CHAPTER 240: FEEL INFERIOR

The young lady looked at Anastasia but still agree to lead her to the room Rosalind had locked herself. "You can try," the young girl said and stepped out of the way for Anastasia to knock on the door.

"Thank you," Anastasia said in a calm voice before stepping over to the door and knock.

"Rosalind, it’s Anastasia, I am here alone and will like to speak to you," Anastasia said. She waited for a short while but there was no movement to open the door. She knocked again. "Please, it’s important that you talk to me, open the door," Anastasia’ said after yet another knock, still the person inside pretended to be deaf

"You really do not have to lock yourself up here? You still want to visit so many places and write new song, how can you give all that up," Anastasia’ said. There was movement from inside the room but it was only the sound of something dropping, Anastasia guest she must have gotten up to pick it but she did not open the door.

Anastasia sighed, she knew that Rosalind had a temper. "Your actions would put your father in an awkward position," Anastasia’ said, she was not sure how good Rosalind relationship was with her father but she bet it would not be as bad as her relationship with Duke Thompson.

Anastasia kept talking to Rosalind but she refused to open the door.

"My lady, shall we leave, there is still enough time to make it the the royal celebration," Grater standing by the side said.

Anastasia looked at the door, she did not expect things to develop to this direction, she was hoping to convince Rosalind to continue with the marriage, giving Lord Williams important the king would not dare hurt her. She was most worried about this pointing to her.

"At least, let me see you, if you decide not to Marry the king after coming to see me, people would think I instigated you. At least, let me know why you made this decision to have a way out," Anastasia said. She was also worried that in the future Rosalind might regret her decision, so she wanted to discuss it with her

Inside the room, Rosalind who had close her eyes in prayer suddenly stopped when she heard Anastasia’svlast statement.

"We are good friends, do not worry, I will ensure no one is able to blame you for my actions ," she opened her eyes and replied.

Anastasia felt her heart missed a beat when she heard Rosalind made such statements.

"What do you plan to do? Let talk about it together, we can help protect each other. Perhaps there is a way to pass the marriage to your sister if you don’t want it after we discuss," Anastasia’ said. She was moved that Rosalind was willing to protect her but she did not act selfishly to the only other person about from her mother and maids who treat her sincerely.

Rosalind inside was moved when she heard the concern in Anastasia’s voice. "You should go, you visit would only get you more involved," she still refuses to open the door. Her decision had nothing to do with Anastasia, so she did not want to drag her into it

Anastasia seeing that Rosalind would not open the door, sighed. She pretended to leave, after taken a few steps she hide at the corner, hoping that Rosalind would eventually come out.

"Lady, if you really want to see her, you can go and wait at the chapel. There would be an evening service later and everyone within the monostary must attend," the young girl from earlier said.

"That..." Anastasia became worried when she heard that statement, after all, this might mean that Lord Williams or the king might get to her first.

"My lady, do not worry, even the king can not act as he likes her. This is the holy ground of our Lord. If lady Rosalind does not wish to follow them back they can not force her," Grater said. She could tell Anastasia was worried about Rosalind.

....

Royal palace

The palace gates swung open with regal flourish as noblemen, ladies, military officials, and foreign envoys poured into the grand courtyard, each dressed in their finest silks and velvets. The air buzzed with excitement and polite speculation. Trumpets sounded as royal guards lined the entrance to the Great Hall, their armor gleaming beneath banners of the royal house.

Inside, the hall had been transformed into a scene of splendor. Golden chandeliers bathed the marble floors in warm light. Rows of tables were adorned with crystalline goblets and silver platters stacked high with delicacies from every province. A string quartet played softly in the corner, their instruments weaving melodies meant to soften the tense undercurrent in the room.

On the raised dais, King Edward sat in his formal attire, his golden circlet resting just above his brow. His expression was composed, almost cold, and his eyes scanned the crowd with practiced indifference. No one dared speak of it, but the tension in the air was palpable. The bride-to-be was missing. The rumors had begun hours ago; Lady Rosalind had fled to the monastery. Some whispered it was out of devotion, others said fear. The more cynical murmured of rejection.

But the king gave no sign that the absence fazed him.

He stood as a hush fell over the room, and the herald’s voice rang out.

"Announcing the triumphant return of Lieutenant General Ernest , Commander of the Royal Forces in the South!"

A rousing cheer erupted as the doors swung wide once more. Ernest entered, clad in a finely polished uniform, his dark cloak billowing slightly behind him. His presence commanded respect—tall, broad-shouldered, with a steely calm that silenced even the rowdiest nobles.

He knelt before the king, head bowed.

"You have done your kingdom proud," Edward said, his voice ringing clear. "You quelled the fire of rebellion with strength and honor. For your service, I name you General of the Southern Forces and Guardian of the Realm."

A servant brought forth a ceremonial sword, and Edward laid it upon Ernest’s shoulder, then offered his hand. "Rise, General Ernest."

Ernest stood, a glimmer of surprise flashing in his eyes as he met the king’s gaze. There was no trace of warmth—just calculation. He bowed again, stepping aside as the guests burst into applause.

Ernest felt no joy with his promotion. He had only been interested in going to the south because of Anastasia, since she was married to the king he wanted to protect her even from far.

He did not expect to hear the news of her divorce and slander when he returns.

He lowered his head to hide the anger and hatred towards the king.

Amidst the celebration, the absence of Lady Rosalind hung like a shadow.

Whispers passed between fans and goblets.

"Did she truly run away?"

"I heard she joined the monastery to avoid the king’s bed."

"What will Lord Williams say to this disgrace?"

The nobles tried to mask their curiosity behind polite conversation, but the strain was visible. Even Bridget and Beatrice were not present—they had remained in their quarters under their father’s strict order, avoiding scandal.

Lord Williams himself stood stiffly at the far end of the hall, face tight with embarrassment. He had exchanged only a few words with the king upon arrival. That had been enough.

King Edward, ever the actor, raised his goblet as if nothing were amiss.

"To victory!" he declared.

The crowd echoed the toast, and yet beneath the glitter and gilded applause, many wondered how long this mask would hold.

For now, the king smiled.

But the court had seen enough to know that storms always gathered behind silence.

....

Dorothy courtyard

"My lady," the nanny hurried to Dorothy side.

Dorothy sat curled in a velvet armchair by the fire, a soft shawl wrapped around her shoulders, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass. The warmth of the fire crackled beside her, casting gentle shadows across her face.

"How is it? Did the Bride really run away?" Dorothy asked trying her best to suppress her emotions.

The news had come quietly through the servants’ whispers before sunset. They said the bride had left at dawn for the monastery, refusing the crown and all it promised. The palace hadn’t made an announcement, not yet. The celebration had to go on, after all. The king had a general to promote. Appearances had to be kept.

"Yes, " the nanny announced unable to hide her joy. She also wished that Dorothy would become the next queen, after all, she already bore a son for the king.

Hearing this answer, Dorothy took a deep breath, it felt like a weight has been lifted off her heart.

The seer had told her that she was the next queen, so how could the king marry another. The king loved her, she did not think she was unqualified to become the next queen. What those noble women had that she lack was family background but she did not feel inferior, since she learned she was the chosen one

When has heaven ever needed the family background of a person to bless them?