Chapter 4

Victoria's eyes widened as she lowered her voice. "You've got some nerve, Julie-Belle. Are you seriously rebelling?

"But you don't control any soldiers. Isn't that basically suicide? Maybe I could talk to my old man and see if he can help you out."

I gave her a look like she'd completely lost her mind.

I said, "My family's been loyal to the royal family for generations. My dad is the prime minister, my brother is the minister of finance, and my uncle is a senior scholar.

"If I threw away a perfectly good life just to rebel, my father would be the first to kill me."

"So, who are you planning to support?" Victoria leaned in, lowering her voice. "Those royal relatives are all duds. None of them is close to your son. Is there anyone worth supporting?"

I stayed silent, picked up my cup, and gently blew away the foam on the surface of the milk.

Some things just couldn't be said out loud yet.

After all, I still couldn't fully trust Victoria after what she'd done to me before.

Victoria stared at me for a long time, let out a sigh, and flopped back into her seat.

"Alright, if you're not talking, I'll stop asking," she said, rubbing her temples. "Let me fill you in on what I've dug up."

Victoria's father controlled the military, and even the royal guards took orders from him. I'd asked her to check on things outside the palace for me.

Edward had left the palace to begin his education at six, and by ten, he'd moved into his own residence outside the palace.

I needed to know who he was meeting besides the people I'd placed around him.

But the results really caught me off guard. Every day, he got up early to study in the study hall and spent his afternoons at the training grounds learning archery and riding.

And sometimes he sat in on government meetings to report his progress to Henry. Other than that, he just went back home to rest.

He was still the good kid I remembered, hadn't gotten involved with any sketchy people at all.

He kept himself squeaky clean, didn't even have a maid in his room. Just an older woman to take care of his daily routine.

Victoria hesitated before saying, "There's actually something going on with Henry, but I'm not sure you'll want to hear it."

I was deep in thought and just blurted out, "Why? Is it something I won't like? Don't tell me he's got someone on the side."

Victoria nodded.

I was stunned, staring at her for a long moment before forcing a bitter smile. I muttered, "Liar."

"Come on. If you want to cry, just cry out loud," Victoria said, handing me a handkerchief.

I shoved her hand away and said, "I don't need your sympathy."

Back then, I had more than enough status to be the crown princess, but Henry chose to marry Victoria, whose family controlled the army.

Henry swore I was the only woman he'd ever love, and that Victoria was just a figurehead queen.

All these years, he kept his promise. He showered all his affection on me.

Having his love was enough for me, even though I couldn't be the queen.

But in the end, it was all just a cruel joke. And now Victoria, my worst enemy, got to watch me fall apart.

I wiped my face and asked, "Who is it?"

"Someone close to you," Victoria replied.

She leaned in and whispered a name in my ear.

"It's her? So it was her all along," I blurted out.

In that instant, everything clicked into place.

Victoria asked, "What did you realize?"

"I need you to do me a favor. On the day of the crown prince's investiture..." I leaned in and quietly told her what I needed.

Victoria's face darkened, and she slammed her hand on the table. "Henry and Edward are real bastards! Don't worry. I'll take care of it for you."

I stared at Victoria, my nose starting to sting. In the end, I couldn't hold it in anymore and threw myself into her arms, crying my heart out.

She froze for a second and awkwardly gave me a gentle pat.

*****

On the day Edward was officially adopted as the crown prince, he stood outside the hall, dressed in his ceremonial robes, and received the crown prince's insignia from Henry.

I watched the two of them with a knowing smile.

Today, I'd let them savor their victory, because nothing hurt more than losing what they thought was theirs.

After the ceremony, Victoria stepped forward. "Your Majesty, today's a great day. I've got some more good news for you."

"Oh?" Henry looked like he was in a really good mood.

Victoria said, "Now that Edward's officially the crown prince, he's old enough to get married. As his mother, of course I have to think about his future.

"So lately, Lady Juliana and I have been checking out candidates for his crown princess."

Henry glanced at Victoria and me with a faint smile on his face. "It's nice to see you two burying the hatchet for Edward. So, which noble girl caught your eye?"

I looked up with a soft smile. "You'll see for yourself, Your Majesty."

The doors to the hall slowly swung open.

A graceful, elegant woman stepped inside, her movements poised as she bowed respectfully before us.

I stood beside Victoria, curling my lips into a subtle, mocking smile.

Edward, this time, I will make sure you get everything you wish for much sooner.