Alle Kapitel von The Sickly Crown Prince And His Fierce Wife: Kapitel 1 – Kapitel 6

SAME HOUR IMPERIAL PALACE, VALEDRIA LOTUS POND, EASTERN PALACE The lotus pond was deserted, disturbed only by the chirping of crickets and the occasional croak of frogs hopping in and out of the water. A young lady with waist length dark hair, dressed in a pale-blue silk gown with fitted sleeves and a long overdress of darker shade draped over her shoulders stood by the side of the pond, staring down at it quietly. The evening air blew softly across the vicinity, moving strands of her loosely tied hair. It was unknown what she was pondering about but her quiet demeanor coupled with the silence around, gave her an otherworldly feel. Then, without warning, a cloaked figure emerged from the bushes behind her. They moved silently. Within seconds, they were directly behind her. A pair of delicate hands reached out from underneath the cloak, and shoved her into the pond. The lady fell in, stumbled due to the force and hit her head on the rocks in the pond. A pool of blood quickly

CROWN PRINCESS'S QUARTERS EASTERN WING, IMPERIAL PALACE "They cannot be serious!" Rosalie lifted the bowl of porridge and looked at it as though it had personally offended her. "Your Highness, this is what they sent you?" Seraphine glanced at the tray. "What is wrong with it?" Rosalie looked at her in disbelief. "What is wrong with it?" She placed the bowl back down with slightly more force than necessary. "Everything." Seraphine's eyes moved over the meal. There was a bowl of plain rice porridge, a small serving of steamed vegetables, a few slices of meat and nothing else. "Is this not enough?" she asked. Rosalie's mouth fell open. "Enough?" She pointed accusingly at the tray. "Your Highness, you nearly drowned last night. You lost blood, struck your head and have been unconscious since then. And this is what they send you?" She shook her head furiously. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think they were feeding an ordinary servant." Seraphine picked up the small p

THE IMPERIAL HALLVALEDRIAThe Imperial Hall stood at the heart of the palace, beyond the Grand Court.Its vaulted ceiling rose high above rows of deep-blue banners bearing the Valedrian dragon, while tall arched windows cast pale morning light across the stone floor. At the far end of the chamber, the throne stood upon a raised marble dais. No one sat upon it yet.By the time the assembly gathered, the hall was already filled with low conversation.Officials stood beneath the high stone arches, gathered in twos and threes as they spoke amongst themselves. Their dark coats and long military tunics were cut neatly against their bodies, the high collars fastened beneath their throats. Gold and silver embroidery marked their different ranks without becoming excessive. A few wore cloaks bearing the colors of their houses, while the military commanders favored simpler coats that left little room for ornament.The men spoke in hushed voices, discussing matters of state while keeping a care