CHAPTER 187: BURIED SCARS

What kind of cruel experiments did Edmund go through in the past?

Primrose kept repeating that question in her head.

All the bad traits he had now, like thinking of himself as worthless, unlovable, or even believing that he was nothing more than an ugly monster, surely they didn’t come out of nowhere.

They had to be rooted deep inside his heart, most likely caused by something terrible that happened long ago.

"Edmund, this is different," Primrose said softly.

She wanted to understand him more, to know his pain better, but right now, she needed to make sure he didn’t make a reckless decision out of guilt.

"If you let the people direct all their anger at you," she continued, "there’s a big chance things might spiral out of control."

She paused, trying to find the right words to express what was on her mind. "Maybe ... more challengers will appear, trying to take your position as King of Noctvaris. And worst of all, some of them might try to kill me just to mess with your head."

It might’ve sounded a little dramatic, but when it came to politics, no one could predict how far someone would go.

That’s why it wasn’t wrong to consider the worst-case scenario.

Besides, if there was one way to make Edmund listen carefully, it was to bring her safety into the discussion.

[That ... that would be bad,] Edmund thought. [I can’t let my wife become the public’s enemy because of my foolish decisions.]

Primrose was actually confused why Edmund, who usually thought things through so well, had acted so rashly this time.

Even though he always called himself stupid, she knew better that Edmund was a meticulous man.

Under normal circumstances, he would’ve already predicted the possible consequences, either for himself or for her.

But maybe ... this time, his mind was too clouded with guilt.

He kept blaming himself for what happened to those kids.

He was stuck in regrets, still wishing he had never given the Marquess permission to build that hellish place.

As someone with already fragile self-esteem, it wasn’t surprising that this kind of situation could break him easily.

He hated himself so much that whenever he found a reason to blame himself, he would hold onto it like a weapon, hurting himself with it until he couldn’t think clearly anymore.

Primrose could see it all. She had been reading his chaotic thoughts ever since the Marquess died.

His thoughts were so loud and restless that Primrose hadn’t been able to sleep beside him last night.

She really wanted to sleep, but she didn’t have the heart to leave her husband alone.

So, through the night, she only pretended to sleep, and by morning, she felt like a walking zombie.

Even now, after two cups of coffee, her eyes still felt heavy.

"What do you think, husband?" Primrose asked softly. "I know you feel guilty ... but there’s nothing wrong with trying to guide the public’s opinion. It’s not like you’re running away from your responsibilities."

Edmund stayed silent for a moment, thinking deeply.

His mind was still crowded, filled with thoughts that crashed into one another like waves.

"You’re not wrong, my wife," he finally said, his voice remaining calm. "I need to take control of the public’s opinion."

[If I don’t ... my wife might end up suffering in the future because of me.]

"I’ll talk to Mr. Ramond about this matter," Edmund said as he stood up from the couch, getting ready to leave. "It might turn into a long conversation, so you don’t have to wait for me for dinner."

"Oh ..." Primrose tried to hide the disappointment in her voice.

She had really been looking forward to having dinner with him because they couldn’t eat breakfast and lunch together that day. "That’s alright. I understand. This is urgent and needs to be taken care of quickly."

[She looks sad.] Edmund sighed inwardly. [I promised to always eat with her, but ... I’ve ended up breaking that promise.]

"Really, I’m fine," Primrose said gently as she reached out and took his hand. She just wanted to show him that she wasn’t upset, so he wouldn’t blame himself even more.

"We can still have breakfast together tomorrow. Just focus on what you need to do right now."

[But why do her eyes look so sad ...?]

[If she keeps staring at me with that face, how am I supposed to leave her alone?]

What eyes? Primrose didn’t even realize she was making a sad expression.

Maybe he was just imagining things or maybe ... she did look that sad.

No, honestly, she was just really sleepy right now.

"I’ll be back as soon as I can," Edmund said softly, leaning down to kiss her lips a few times. His hand cupped her cheek as he whispered,

"I’ll ask the soldiers to keep an eye on you. Just promise me, don’t leave this place without me."

