Chapter 7
My blood ran cold.
“Lord Edmund? Me?” I shoved Alistair back.
You better take that back“]
You know damn well what you’re implying–and how serious it is.“]
“It’s damn serious! That’s the point,” he snapped. []
The ones who pretend to be saints?“]
They’re always the most dangerous.“]
“He stuck you in that isolated guesthouse, alone, unprotected.“]
“You think he doesn’t have a reason?“[]
Alistair scoffed and spat on the ground.[]
But what if–what if he was right?]
What if I’d just walked straight into another trap?
I had no family. No backup. No safety net in Luminara.[]
My fingers brushed against the pendant still clipped to my belt.]
Leopold.
Maybe maybe he really meant it.[]
I had no other options.[]
So I played it cool, distracted Alistair with a fake excuse, then bolted with the pendant in hand.[]
When I reached the palace gates and showed the ivory charm, the guards didn’t even ask questions. They bowed–and let me in.
I expected to wait. Maybe get walked in by a servant.]]
But instead, a damn gilded carriage rolled up for me.[]
Fancier than anything I’d ever ridden before.
I hesitated, nervous–but stepped inside.
{
When we reached the East Wing, palace attendants helped me change into an elaborate blush–pink gown threaded with silver.]
I hadn’t even finished processing when Leopold strolled in, waved the staff out, and tucked an elegant camellia hairpin into my hair.[]
“I’m glad you came,” he said.[]
“Your Highness..” I dropped to my knees.
“About the whole proposal thing-“]
“No need,” he interrupted gently.[]
“I know you’re not here because of that.“[]
“And I didn’t call you here to pressure you.“[]
“I need your help.”
Maids returned and began styling my hair.[]
I caught sight of myself in the mirror.[]
I barely recognized the woman staring back]
Sharp, seductive eyes. Arched brows. [
A mysterious beauty I never saw in myself before.]
They Chase Blond Over Love Now They Cry at My GRAVE
14.08
Chapter 7
“What’s going on?” I asked.]
Leopold smiled slightly.
“If you want to be free of the Heartfords,” he said, “do exactly as I say.“[]
My heart thudded in my chest.]
He unrolled a blueprint and pointed to a place on the map.
“Your new identity is ready.“]
“You’re a renowned musician from the South–someone with a talent no one can fake.”
“They say Evelyn Heartford was a master of the pipa. You won’t disappoint.“[]
I gave him a small nod. []
Still confused, but willing.
Leopold saw the storm behind my eyes and tapped my forehead with a finger.
“You’ll understand soon. Everything you suffered these past three years–it wasn’t for nothing.”
My suffering?
I always thought the Heartfords‘ cruelty was random. Just bad luck.[]
But now
Now I wasn’t so sure.
No more panic. No more fear.
If there’s a bigger truth out there–then I’m damn well going to uncover it.[]
An hour later, I was sent to the Secretary of Defense’s estate.
There was a grand reception underway–lavish beyond anything I’d seen, even by royal standards.]
Something felt… off.
Then I saw them.
Lord Richard Heartford.[]
Lord Edmund.
Both there.
I kept my veil low, walking quietly past.[]
But then I heard them speaking.
“How is that girl still alive?” Richard muttered.]
He turned to the Secretary, all politeness.
“We weren’t expecting the Crown Prince to intervene like that.”
“Originally, Edmund’s plan was to tuck her away in the guesthouse…. and handle it quietly.”
“Handle it?” The Secretary sneered. []
“You sure that wasn’t just a cover to hide her away like some private mistress?“]
Edmund dropped to his knees in a panic.
“No, sir! I swear–I didn’t do anything!“]
“She vanished after talking to Prince Leopold–I don’t know what he said to her, but it wasn’t me!“]]
The Secretary let out a furious snort and kicked Edmund to the floor.
“She’s just like her mother. That woman was a headache too.“]
Chapter 7
“We should’ve taken care of both of them back then.
My mother?
My real mother?
My hand trembled–and the ring slipped off my finger, clinking softly against the floor
