Chapter 4

I gritted my teeth against the pain, a cold smile forming on my lips.

The proclamation was timely indeed.

Struggling to steady his breath, Derick spoke, "Your Highness, Charlotte is gone. But Ann is my daughter, too. Let her receive the decree."

He called out to her. "Ann, come forward. This is Prince Edward.

"You should get to know him."

Ann, blushing, stepped forward to take the scroll.

But Edward snatched it back. "The King's decree is for Charlotte Graham," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "Who is this girl to dare receive it in her place?"

Stung by…