When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Jessica often wondered what she had done in her past life to deserve a brother as good as Garbisch.

And precisely because she had someone like him, she had to protect him no matter what.

She said quietly, “I know you’re a good man. But I did truly destroy Priscilla’s body. Even if she manages to bear children someday, she’ll never be able to nurse them like a normal mother.”

At those words, Garbisch’s handsome face flushed deep

Monica and Nolan also looked uncomfortable, their faces burning

Jessica, however, remained calm, her expression barely

She went on, her voice cool and steady. “Waldo may not have intended to hurt you, but he was still an accomplice. And Consort Adele… she’s been circling us like a vulture. Things have reached a point where if we don’t fight back, we won’t survive at all.”

“What are you planning, Jessica?” Garbisch asked, a thread of unease creeping into his voice.

Jessica’s eyes darkened briefly, but then she smiled, that familiar serene smile that always made people instinctively trust her. “Nothing,” she said lightly. “Just thinking… we need a permanent solution.”

Garbisch shook his head, his voice low. “Jessica, they’re the King’s consort and the King’s son. No matter how hard we try, we are merely subjects.”

He couldn’t bear the thought of Jessica throwing away her future just to avenge him.

“This is over,” Garbisch said firmly. “Our goal now is to lead the Yates Army south to Southernville and join Grandfather. Once we’re there… we’ll never return to Capitalia.”

Jessica’s chest tightened.

Garbisch had truly given up on the royal court. He had seen the truth–that loyalty meant nothing to the royal family.

When you were useful, they wrung every drop from you. The moment you lost your value, they’d cast you aside without hesitation–and if necessary, crush you completely.

A bitterness welled up in Jessica’s heart, but she forced a smile and said, “Alright. I understand. I won’t act recklessly. But the King won’t just let us march off to Southernville with the Yates Army. We’ll need a plan.”

“Jessica…” Garbisch began, worry in his voice.

But Jessica suddenly shifted the conversation with a smile. “Do you want to join the Autumn Hunt?”

Garbisch blinked, caught off guard. “It doesn’t really matter to me.”

Jessica leaned back slightly, studying him. “Then whose banner will you fight under?”

This time, Garbisch had no answer.

Jessica chuckled softly. “Never mind. It’s late. You should go rest. You’ve still got duties tomorrow, right?”

Garbisch nodded. “I need to inspect the hunting grounds.”

“Then go get some sleep.”

After seeing him out, Jessica returned to her room, where Monica helped her bathe and change.

1/2

Chapter 136

As she gently washed Jessica’s snow pale skin, Monica’s face grew shadowed with emotion.

“Must we really rely on others to survive?” Monica muttered, unable to hide the frustration that had been gnawing at her heart ever since ove hear Jessica’s conversation with Garbisch.

Their enemies belonged to the royal family. No matter how hard they fought, it felt like ants trying to topple a mountain–hopeless, pathetic

The thought alone was enough to suffocate her.

“Of course not,” Jessica said, sinking into the warm bathwater, letting the rising steam blur her features.

“They may be royal blood,” Jessica murmured, eyes closed, “but they don’t represent the royal family itself. The true power of the crown is far greater than theirs.”

Monica blinked in confusion, completely thrown. “What do you mean?”

“The King may be ruthless, but he is still a wise ruler. Those who prove their worth are elevated. Those who become useless are discarded without a second thought. If we don’t want to be abandoned, Monica, there’s only one way–become the one they can’t afford to throw away.”

After a long pause, Jessica opened her eyes fully, sharp and clear. “Consort Adele gave me one day to decide,” she said. “But knowing her, she may act even sooner. Tomorrow, keep a close watch on Delight Hall. Don’t let anything slip past you.”

AD