Chapter 5
I expected Alistair to object]
Seraphina wouldn’t be able to stand me outranking her, even if I’d just clawed my way out of disgrace.[]
But Lord Edmund []
That surprised me
Marrying into the royal family would raise the Heartfords‘ standing.
And he was nothing if not practical.]
Then he did something rd never seen before.[]
He dropped to his knees right next to the Crown Prince.]
“Your Majesty,” he said to the Queen. []
“Evelyn is just a servant from our household.“[]
“She isn’t fit to marry into the royal family.“[]
“I beg Your forgiveness for this misunderstanding.“[]
He bowed so low his forehead hit the floor.[]
But I didn’t even flinch at his words.]
His so–called ‘shame‘ wasn’t about protecting the royal family. []
He was just worried Seraphina would look bad–losing out to someone like me. 0
Then the Crown Prince spoke again. []
His voice was quiet, but carried weight.]
“Lord Edmund,” he said. []
“I think you’re forgetting your place.“[]
“Since when do you speak on behalf of the Heartford estate?“]
“Is Lord Richard not present? Is your grandmother not capable of voicing her own will?“]
Lord Edmund turned ghost–white.[]
Before he could respond, Lord Richard stood.[]
“Enough,” he said. []
“Edmund, stand down.“]
“If Crown Prince Leopold has chosen Evelyn, then that is a blessing for her–and for our family.“[]
“But-
Lord Edmund started to argue.[]
Lord Richard cut him off with just a glance.[]
Edmund sat back in his chair, biting his tongue.[]
He looked at me from behind the curtain.
But that look–that wasn’t the look of an uncle watching over his niece.[]
It was darker. Hungrier
Predatory
I looked away.
Whatever feelings I had before–1 shut them down
They Chase Blood Over Love Now They Cry at My GRAVE.
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Chapter 5
There was nothing familial between us anymore.
No blood ties. No childhood memories.
Nothing.
Queen Eleanor’s voice cut through the tension like a breeze.
“Let’s not take things so seriously. It’s a celebration, after all.“]]
“Save the politics for another day.“]]
The Crown Prince didn’t press further.
He simply returned to his seat.
But the room couldn’t stop whispering.
Everyone knew I wasn’t a real Heartford.
And no one expected the Crown Prince to propose to a girl like me.]
I tried to block them out.]
Eventually, I slipped outside for some air.]
But as soon as I stepped past the doorway, someone grabbed me.]
I gasped, about to scream-
Then a hand clamped over my mouth.
Alistair.
Just like when we were kids–dragging me into corners at fancy parties to whisper secrets.]
But this wasn’t childhood anymore.
I pushed him back and curtsied, keeping a careful distance.
“Is there something you need, Your Highness?“]
“Evelyn,” he said, voice tight with emotion.[]
He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms.
“Evelyn, I know you’re angry with me. I was wrong, I messed up.“[]
“But please don’t marry my brother.“[]
“I was going to follow the family’s plan.“]
“Marry Seraphina officially… then bring you into the household as a second wife.“]
“Please, Evelyn. Don’t do this.“]
I was too weak to fight him off.]
And if someone saw us like this…]
It would ruin us both.
Before I could react, someone shouted behind us.
“Prince Alistair! Let her go!“]]
Then a pale sleeve caught Alistair by the shoulder and yanked him away from me.]
Lord Edmund.
He looked me over quickly, made sure I was unharmed.[]
Then turned on Alistair with barely concealed fury.[]
“You disgrace yourself,” he snarled. []
They Chase Blood Over Love Now They Cry at My GRAVE
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Chapter 5
“You’re engaged to Seraphina. Have you no shame?“]
Alistair didn’t back down.
He scoffed.]
“And you? You’ve got no right to talk about shame.“[]
“Of all people here, you’re the last one who should bring up morality.“[]
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