Exile

"My apologies for this inappropriate scene, everyone. I believe I need some rest, considering I haven't fully recovered yet. Please excuse me, and enjoy the reception."

I gave a slight bow, lowering my head because my C-section wound still ached whenever I moved too much. The silence that had fallen over the room because of the little commotion I'd caused slowly dissolved into whispers.

"Oh, and Lady Varenn will be taking my place for the remaining sessions. Just as she has done on so many nights before. Standing beside Lord Ashborne in my stead." I made sure my voice carried clearly.

The relentless camera flashes couldn't hide the sharp look in Vaeldric's eyes. I could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.

I didn't care. Before I started all this, I had already lost everything. Even my dignity was no longer something I cared about protecting. So write whatever you want tonight, dear reporters.

"Please forgive this unfortunate disturbance. My wife is not in her best condition right now. Her heart and mind have been deeply shaken." Vaeldric spoke with remarkable calm, his voice perfectly controlled.

"I'd simply like to clarify that my relationship with Lady Varenn has always been limited to business and political matters. Nothing more. This is all a misunderstanding. I ask for your understanding." He paused briefly.

"I'll excuse myself as well. It seems my wife needs me more at the moment. With all due respect, we sincerely thank His Highness, our relatives, colleagues, and honored guests for attending. Please continue to enjoy the reception."

Then he followed after me, leaving behind a flustered and completely lost Lysara.

I quickened my pace, eager to get away from the crowd. Brita followed behind me, while Vaeldric closed the distance with his much longer strides.

The moment I stepped into the central hall, I stopped.

"Brita."

"Yes, my lady?"

"Get the other servants. Move all of my belongings out of the master bedroom. Leave nothing behind. I don't care where you put them. Just have it done tonight."

Brita nodded and hurried away without hesitation. This time, Vaeldric had clearly lost control.

There was no trace of composure left on his face. His jaw was tight, his fists clenched, and his face had turned red with anger.

He stepped forward, forcing me back against the wall.

"You've gone too far this time, Seraphina. You've already dumped everything on me. The very least you could do is behave with the dignity of a noblewoman. The way you were raised."

I looked at him calmly.

"This is the first outrageous thing I've ever done, Vaeldric. How many outrageous things have you done with Lysara so far? Haven't I stayed silent all this time? How much longer was I supposed to endure it?"

"This has nothing to do with her, Sera. You don't need to drag her into this." He exhaled sharply. "I know you're angry. I know you're grieving. So am I. Act reasonably."

"This is what I should've done a long time ago, darling." I gently brushed my fingers against his cheek.

Then I walked away. Leaving him standing there, still struggling to get a grip on his emotions.

You made one mistake, Vaeldric. You woke a sleeping tiger. Just because I've always been obedient doesn't mean I never had fangs.

---

LADY ASHBOURNE PUBLICLY CONFRONTS RUMORED MISTRESS AT CHILD'S MEMORIAL RECEPTION

GRIEVING MOTHER BREAKS SILENCE AMID AFFAIR ALLEGATIONS

FUNERAL RECEPTION TURNS TENSE AS LADY ASHBOURNE ADDRESSES RUMORS

MISTRESS AT A FUNERAL? LADY ASHBOURNE'S EXPLOSIVE ACCUSATION SHOCKS VALERION

SIX YEARS WAITING FOR A CHILD—LADY ASHBOURNE ACCUSES HUSBAND OF CHOOSING ANOTHER WOMAN

NATIONAL HERO OR NEGLECTFUL HUSBAND? PUBLIC DEBATE ERUPTS AROUND GENERAL VAELDRIC

I scrolled through the headlines on my tablet with a smile. Vaeldric must be having a very busy morning.

And this was only the first step. I've prepared plenty of special gifts for you and your mistress. The more you defended Lysara, the more you confirmed everything.

That the feeling I'd carried all these years had been right. The only unfortunate part was how naive I'd been to ignore it.

"My lady, there are reporters gathered outside the front gate," Sergio informed me. "I've tried sending them away, but none of them are willing to leave."

"Let them stay. Have some food brought out for them. Waiting around with nothing to show for it must be exhausting."

"As you wish, my lady."

"You should prepare yourself, Seraphina." Vaeldric's voice came from behind me.

He had just walked out of the master bedroom and casually picked up my coffee as if nothing had happened last night.

"There is no point in being stubborn and fighting me. Apologize before you destroy what's left of our family."

I looked at him for a long moment. Then I smiled.

"Our family was destroyed the moment you slept with another woman, Vaeldric."