Primrose nodded. "I won’t go anywhere. I promise."

Right now, the only thing she wanted was to crawl into bed and sleep. A nice walk or anything else? No, thank you.

After giving her one last kiss, Edmund finally left the inn to meet with Ramond, and possibly speak with a few journalists who had a wide network to help spread the news.

Primrose didn’t waste any more time. She immediately threw herself onto the bed.

Now that Edmund’s noisy, chaotic thoughts were no longer swirling inside her head, everything felt peaceful again.

So peaceful, in fact, that it didn’t even take her ten minutes to fall asleep.

• • •

Primrose had been sleeping until the sun dipped below the horizon. She just didn’t want to leave the comfort of her dream.

In her dream, she was walking through a beautiful, colorful garden. The soft sound of a harp played in the distance, and fluffy rabbits hopped around her feet.

Everything felt so warm and peaceful, but all good things eventually had to end.

"YOUR MAJESTY, WAKE UP!"

Primrose jolted awake, her eyes snapping open as Solene’s voice shouted right beside her ear.

She didn’t even get the chance to protest or complain before Solene grabbed her hand and urged her to move.

"Wh-what’s going on?" Primrose mumbled, blinking rapidly to clear her blurry vision. Her steps were clumsy, and she had to lean against Solene just to keep her balance.

"There’s something coming toward the inn," Solene said quickly, then corrected herself. "No—actually, it’s a group. A large group of beasts."

"What ... what do you mean?" Primrose’s mind was still foggy, and everything felt like it was happening way too fast. She barely had time to think.

She winced when her bare feet walked on the cold floor. She wanted to ask Solene if she could grab her shoes, but Solene looked so tense that Primrose didn’t have the courage to ask.

"I’m still not completely sure, Your Majesty," Solene said as she led her down to the first floor. But instead of heading to the front door, she took Primrose to the basement. "But I know they’re not coming with good intentions."

[Damn it! His Majesty’s not even back yet, and these bastards are already attacking.]

[I can’t say for certain who they are, but their scent ... they’re from the tiger tribe.]

Wait ... how could Solene smell them when she hadn’t even seen them yet? Were Lycans’ senses really that sharp?

No wonder Edmund sometimes couldn’t stand food with strong smells.

"This way." Solene guided her to a spiral staircase that led to the basement.

CRASH!

Primrose flinched at the loud bang coming from upstairs, like something heavy had slammed into the wall.

Solene stopped and clicked her tongue in frustration. "They’re moving faster than I thought."

"Your Majesty, listen to me carefully."

Solene turned to face her and gripped her shoulders firmly. "Sir Callen and Sir Vesper are already waiting for you down there."

The innkeeper said there’s a secret tunnel underground that can be used for escape if something dangerous happens."

Primrose blinked in confusion. "You ... you’re not coming down with me?"

"A tiger tribe is not something to be underestimated. If they want something, they won’t stop chasing after it," Solene said firmly. "Someone has to stay behind and hold the door, buy you time to escape."

Something in Primrose’s mind finally clicked. The situation unfolding in front of her made her realize that she was in real danger now.

"If they’re that dangerous, then you’ll be in danger too," Primrose said, her voice trembling. "I don’t understand why they suddenly attacked this inn, but Lady Solene ... I think you should come with me."

"I can’t, Your Majesty. I have to guard the door for you." Solene’s expression softened, and a small, almost playful smile touched her lips. "Besides, have you forgotten who I was before I became your lady-in-waiting?"

Primrose was stunned, remembering that Solene wasn’t just an ordinary lady-in-waiting.

Edmund had specifically chosen her to be one of the Queen’s attendants because she used to be a royal knight, someone who had gone to the battlefield and returned alive.

"People used to say I was like a cockroach because I’m not easy to kill," Solene said with a faint chuckle. "That’s why, Your Majesty, you don’t need to worry about me."