Chapter 81
In the wreckage of the ruined room, Beatrice sat with perfect poise.
She smiled radiantly at the Marquis of Hemes.
“Father. Did you enjoy yourself?”
The Marquis frowned, jabbing a finger at her.
“You mad creature! What kind of lunacy is this? Do you even know how much all of this costs?”
“They’re all expensive things, of course. But surely it’s only fitting for the future queen to use such items, isn’t it?”
Beatrice rose lightly to her feet and stepped closer.
“But Father, didn’t you tell me yourself—if you want me to become queen without incident, then you must leave me alone?”
Her black pupils darkened, heavy and clouded.
“I will be queen within a year. I will. But perhaps… is it your wish that I die still only as the daughter of Marquis Hemes?”
“Y-you’re threatening me over this?”
The Marquis of Hemes was not a man blind to reality.
In truth, he often thought life would be simpler if his rebellious daughter simply disappeared.
But if that daughter was to become queen, then the story was very different.
At present, nothing was more valuable to him than this troublesome Beatrice.
“Father, how can you dismiss this as nothing? On the very day everyone in Delua was able to lay eyes upon the Duke, only I was denied the chance. Does that make any sense?”
“You didn’t receive an invitation! The Duke deliberately avoided you. And you expect me to force him to take you along?”
“What does an invitation matter? I am the woman destined to be queen. The Duke can’t treat me carelessly.”
Folding her hands against her chest, Beatrice looked at her father as though his reasoning were utterly incomprehensible.
The Marquis wished desperately that she were under the influence of some drug or drink.
How could anyone say such things while completely sober?
“Foolish girl. Is there anyone in this kingdom who dares to disregard that man’s will?”
“Then if you know how powerful he is, why didn’t you send me to him?”
“Do you even have to ask? The Duke has not the faintest interest in you—none whatsoever!”
Even if Beatrice became the Duchess of Gloria, Claudio would never share his power.
To him, his wife’s father would be no more than a stranger.
The King, however, was different.
Though he too bowed to the Duke of Gloria’s influence, he did not dismiss the Marquis of Hemes.
On the contrary, he was desperate to curry favor.
Had he not, only three months ago, granted the Marquis rights to the southern port trade?
He’s been avoiding me lately… but the man is fragile, easily shaken. In time, he’ll come around again.
Clearing his throat, the Marquis straightened.
“By comparison, the current King is devoted to you. And no matter what anyone says, the King is still the King! Why else would the western lords covet his throne?”
He spat his words with force.
“You should be grateful the King has fallen for you. Surely you wouldn’t want another woman to take your place as queen?”
“…”
Her silence only emboldened him further.
“And besides, it seems the Duke of Gloria is preparing to marry. So it’s high time you gave up this obsession with him and—”
“What did you say?”
Beatrice’s dazed expression cut him off.
The Marquis scowled, hands settling on his hips.
“With that Raylpord, or Railford, or whatever her name is—the viscount’s daughter. Hah! Even if she did save his life, I can’t fathom why he’d tie himself to such a lowborn family.”
In an instant, Beatrice seized his arm, her grip like iron.
“What are you doing? Let go of me!”
“Don’t spout such nonsense. Are you saying the Duke himself uttered such trash?”
Her fingers whitened, trembling with such intensity that it seemed impossible such strength could come from her delicate hands.
“Did he truly say he was to marry her? Answer me!”
“H-he didn’t say the words marry, but the way he clings to her—you’d have to be blind not to see it.”
Beatrice’s strength faltered.
The Marquis pulled free, clutching his bruised forearm.
“No… impossible. You must have misread it. You’re blind to such things, Father. The Duke? No… he would never…”
She muttered in a trembling voice, her teeth clacking together.
Mad girl! To manhandle her own father—!
The Marquis raised his hand, intent on striking her across the face.
But it was the height of the social season; too many events awaited, and her face could not be marred.
“Damn it!”
He pulled back his hand with a snarl.
“In any case, stop this foolishness and go present yourself to the King! He’s been avoiding me lately—make yourself useful!”
But Beatrice only continued to mutter, as if she had heard nothing.
“Lies… filthy lies…”
The Marquis shuddered at the sight, then stormed out of the room.
