جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

Serena Claridge was demure, but she was also unyielding and resolute in her decision."But what about your five children? You gave birth to them. W... Won't you miss them?"Her children...Serena felt her heart tighten in her chest. It was as though an invisible hand had clenched it tightly, and the pain was so intense that she could hardly breathe. She had carried each child for 9 months and nearly died giving birth to every one of them.She had hidden away a small baby vest from her first child and a few strands of hair from her second. As for the third... she could never bear to imagine what the child looked like because she was afraid it would make her want to stay.None of her children were by her side, as all of them had been given to Gwendolyn Cresswell, and they called her "Mother."Serena might have been their birth mother, but she was merely a blurred and insignificant figure in their lives."The children have been taken away by His Highness, and they are being cared f

Even Godfrey took pity on Serena, and his voice lowered further. "But, Your Highness... Lady Consort Serena is still weak from giving birth. She has given Your Highness five children over the years and contributed to the Royal Family, no matter what. I can tell that Lady Consort Serena loves you very much, and you... you do have feelings for her, Your Highness. Why not...""Godfrey!" Cedric's voice turned cold, though there was a trace of panic beneath it. "Don't be ridiculous! What feelings could I possibly have for Serena? I'm here to make sure her life isn't in danger. If anything happened to her, Mother would take the opportunity to make things difficult for Gwendolyn."Cedric said it with conviction, as though he were trying to convince himself. "As for whether she loves me... that's her problem. I've only ever loved Gwendolyn."Godfrey wanted to say more, but in the end, he merely sighed and fell silent.The room finally grew quiet. Not long afterward, Serena heard the rustle

Serena was about to explain that it was not what he thought, that someone else had pushed her..."Stop talking." Cedric interrupted her. "You just woke up, and you're still weak. You should get some rest. I'll have someone bring you some light dishes and tonics."Cedric stayed in Serena's chambers for the next few days. He treated her so well that the Palace servants started wondering if the Crown Prince had finally realized how sincere Serena had always been toward him.Serena tried countless times to persuade him to leave, attend to his duties, and get some rest. Every time she did, he became unhappy."Do you really want me to leave your side that much?"She could not tell him the truth. The truth was that she did not want to see him.Serena lowered her eyes and said softly, "I'm just worried you'll exhaust yourself, Your Highness."That seemed to lift Cedric's mood. His expression softened."Taking care of you isn't exhausting. I've taken some time off these past few days. I

"The Royal Dungeon?"Cedric's eyes widened. For the first time, he looked unwilling to give Gwendolyn what she wanted."Gwendolyn, if she's sent to the Royal Dungeon, she'll die...""When she cursed me, did she care whether it would kill me?" Gwendolyn's voice turned cold. "If you're unwilling to send her there, then that means you don't care whether I live or die."Gwendolyn suddenly began coughing violently again. This time, blood stained her lips.Cedric panicked and immediately called for the physician, but Gwendolyn pushed him away while keeping her eyes fixed on Cedric."Your Highness, promise me you'll send her there. Otherwise, there's no point in me treating this illness."The chamber fell silent.Everyone held their breath.Serena knelt on the floor, listening to the pounding of her heart. Every beat felt unbearably heavy, as though it could burst through her chest at any moment. A long time passed before she finally heard Cedric's answer."All right."Serena's hea

The next day, Cedric and Gwendolyn returned to the Palace from the Royal Abbey.Nestled in Cedric's arms inside the carriage, Gwendolyn spoke softly. "You've worked so hard these past few days, Your Highness. Praying for me must have exhausted you. I already feel much better."Cedric gave a distracted response as he looked out through the carriage window. His gaze drifted toward Serena's chambers.When the carriage finally stopped inside the Palace grounds, Gwendolyn said gently, "How about having some dessert with me, Your Highness? I made...""You should go back and rest," Cedric interrupted hurriedly. "I'm going to Serena's chambers to check on her."Before Gwendolyn could respond, he had already turned and left.Gwendolyn watched his retreating figure. Her fingers slowly curled into fists until her nails dug into her palms.The walk to Serena's chambers was not short. Cedric found himself moving faster and faster until he was practically running.He could not stop thinking