Chapter 4
Everyone bowed when the Crown Prince walked in.]
Except me–he caught me before I could kneel]]
He looked at me and said, “I heard what happened the moment I got back to Luminara.–three years of injustice.“[]
I wanted to see you myself.“[]
We barely knew each other back then. []
Just a handful of formal greetings, since I was once engaged to his younger brother, Alistair.
I never imagined the first person to stand up for me would be him.[]
But instead of being touched, all I felt was suspicion.]
I’d learned the hard way not to trust anyone. So I kept my voice polite, distant:]
“I’m not exactly innocent, Your Highness.“[]
“I did assume the identity of a Heartford daughter for years. That alone is a crime.“]]
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alistair and Lord Edmund both flinch slightly.
Maybe I said what they’d been thinking all along–but never dared say aloud.[]
Because the Queen had invited both the Heartfords and the Westfield royal family to a dinner in the Prince’s honor.]]
And the Prince had personally asked for me to attend.[]
So I cleaned up, changed into fresh clothes, and followed them to the palace.]
I didn’t ask anyone to help me get ready.[]
I walked beside the carriage with the servants.]
But that wasn’t enough for Seraphina. []
She looped her arm through Alistair’s and smiled sweetly.
“Some people sure picked up a few tricks somewhere,” she said, loud enough for me to hear.
“Even managed to wrap the Crown Prince around their finger.“]
Alistair’s brow tensed.
He glanced at me, conflicted.]
Then turned to Seraphina and muttered, “Don’t talk like that here. This is the palace.“]
Eventually, we arrived at the Queen’s private reception hall.[]
After the usual small talk, Queen Eleanor got straight to the point.[]
“His Majesty and I agree,” she said. [
“Our Crown Prince has returned from the battlefield after three years of victory.“]
“It’s time he chose a bride.“]
“Does anyone have a suitable candidate in mind?“]]
Silence
Then the Crown Prince stepped forward and dropped to one knee.]
“Mother,” he said.
“Ive already made my choice.”
He held up a portrait and presented it to her.
Queen Eleanor looked at it, then blinked in surprise.]]
They Chose Blood Over Love Now They Cry at My GRAVE
1148
Chapter 4
“Isn’t this… one of the Heartford girls?“]
Alistair stood up suddenly, forgetting every ounce of royal decorum.]
“Mother! Seraphina and I are engaged-“]
Queen Eleanor waved him off.]]
“Not Seraphina,” she said calmly.]
“Evelyn Heartford.“]]
Alistair froze.
He didn’t speak
He just stood there, then let the crystal goblet in his hand fall to the ground.[]
Shattered glass scattered across the marble floor.
He stared at the Crown Prince.]]
Then at the velvet curtain hiding me from view.
Like someone had ripped his heart out.[]
The Crown Prince didn’t flinch.]
“Mother,” he said, “I offer all the honors I earned these three years–every medal, every victory–for the right to marry Evelyn Heartford.“[]
“NO!”
Both Alistair and Lord Edmund spoke at once.]]
Day Chase Blood Over Love Now They Cry at M GRAVE