“Keep a close watch on her! Don’t let her cause any more trouble!”
He barked the order to the trembling maid outside.
The girl nodded quickly, but in truth, she had no choice but to obey Beatrice.
The lives of her family were all held hostage in the young lady’s hands.
***
Marsha had expected today to be a quiet one.
No frantic party preparations, no pressing appointments.
But then Claudio appeared.
“Marchioness Severia was apparently so displeased she missed last night’s party that she sent word early this morning—she intends to visit. But I thought it unkind to force an ailing elder to make the trip.”
Which means… he intends to go to her instead.
He would hardly turn away the Marchioness’s goodwill.
But why was he telling her this? If he planned to go alone, there was no need to seek her out.
“Do you want me to accompany you to the Marchioness’s estate?”
“Do you have something urgent to do?”
“Of course not.”
Marsha narrowed her eyes at him.
He already knew the answer, so why ask? Claudio only smiled.
Usually, that smile irritated her—but today, for some reason, it gleamed with unexpected warmth.
What is wrong with me…
It must be because of the foolish thoughts she’d entertained yesterday.
Forcing herself to look away, she tried to steady her heart.
“I only wondered if the Marchioness would even want to see me.”
“The one she wants to see is you. Surely not me.”
“Me? Why?”
Startled, Marsha looked back at him.
“Oh—did she want to scold me for some mistake I made yesterday?”
“Hardly. She simply wishes to see you. The Marchioness is fond of you.”
Fond of me?
It was true Marchioness Severia had been kind, perhaps because their first meeting had been under good circumstances.
But kindness was not the same as genuine fondness.
For all I know, she secretly disapproves.
After all, who would welcome a commoner girl clinging to her noble grandson, no matter the excuse?
As doubt shadowed Marsha’s eyes, Claudio leaned closer, lowering his head until his face was startlingly near. She flinched.
“So? Shall I go alone, or will you come with me?”
“Wh-which would you prefer?”
“Well, with you, of course.”
He arched a brow as if the answer were obvious.
Why would going with me be better…?
She longed to ask, but couldn’t.
The answer was likely something simple, something careless.
It would be less boring, that’s all.
So instead, she only nodded silently.
***
The Marchioness of Severia greeted them—no, greeted Marsha—with radiant delight.
“My goodness. Do come in!”
She clasped Marsha’s hands warmly, her eyes glittering like a field of stars.
Even with her low self-esteem, Marsha could not mistake the woman’s sincerity.
She must still be grateful I caught that pickpocket.
Blushing faintly, Marsha smiled.
“I could have visited you myself, and yet I’ve made you come all this way. Forgive me. You must be tired after the party.”
Her thin, hollowed cheeks bore signs of illness.
The Marchioness’s voice was heavy with apology.
Marsha studied her face with concern.
“I’m fine. But what about you? Are you well?”
“It’s nothing serious—just a touch of exhaustion.”
Even so, the near theft of her late husband’s keepsake had been traumatic, and Claudio’s unexpected display of temper had only worsened the strain.
No wonder her health had faltered.
“Even exhaustion can be dangerous. Are you truly certain you’re all right?”
“Rest has helped. Though I won’t be going out again for a while.”
The gentle smile on her lips reflected genuine gratitude for Marsha’s concern.
At that moment, Claudio interjected.
“The party ended without incident. No unruly behavior, no disruptions.”
He clearly meant to conclude the visit quickly.
The Marchioness, perceiving it, gave a cool smile.
“Indeed. Ah, but Duke—there is something I wish to ask of you. Would you take Diamond out for a ride?”
“Ride… you mean on horseback?”
“Diamond hasn’t even been walked in months. I’m too old now.”
“Why not entrust him to one of your men?”
“Of course I tried. But Diamond won’t accept anyone. Yet strangely enough, animals seem to favor you. I think it may be possible.”
Claudio understood perfectly.
She wishes to be alone with Marsha.
Why, he wasn’t sure.
But the Marchioness was not one to stir needless trouble.
“I won’t be long.”
He glanced toward Marsha as he spoke.
Why does it sound like he’s asking me?
Flustered, she nodded almost without realizing it.
