Chapter 25
Within a single day, news had spread throughout the kingdom like wildfire.
Four murders.
An injured Duchess.
The Sheriff's authority suspended.
The Crown Prince and Duke Brian Vale personally leading the investigation.
And most shocking of all—Lady Aurora Ambrose had cancelled her meetings with Crown Prince Lucian.
The noble ladies wasted no time. Tea rooms buzzed with whispers.
"Have you heard?"
"They say Lady Aurora and the Crown Prince had a terrible argument."
"I heard the engagement has already been broken."
"No, no, I heard Lady Aurora refused to see His Highness."
"Perhaps the Crown Prince finally grew tired of her."
"Or perhaps Lady Aurora discovered something."
Every noble household had a different version of the story. By evening, rumours had become more popular than facts.
When the gossip finally reached Lady Bella Palsen, she found herself unable to relax.
She sat in the Palsen drawing room, pretending to read a book while her thoughts raced.
Her Grandmother watched her carefully, "You're turning the same page repeatedly."
Bella forced a smile, "I'm simply distracted."
Anxiety churned inside her stomach. Part of her was pleased.
If the engagement between Aurora and Lucian ended, the path to becoming Queen would finally open.
No more standing in Aurora's shadow. No more being introduced as the daughter of a nobleman's mistress. No more whispers behind her back. She would be Queen.
The most powerful woman in the kingdom. A title she had dreamed of for years.
Bella lowered her eyes. She loved Lucian. At least she believed she did. But if she were truly honest with herself...
She loved the crown. She loved admiration.
She loved the attention that came whenever she entered a room.
And she loved the thought of everyone who once looked down on her bowing their heads.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the book. She had worked far too hard to lose everything now. For years she had carefully built her image.
Kind.
Elegant.
Gentle.
Perfect.
The noble ladies adored her. Even those who disliked Aurora often praised Bella. That had not happened by accident.
Every smile.
Every compliment.
Every act of generosity.
Everything had been carefully, calculated. Yet now, for the first time, she felt uneasy.
Very uneasy, Lucian had not sent for her. He had not written. And according to the rumours, he had spent hours at the Ambrose Estate.
With Aurora.
Bella's jaw tightened. That was what truly worried her.
Not the engagement.
Not the murders.
Aurora.
As long as Aurora continued chasing Lucian, embarrassing herself and demanding attention, Bella had never viewed her as a threat.
Lucian disliked that version of Aurora.
Everyone knew it. But now things were changing.
The Aurora described by the rumours sounded different.
Calm.
Capable.
Intelligent.
Independent.
Dangerous.
Bella slowly closed her book. If Lucian spent enough time around this new Aurora, what then?
Men were strange creatures. The harder a woman chased them, the less interested they became. But the moment she walked away...They suddenly wanted to know why.
A flicker of fear passed through Bella's eyes.
No.
She could not allow that to happen.
A maid entered the room and bowed, "My Lady, would you like more tea?"
Bella's expression immediately softened into a gentle smile, "Thank you. That would be lovely."
The maid smiled back before leaving. The moment the door closed, Bella's pleasant expression disappeared. Her mind was already working.
Lady Selene's coming-of-age banquet was only a few days away.
The entire kingdom's young nobility would attend.
Including Aurora.
Including Lucian.
Bella slowly smiled.
If she played her cards correctly, she could ensure everyone remembered exactly why Aurora Ambrose was considered unsuitable for the throne.
All she needed...
Was the right opportunity.
Bella
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