Chapter 70
‘Prince Leonl‘ Jessica suddenly jolted awake, her breath ragged and uneven.
But then she saw Monica In the room, tidying up.
Jessica let out a relieved sigh, but her heart immediately began to race again.
“Monica, when did you come in? Last night…”
*I just came in not long ago, Monica replied. “You were sleeping so soundly, and when I knocked, you didn’t hear me, so I brought in the water myself.”“
Monica hadn’t wanted to disturb her, but today was too important, and she had to get up
“Last night… you didn’t come in at all?” Jessica asked, her forehead still damp with a fine layer of sweat.
Last night, she’d felt someone watching her–standing right by her bedside. Their gaze had been sharp as an eagle’s, cold as a glacier, and terrifying
Monica shook her head. “My lady, you told Nolan to guard the courtyard gate. No one else came in last night.”
Jessica thought for a moment, but then something struck her. She throw off the blanket and rushed out of the room.
The courtyard was calm and still. Everything was as it should be.
And beneath the pavilion, there was nothing unusual. Even the blanket she had draped over him the night before seemed to be gone.
“My lady, tomorrow the palace is hosting the martial arts tournament. General Garbisch will be facing Gail. He’s already up early practicing with the spear. The Queen has sent an imperial order, asking you to come to the palace and help arrange the food and drinks for the event.”
Monica followed her out. “I see the time is getting late. You should hurry and get ready to meet the Queen.”
Jessica nodded but couldn’t help casting one last glance at the long bench near the pavilion railing.
“Monica, you only just came in this morning? When you entered, did you see anything unusual?”
Monica shook her head. “Everything seemed normal, just like usual;
But Monica knew that last night, someone special had visited Moohchase Hall. Since Jessica had instructed her not to ask questions, she had respected
her wishes.
“My lad
lady. I think the Queen has taken quite a liking to you since the banquet. You’d better get ready and head to the palace, so you don’t upset her.”
Jessica finally tore her gaze away from the pavilion and nodded, “Alright.”
Indeed, the Queen’s attitude toward Jessica had improved considerably since the banquet.
As for the food arrangements for the tournament, there was little for her to worry about.
The Imperial Kitchen would send over a list, and the Queen would only need to review it and suggest any changes. Still, she had insisted on having Jessica involved in the process.
“Jessica, did you happen to meet Malik k when you went to pick up Princess Elsie yesterday?” the Queen suddenly asked.
Jessica nodded, answering truthfully, “I did.”
The Queen’s smile deepened. “I’ve heard Malik is incredibly handsome, almost like a god, is that true?”
Jessica nodded again. “I’ve never seen a real deity, so I can’t say. But yes, Malik is indeed very!
handsome.”
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14:47 Fri, 30 May
Chapter 70
“How does he compare to Prince Waldo?” The Queen paused, then added, “I don’t mean to bring up Prince Waldo to make you uncomfortable, Jessica but in Capitalia, very few men can match his looks. That’s why I use him as a standard. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. Prince Waldo is truly one of the rare beauties in Capitalia,” Jessica replied, though the memory of that half–face she had seen in the pavilion flashed in her mind.
Just one glance, and it had taken her breath away–she’d probably never forget that face.
She shook her head gently to clear the thought, then looked at the Queen and said softly, “He’s about the same as Prince Waldo.”
“Then he must be exceptionally handsome.” The Queen smiled, “It seems there are many remarkable men in the world, not just Prince Waldo. If Prince Waldo doesn’t want you, it’s his loss. Your future will be much brighter.”
The Queen smiled at her, but to Jessica, there was something a bit inscrutable in that smile.
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