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Chapter 6
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Scorned by Family, Crowned by Decree Chapter 9
Another five years passed.Women's academies had taken root throughout Alderwyn.Women now held visible positions in the royal civil service.Beatrice Ward had become a senior inspector of the Crown.Her uncompromising integrity made corrupt officials fear her name.During that year's autumn court banquet,I sat on the Queen's dais and watched musicians and dancers perform below.Julian sat beside me and poured a glass of wine."You've worked tirelessly, my queen. For ten years, you've opened doors for the women of this kingdom and carried half the burden of government beside me."I raised my glass and touched it lightly to his."I claim no achievement alone. None of this would exist without Your Majesty's support."A disturbance suddenly rose beyond the great hall.Royal guards entered with several prisoners. The man at their head was Gideon Hemsworth.His clothes were torn and his face hollow. Nothing remained of the polished nobleman he had once pretended to be.Julian
Scorned by Family, Crowned by Decree Chapter 8
News that Edmund planned to leave the capital soon reached me.He claimed he disliked court intrigue and had volunteered for an administrative post in Southmere.I did not spend time wondering about his true reasons.Nor did I care to investigate them.On the day of his departure, I went to see him off.I was traveling as Crown Princess, representing the King during an inspection of the capital's surrounding districts.We met beside an old stone pavilion on the western road.Edmund wore a simple blue coat and looked more worn than I remembered.When he saw the royal procession and me seated beneath the Crown Princess's canopy, pain flashed through his eyes.Before the assembled officials, he approached my carriage and bowed."Your Royal Highness."I remained behind the beaded curtain and did not invite him to rise."Lord Ashford, may your journey to Southmere be safe."Edmund held the bow for a long moment before speaking quietly."Rose... I heard that House Hemsworth has
Scorned by Family, Crowned by Decree Chapter 7
"I am going to the palace."Lydia rose abruptly. "I want to see what game she's playing!"Edmund frowned. "Have you lost your mind? You can't simply walk into Rosebridge Palace whenever you please.""I'm her twin sister. She's only just married, so visiting her is perfectly proper."Lydia clenched her teeth. "I want to see how long her shallow tricks can sustain her."On the day Lydia arrived, I was meeting with several newly appointed women scholars at the Athenaeum.These women came from modest families or overlooked branches of noble houses. None possessed great influence, but every one of them was exceptionally learned.When I entered, they rose and bowed."Your Royal Highness, Miss Lydia Hemsworth is waiting outside. She says she's brought you a restorative broth."Beatrice Ward, one of the new officials, reported this with open disdain.I continued reviewing the first draft of Lives of Alderwyn's Great Women. "Let her enter."Lydia swept in wearing layers of rose-color
Scorned by Family, Crowned by Decree Chapter 6
During the days I recovered at Rosebridge Palace, Julian did not send me to a guest suite.Instead, he kept me in the royal apartments and returned after every council session carrying the medical case to change my bandages himself.His fingers were warm and his movements meticulous.He seemed entirely different from the distant, unapproachable prince known at court.One day, after he finished dressing my hands, I finally asked,"Are you treating me with such kindness because we met before?"He dismissed the attendants and studied my face with a distant, remembering gaze."Three years ago, my horse bolted during a royal hunt in Greenhaven Park."Everyone else fled, but a hooded young woman stepped into its path, covered its eyes with her cloak, and calmed it with a steady hand."Julian's voice softened as he continued."Afterward, people claimed the younger Hemsworth daughter had saved me, but I didn't believe them."When I visited Hemsworth Hall, I saw only a timid elder da
Scorned by Family, Crowned by Decree Chapter 5
The voice crashed through the family chapel like thunder and echoed among the memorial plaques.Everyone turned in shock.The chapel doors stood open, several figures framed by the light behind them.The man at their head wore a black military coat embroidered with the royal crest and a jeweled sword belt.His face was cold and severe. It was Crown Prince Julian Blackwood.Behind him, a royal secretary held a gold-edged decree, his eyes lowered over the hint of a knowing smile.The leather strap fell from Mother's hand with a sharp clatter.She collapsed onto the kneeling cushion."Y-Your Royal Highness?"Julian ignored everyone else and walked directly to me.When he saw my blood-soaked palm, his brow tightened almost imperceptibly.He removed his black cloak and wrapped it around my shoulders without asking.Then he turned, his gaze cutting across every member of the Hemsworth family."I came to Hemsworth Hall to deliver a royal decree. I did not expect to find such a di
Scorned by Family, Crowned by Decree Chapter 4
The following day was the royal spring garden gala.The carriage was packed with Lydia's favorite pastries and several changes of clothing.There was nowhere left for me to sit.Mother glanced at me and spoke casually."There's no room inside. Sit outside beside the coachman."Lydia lifted the curtain and leaned out with a smile."Rosalind, wait. I can move a few things..."I tightened my grip on my sleeve and stepped back."There's no need. I won't go."Mother frowned and answered only, "Suit yourself."As the carriage rolled away, their deliberately lowered voices drifted back on the wind."Lydia, I heard the Crown Prince will attend today's garden gala."If you catch his attention, it could transform your entire life."Lydia answered uncertainly."But isn't the Crown Princess supposed to be the woman who placed first in the Royal Women's Service Examination?"Mother laughed softly."Silly girl. Rigid rules are for ordinary people. They can't possibly restrain someone
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