LOGINIn less than a year, Helena couldn't stay in the capital any longer.The Emperor ordered her to leave for her estates in Lyria.But after so many years of luxury in the capital, how could she endure the hardship of life out there?The once-glorious princess's residence became a joke at court.I faced it all with calm, and I asked His Majesty and the Empress for grain and flower seeds.I went to experienced farmers to learn the best ways to work the land.The north was harsh and bitterly cold. It was precisely because the Norvik clans lacked food and clothing that they kept raiding our lands.I wanted to bring our farming and weaving methods north, to teach them to farm and provide for themselves. That was the surest way to bring peace to both our peoples.When everything was ready, I put on my envoy's formal robes.It was the first time in my life I'd ever left the capital.But I felt no fear at all, because I was doing this for my country.On the day I left, the whole city
I frowned, but before I could say anything, my manservant, Milo, snapped, "Your Highness, have some decency!"Please don't call my lord by his first name. People might get the wrong idea."Helena's face darkened, and she glared at Milo in displeasure."How dare you! You think you can talk to me like that?"Milo gave a cold snort, not the least bit intimidated."Your Highness is mistaken. I serve Lord Julian, so naturally I'm going to protect his good name."Don't lose your head, Your Highness. You have your own husband now. Don't mix them up.""You...!"Helena turned red with anger and couldn't get a word out.As my manservant, Milo had never mocked her so openly before.I stood to one side with my fan, grinning.Milo was Milo. A few words, and Helena's composure cracked.Lucian's brows shot up, and he snapped, "What an insolent servant. Like master, like man."I gave a cold laugh and was about to answer when Helena cut in first."Enough. Stop making things worse."Lucia
The carriage His Majesty had personally sent for me arrived too. In case of trouble, he'd sent more than twenty attendants along to help move my things.They worked fast. In less than an hour, everything was packed.Before I left, Helena caught hold of me, her voice trembling."Julian, did you ask the Emperor for the separation?"I smiled and pulled my sleeve out of her grip."Yes. You could ask the Emperor to let you marry again. Why couldn't I ask him to let me leave?"Her pupils trembled. Her voice was hoarse."You knew?"I nodded. "His Majesty told me a long time ago."I almost found it funny."Helena, what made you think the Emperor would ever take your side?"Have you forgotten? The reason you married me in the first place was because I had His Majesty's favor."A flash of regret crossed her eyes. She really had forgotten.After marrying me, she'd quickly been raised to princess.Her mother's rank had risen with her.When the late Emperor died, since she was the on
I laughed, bitter and resolute.I straightened my rumpled collar and knelt before Marlow, slowly and firmly."Please read the decree, Chamberlain."Marlow nodded, opened the case, and took out the golden decree.Everyone hurried to kneel.Only Helena was still standing there in a daze.For some reason, she was suddenly struck by a sense of dread, as if she was about to lose something precious."Wait."At Helena's command, everyone turned to look at her, confused.Had she lost her mind? She was telling the Emperor's chamberlain to wait?That was what everyone was thinking.Lady Beatrice was so frantic, she grabbed the hem of Helena's wedding gown and hissed, "Helena, kneel. Whatever it is, it can wait until he's done."Kneel, now!"Helena opened her mouth to speak, but met Marlow's displeased stare."Your Highness, you've interrupted the reading of an imperial decree more than once. Could it be that you're unhappy with His Majesty?"Hearing the threat and displeasure in h
Looking at the couple in their wedding clothes, Marlow gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes."Oh, Your Highness, what unfortunate timing."But I wouldn't dare delay reading His Majesty's decree. I trust I'm not intruding?"He said that, but who would've dared say he was?Helena quickly got to her feet and answered respectfully, "You're joking, Chamberlain. What decree has His Majesty sent?"The guests outside couldn't help whispering among themselves."It's the princess's wedding day. It has to be a decree granting honors.""Obviously. Everyone in the capital knows the Emperor personally granted her this groom. He must be adding to the celebration.""Well, if that's true, her husband's going to be humiliated. First the Emperor arranges the new marriage himself, then he sends honors on the wedding day. I'd bet Lord Julian won't be able to show his face among the capital's society wives after this.""Shh, keep your voice down. Don't let Lord Julian hear you."I felt the pity
"Who said you could come in?"The flush on Helena's face drained away instantly, and she snapped, "You're my husband, and I'm your lawful wife. Why can't I come in?"Ignoring her, I called a maid in."Her Highness is drunk. Help her back to the main wing."Helena pushed the maid away and sat down on the couch."Who said I was going back to the main wing?"I nodded as if I understood and said, "Then take Her Highness to Master Lucian's rooms."Helena, whose eyes had already drifted shut, shot to her feet and glared at me furiously."Julian, have you lost your mind? You'd send me to another man's bed?"Do you even think of me as your wife anymore?"Remembering what I'd overheard that day, I gave a thin smile."And you? Have you ever thought of me as your husband?"Helena froze, and her tone softened."Julian, I know you're unhappy that I'm marrying Lucian."But you can still stay by my side."And I... I just... I just want to give you a child."I laughed coldly, my voice







