The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 84

‘I really don’t understand…’

 

Grace leaned her back against the wall, lost in thought.

 

She heard footsteps approaching, heels clicking on the ground, and they stopped right in front of her cell. Grace turned her head to see who it was. It was a guard.

 

“There’s someone here to see you, Madam.”

 

“To see me?”

 

Grace asked back in surprise.

 

“Yes, they specifically asked to see you.”

 

Someone came to see me? Who could it be? Frederick? His Highness the Crown Prince?

 

Grace assumed it would be either her husband Frederick or the Crown Prince, who was close to him. But when the man came into view, she was stunned.

 

“It’s been a while, Madam.”

 

“Your Highness the Prince?”

 

It was someone she hadn’t expected at all. Grace’s eyes widened. Vladimir approached and stood right in front of the iron bars.

 

“Would you mind giving us a moment alone to talk?”

 

“Of course, Your Highness.”

 

At Vladimir’s words, the guard stood up and left, as if he had been waiting for that cue. Now only the two of them remained.

 

“They say you tried to harm my sister with a poisoned handkerchief.”

 

“I… I didn’t do anything like that.”

 

Grace replied in a weak voice. Even as she spoke, she didn’t expect the prince to believe her. It seemed everyone had already decided she was the culprit who tried to kill the princess.

 

“That’s what everyone’s saying.”

 

Vladimir’s narrow eyes curved into a crescent smile.

 

“But then again, the world isn’t always right, is it? I don’t necessarily believe all the rumors.”

 

“Pardon…?”

 

“I’m not fully convinced that you intended to kill my sister.”

 

Grace was thrown off by Vladimir’s words. Did that mean he believed she was innocent?

 

“That doesn’t mean I’m convinced you’re innocent either.”

 

So this was just wordplay? Grace’s expression turned complicated. She couldn’t figure out why the prince had come to see her or what his intentions were with these cryptic words.

 

“But seeing your face… it feels like you’re telling the truth. I’ve seen enough liars to know.”

 

“…I see.”

 

“I think it would be good to help you prove your innocence.”

 

Vladimir said it as if it were a casual suggestion.

 

“But you’ll have to help me a little as well.”

 

“Help you… how?”

 

“It’s nothing difficult. It was recently revealed that you have healing powers. I want you to assist the temple in running a few tests. But—without your husband knowing.”

 

“Why not?”

 

Grace felt something off about his request. She could understand being asked to participate in tests, but why must Frederick not know?

 

“Well… let’s just say there’s no need for Duke Winstaine or my brother Rubens to know, and leave it at that. Would that answer suffice?”

 

“……”

 

“All you have to do is say, ‘I’ll do it.’ I’ll handle the rest. And just to reassure you—these tests won’t cause you pain or suffering.”

 

This man… he’s dangerous. Her instincts screamed. Don’t tie your fate to him.

 

“I… I don’t think I can do that.”

 

“Don’t you want to get out of here?”

 

Vladimir’s voice dropped slightly.

 

“I’m concerned you might be acting against the interests of the royal family.”

 

“Against the royal family? But I am a member of the royal family.”

 

“……”

 

“And even if I were, so what? Isn’t it the royal family that put you in here in the first place? Even if you’re innocent, they don’t care to hear you out.”

 

Vladimir’s voice hissed like a snake.

 

“And I don’t understand why you hesitate to keep secrets from your husband. Wasn’t it the royal knights—your husband’s order—that brought you here? Are we to believe their captain can’t control his own men?”

 

“……”

 

“And now he can’t even get you out of this cold, dark prison. Or maybe he’s choosing not to.”

 

“Don’t speak ill of my husband.”

 

Grace replied firmly. Vladimir didn’t even know Frederick well.

 

The idea that Frederick would leave her here on purpose—it was absurd.

 

“Perhaps that’s how you feel now.”

 

Vladimir smiled again.

 

“But when you’re standing at the trial, sentenced to death, and death is staring you in the face… I wonder if you’ll still be that proud.”

 

“Are you… threatening me?”

 

Grace’s voice trembled slightly.

 

“Could it be…?”

 

Was he the one who set me up? To get what he wants?

 

But Grace said nothing. She couldn’t afford to speak carelessly in front of a prince. Who knew what other accusations might be thrown at her?

 

“Oh dear, are you suspecting me now?”

 

Vladimir shrugged, feigning innocence.

 

“If we assume you are innocent, then it certainly wasn’t me. I could swear on the heavens.”

 

“……”

 

“I’m only trying to offer the best possible option to help you. If you think I orchestrated all of this just to threaten you… that’s disappointing.”

 

Grace remained silent.

 

 

Three days later.

 

The rumor that Grace had attempted to assassinate the princess had spread throughout the palace and become the talk of the court.

 

Most believed that her trial date would soon be set.

 

This is insane.

 

Frederick was searching every possible avenue. But there was no clear way to get Grace released immediately.

 

After much deliberation, he made a decision. He didn’t like it, but it was the only way he could think of that might save Grace.

 

“Oh my, Frederick. What brings you here at this hour?”

 

Princess Rayleigh greeted Frederick with a smile. He gave her a polite nod and stepped into the room.

 

“Did you come at night like this just to spend some alone time with me?”

 

“There’s something I need to speak to you about privately.”

 

“Alright, go ahead. But if I don’t like what I hear, I won’t listen.”

 

They sat facing each other at the table. Rayleigh pouted a bit but then spoke playfully.

 

“Please release my wife.”

 

“Duchess Winstaine?”

 

“My wife never tried to kill Your Highness. She’s truly innocent.”

 

At Frederick’s firm words, Rayleigh tilted her head with a curious expression.

 

“But the evidence is pretty clear. The handkerchief she gave me was poisoned…”

 

“Has it not occurred to you that someone could have intercepted the handkerchief and poisoned it afterward?”

 

“The only person Grace met was my maid. Are you asking me to suspect my own maid?”

 

Rayleigh looked at him with a slight frown.

 

“My wife had no reason to harm you, and no motive. Why would a duchess from a rural territory try to kill a princess in the capital?”

 

“Well, reasons can always arise… But hearing you speak so earnestly, I’m starting to feel like listening.”

 

“……”

 

“But I have one condition.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Frederick asked urgently.

 

“You’ll agree to it?”

 

“If it’s within reason, I’ll do my best to comply.”

 

“Alright then. Here’s my request.”

 

Rayleigh looked him directly in the eyes.

 

“Give me your seed.”

 

Frederick couldn’t believe his ears. Had he heard that right? Did she just ask him for… a child?

 

“I want to have your child.”

 

But he hadn’t misheard. Rayleigh continued speaking with a dreamy look on her face.

 

“A strong swordmaster will be born. It’ll be a great asset to the Empire.”

 

“You’re not concerned about how people will see you?”

 

An unmarried princess with a child—she’d be surrounded by scandal. Why was Rayleigh so eager to destroy her own reputation?

 

“Because I’m not getting married? Oh, that’s not something you need to worry about.”

 

Rayleigh waved it off like it was no big deal.

 

“I can name any man as the child’s father publicly. It’s not like I can’t get married. You’re just so stiff and uptight.”

 

“……”

 

“I’d rather have you divorce your wife and marry me, but that would take too long. And after I release your wife, you could go back on your word. I need you now.”

 

This woman is completely insane. Frederick let out a quiet sigh.

 

“The trial will be held within a month, at the latest. Impregnate me before then. One night won’t be enough—we’ll need to sleep together at least ten times.”

 

Frederick found Rayleigh’s sweet smile utterly revolting.

 

“Why are you going this far?”