Chapter 3
I wiped my tears and dropped to my knees before Lord Edmund.]]
Thank you, my Lord“]
That unfamiliar title made him flinch
But unlike Alistair, he didn’t explode in anger.]]
He said nothing at all]
That was always Lord Edmund’s way–quiet, composed, unreadable.]
As a child, I used to tease him for being made of stone.]
He’d only smile, pat my head, and offer me my favorite plum tarts.]
But the day Seraphina came home, he broke down]
Fifteen years I’d known him, and I’d never seen him cry until then.]
And when the Queen nearly died from that almond tart
He, the Royal Magistrate known for his brilliant judgment, immediately blamed me.]]
He didn’t even hesitate.]
Didn’t ask a single question.]
Just looked at me like I was a stranger and said,
“You’ve lived in Seraphina’s place long enough.
It’s time you did something for the family.”
Then he bound my hands himself and sent me to the military camp to serve penance.
No matter how I cried or begged.[]
No matter how desperately I reminded him of our bond]
He didn’t budge.
I was such a fool
For a second, I’d truly believed the uncle who used to spoil me had come back
But he wasn’t mine anymore.]
He was hers. Seraphina’s.]
After thanking him once more, I lifted the carriage curtain and sat beside the coachman.
That was where a disgraced servant belonged.]
The coachman, a long–time servant of the Heartford estate, recognized me.]
He glanced over, startled, then sighed.[]
And urged the horses to move faster.
Lord Edmund dropped me off at a small estate just outside the main manor.]
A perfect view of the Heartford estate–especially fitting for a wedding.
As I stepped down, he turned as if to say something.
But I knelt again, bowing deeply
Thank you again, my Lord, for your mercy.”
If it had been the first time, he might’ve thought I was just lashing out.]
But after I bowed a second time, his breath caught ever so slightly.
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“You should come home for dinner tonight,” he said suddenly!
“Your father, mother, and grandmother they all miss you
His voice was softer now, not the cold indifference from earlier
I nodded woodenly
“Whatever you think is best, my Lord
Just as he turned to speak again, a cheerful voice called out behind us)
“Sister! You’re finally home–why are you still outside?]
Seraphina came strolling up, wrapped in white fox for, smiling like springtime()
Behind her was Alistair, arms full of shopping bags
Alistair used to hate shopping.
Said it was beneath him to buy “girlish things.”
But when I wanted to go, he came along anyway-[]
sating upstairs in the tearoom, watching, me run around the market from above)
He never carried my things.
Never walked beside me like this.[]
I lowered my gaze ()
Seraphina was clearly showing off
But I didn’t flinch. I didn’t even blink]
“You must’ve misspoken,” I said calmly
“I’m no one’s sister. I’m just a servant.“[]
Then I bent down again to curtsy]
arm.]
Before my knees could hit the ground, someone caught my arm.
1 looked up–and froze.]
It was Crown Prince Leopold []
They Chase Bloud Over Love Now Thus C » My OBAVE
