Chapter 12

“I’ll take my clothes off first.”

Without hesitation, Evelyn took her clothes off. It wasn’t Jenny’s first time seeing her body anyways.

However whenever she bathed her, she couldn’t stop herself from admiring the woman.

The smooth, glossy skin which resembled that of a marble, and curves that formed a graceful stance which looked beautiful.

“What are you waiting for?”

“We-well, I can’t!”

“You’re so stubborn and I like that. But Jenny…”

Evelyn stared at Jenny with a menacing gaze. She slowly approached her and held her hand.

“I can either kill or save you. I can accuse you of stealing my accessories right now. You know what happens to the maids who steal, right?”

Jenny felt afraid and swallowed the lump on her throat.

It happened half a month ago when a maid stole Rasmania’s ring. She got beaten and before she was dismissed her wrist was amputated.

“For the past year, you’ve been irreverent towards me. I can understand that especially when you just suddenly gained a master who came out of nowhere.”

“Oh, my lady. It’s not like that.”

“It is alright, there is no need for excuses. The important thing is from now onwards.”

Evelyn’s eyes became more intense.

“We want a secret between us to strengthen our bond.”

“I… don’t understand what you’re talking about, my lady.”

“Let’s take a bath together. Beer bath is something that not everyone can have.”

“I- I…”

“You’ve been washing me this whole time, so I’ll be washing you this time. Take off your clothes.”

Her voice was soft. Nevertheless, Evelyn’s expression and gaze showed an irresistible sternness.

Jenny couldn’t hold on any longer.

She understood that Evelyn should never be ignored or treated irreverently.

Jenny unwillingly took off the layer of clothes.

“Let’s get into the bath together.”

Evelyn pulled Jenny’s hesitant hand.

When the two got into the bath together, beer overflowed from the tub.

Evelyn grinned as she poured beer on Jenny’s shoulder with her hands.

Jenny’s eyes widened but she still plastered a hesitant smile.

“Jenny, you have done something great now. You managed to get into my beer bath. What will happen if the others knew about this?”

“Oh, oh, my… lady…”

Jenny’s expression hardened with fear, thinking she made a mistake and might be punished for it.

“Don’t worry. I’m going to keep it as a secret.”

“F-forgive me! I was being rude…”

“I’ll overlook all the rudeness you have committed in the past. As I said, what is important is from now onwards.”

“Will you, my lady?”

“I don’t go back on my words.”

“Thank you… for your mercy.”

Jenny’s eyes were wide opened and her chin was trembling. She was about to cry.

“From now on, I’ll be serving you with all my heart, my lady.”

“You are wise, Jenny. You are a great helper!”

Evelyn concealed her grin. From now on, she was going to make use of Jenny.

***

“Her Majesty has arrived.”

Emarson, Head Butler, called outside the door of the study.

Theodore, who just opened the book in which he hasn’t even read, quickly got up from his chair.

“Mother…”

The night was getting deeper. Nevertheless, even with a tired body, Queen Isabella still came to his palace.

“Were you reading a book?”

“You must be tired yet you’re not resting. What’s the matter?”

“I’m alright. You were the one who stayed on your seat until the end of the banquet.”

Isabella sat on a chair. Her thoughts were showing on her face.

“Theodore.”

“Yes, mother. Go ahead.”

“You’ve left the Crown Princess position vacant for too long.”

“I don’t want to get married yet.”

“I know how you feel since the former Crown Princess in question died.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Isabella let out a short sigh.

“I can’t stand Rasmania’s arrogance and tyranny. Aside from that, His Majesty is slowly losing his power as the time goes by.”

“I’m concerned about that too.”

“How dare she bring all those Blackbird knights to a royal banquet and protest?”

“I apologize. It’s because I’m not suitable to be a royal prince.”

“No, it’s not your fault, Theodore.”

Isabella, who sighed again, continued.

“Since His Majesty ascended to the throne at the age of 15, he had always depended on Grand Duke Travitt. That’s why he started losing his power when Rasmania inherited everything that the Grand Duke had.”

“I’m going to get rid of her. I have to do it!”

“You will need power.”

“I know.”

Isabella lowered her voice and spoke with a stealthy expression.

“Shouldn’t you choose a marriage partner already? How about Marquis Jervas Sigmund’s daughter?”

“Mother…”

Theodore’s face hardened from what his mother said.

“Marquis Sigmund is not very powerful but Vestina’s family has a considerable amount of power with their vast estate and the largest gold mine at Dresten that they own. Not to mention, she also doesn’t like Rasmania.”

Desperation showed on Isabella’s face.

“Theodore, my son, you must inherit the throne and become a powerful monarch.”

“I will not go against my mother’s will.”

“If things go this way, we might end up handing over the country to that wicked woman, Rasmania.”

“That will never happen!”

Theodore’s jaw, which was firmly shut, slowly loosened.

“I’ll send a notice to House Sigmund soon.”

“Mother, please wait.”

“There’s not much choice.”

“It is a matter which should be carefully considered.”

Isabella, who kept silent for a while, nodded to Theodore’s heavy words.

“…I don’t want you to wait long.”

The Queen went back to her palace still filled with anxiety.Theodore had a stiff expression as he approached the window.

The night’s cold wind rushed in as he opened the window.

His eyes that stared at the darkness of the night were indifferent.

***

Evelyn couldn’t fall asleep as she lay on the bed.

Rasmania said calmly and with dignity. At that moment, not only the ladies became quiet but also the people who were gathered there. A gold coin being a mere slave’s price; it was an unprecedented bid.

“The moment I saw you, I knew you worth a lot more than a gold coin.”

“I am at this position, thanks to the great grace that Princess showed me.”

“When I was attacked by a group of gunmen in the Armand Forest, I wanted you to show up and save me.”

“I apologize! I couldn’t protect you at that time.”

“It’s not your fault. I was the one who sent you to the border.”

Rasmania caressed Ricardus’ jaw with her long and delicate fingers.