All Chapters of No Longer Your Puppet, Duke : Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

Pregnancy.The word struck Roselyn like a physical blow. Her hands tightened instinctively around the thick cloak resting on her lap until her knuckles turned ghostly white.“I must apologize, Your Majesty... for being so late in officially informing the Imperial Court.”“You surely had your own reasons, Lady,” Isabella interrupted gently, setting the teapot back down with a delicate clink. “Especially after hearing rumors that you survived multiple assassination and kidnapping attempts... it is hardly easy to let outsiders—who might very well be your enemies—know of such a vulnerable condition.”Isabella focused her gaze straight toward Roselyn, even though her pale pink eyes could not fully center her pupils on R

The air inside the East Wing’s master bedroom was heavy, carrying the sharp, metallic chill of the fading autumn night. Dawn had not yet broken over the imperial capital, leaving the sky outside framed in shades of bruised violet and slate gray. Inside, the quiet was absolute, broken only by the faint rustle of heavy silk. Roselyn stood before the full-length gilded mirror, finishing the crisp folds of her elaborate gown. Her hands, resting against the dark fabric, were cold and trembled slightly despite her inner resolve. She drew a steadying breath, watching her own reflection—the high, elegant collar, the meticulously braided hair, and the pale composure of a woman walking directly into an ambush.From behind her, quiet footsteps approached over the thick velvet rug. Kaelus stepped into the frame of the mirror. He reached out, his long, calloused fingers steady as he pinned a silver brooch—carved in the likeness of the Valthorne family crest—just above the thick collar of her dres

The morning reception in the Small Banquet Hall concluded under a suffocating, tense situation. Cedric abruptly dismissed the senior ministers with a stiff wave of his hand and an expression nearly cracking with rage."That will be all for today."A white-bearded minister rose halfway from his seat. "Your Majesty, the discussion regarding the port taxes has not yet...""I said that is enough." Cedric’s voice was low and flat, making it far more terrifying than a shout. "Everyone, get out."The bewildered ministers exchanged awkward glances, forcing tight smiles before hurrying out of the room.As soon as they stepped into the corridor, quiet whispers and speculative rumors regarding the arsenic in the East Wing and the

Roselyn stood by the bedroom window. With her arms crossed over her chest, she gazed at the line of palace towers rising rigidly beneath the darkening evening sky. The heavy silk curtain, drawn aside, swayed gently in the cold wind that was beginning to carry the scent of rain.After the tense drama in the East Wing, Kaelus disarmed the explosives and arsenic hidden within their residential area. The lingering remnants of safety crumbled in an instant.Roselyn's refusal of the royal physician served as the next heavy blow. Right in front of everyone, she even named the Empress as the source of the warning regarding the poisoned dew.On the grounds of safety, Kaelus moved the entire entourage out of the palace to reside at the private inn of the Valthorne Faction. That move announced to the nobles that Hera Palace wa

Roselyn held her breath. This time, there was something that felt like hope."When will we know the results?""Before dawn, if they are swift enough.""What if the Empress is in danger? I shudder to think of us being too late, Kael.""We will decide once we know the situation.""Kaelus...""I know what you want to ask.""I haven't even said anything yet.""You want us to rush to her rescue tonight, don't you? A woman with a soft, pure heart like yours would naturally want safety for the person who helped you."Roselyn fell silent. She couldn't d