new?"

His hand hung in the air. For a moment, I saw disappointment flash in his eyes.

I could read him, but I could never understand him.

Just like before. He destroyed everything I loved, yet wept and said he couldn't bear to leave me.

For three years, I was a living corpse, and whenever he was hurt or lost, he'd sit by the water tank and pour out his troubles to me.

Every time he left, he'd kiss my forehead. He never once flinched at what I'd become.

"Charlotte, this document states your status will change from wife to concubine. If you don't know how to sign, a fingerprint will do," Edward said.

He added, "But it's only temporary. Once I take the throne, I'll make it up to you. I promise."

Edward's words yanked me out of my thoughts.

Instead, I suggested, "Your Highness, how about we make this a divorce paper instead?"

Edward's hands shook, and a drop of ink splattered onto the paper, blotting out the word "concubine."

He fixed his gaze on me, voice rough. "Charlotte, you really want to leave me?"

I couldn't bring myself to say what I truly felt.

I was scared he'd get all possessive again and make my life a living hell, just like before.

I forced myself to hide my fear and lied, "Your Highness, I'm only thinking of what's best for you. I've heard the King is truly devoted. He's only ever married the Queen."

"If he finds out you have a concubine, he might hold it against you. I just want you to live a peaceful life, free from any more suffering," I said softly.

Edward couldn't help but pull me into his arms, resting his chin gently on the top of my head.

"Charlotte, you're the best wife anyone could ever ask for. Once everything settles down, I promise I'll make it up to you," he murmured.

I didn't dare say a word, just awkwardly wrote my name on the divorce papers.

Those shaky, uneven letters were the only ones I could write, and Edward had taught me every single stroke himself.

It took me a whole year to learn just these letters, and every time I tried, I'd always miss a stroke or two. Every mistake left me feeling so frustrated.

But Edward would always comfort me, telling me not to rush, to take my time. He said he'd teach me for a day, or a year, for as long as it takes.

I gave him a goofy smile and asked, "What if I never learn, even if it takes a whole lifetime?"

He replied, gentle yet determined, "Then I'll teach you for a lifetime."

But now, I didn't need him to spend a lifetime teaching me anymore.

Because I finally got it right. But sadly, it was on the divorce papers.