CHAPTER 242: DISGRACE 2

Back to the royal palace

King Edward’s gaze turned darker as he listened to the man reporting the incident from the monastery.

"Send for Lord Williams, he has to explain the meaning of his daughter’s actions," king Edward said. He had thought to use this incident to force Anastasia to the end and clear his name. He never expected Anastasia to be not be involved. It’s turned out that the real cause of the situation rest on William’s family internal issues.. Edward understand that if the situation was not properly managed, it would become his disgrace.

yes, your Majesty," Walter bowed and went to find Lord Williams.

Few minutes later Lord Williams arrived, upon hearing the situation at the monostary he was also surprised. "Your majesty, permit me to go and investigate this situation clearly," Lord Williams said. He like the king thought that his daughter’s decision to not marry the king was the former queen’s doing. Now hearing that one of his other daughters was the one that said something unpleasant, he could only go back and investigate.

"I want answers by morning," king Edward said in an irritated tone.

Lord William bowed and immediately went out of the room.

Meanwhile, back inside the main hall, Ernest made his way to leave but he was surprised to run into princess Karen.

"Your highness," Ernest bow. He knew that their meeting was not a coincidence.

"General Ernest, congratulations on your promotion," princess Karen said in a sweet smile. She hated that after looking forward to seeing this man for so long, when she finally got to talk to him, she was pregnant. She did not believe this was her best approach to see him.

"Thank your highness," Ernest replied with a humble smile and got ready to leave.

"Wait, I wonder if general Ernest would have the time to visit the second prince resident anytime soon?" Princess Karen offered.

"Your highness, it would be my honor, I will send a card as soon as I am free," Ernest answered. He had no plans of going to see the second prince. He did not care about the kingdom or position. He knew that they were a lot of fighting going on for the crown but he was unwilling to join forces with anyone.

The reason why he was willing to fight against the rebel for king Edward was because Anastasia’ was involved. Now that they are divorced Erenst was thinking of getting an opportunity to fake an injury and retire.

"You don’t sound like you plan to come?" Princess Karen could guess that he was paying lip service.

"I am only a general, if his highness the second prince wish to see me, I will definitely visit. I am tired and wish to retire early. Your highness, with your permission," Ernest said. He sightly lowered his head and walked around her before she could react.

Ernest did not turn back to look at princess Karen. He felt slightly guilty about his actions in the pass. That year he had accompany the Second prince on a peace negotiation with Gube

He had his plan to over turn his uncle, so he had deliberately sorted out the favour princess if Gube. Since his uncle had killed his father for the throne he wanted to let his uncle lose everything but then, the king of Gube had declared that he would not marry his daughter outside his kingdom so he had given up on marrying her and moved on but seeing her again and seeing how she smiled at him, he could tell that the seed he showed a few years back has taken root but he was no longer interested in the game or throne.

He now has a woman he cares about. He had thought he would get to see her at the celebration but she had not shown up.

"Should I pay her a visit?" Ernest thought but soon push out the thought as he did not have a reason.

....

Williams Manor – Late night

The lamps in Lord Williams’ study flickered as servants moved silently in and out, drawn by the tension that weighed heavy in the air. The hall was quiet; too quiet—and everyone knew something had gone terribly wrong.

Lord Williams stood by the fireplace, hands clasped tightly behind his back. His expression was cold, carved from stone. He had just returned from the palace, still wearing his formal coat, though dust and sweat from the day clung to his collar. He had not removed his gloves.

"Bring Bridget and Beatrice to me," he said to the steward without turning.

Moments later, the two young women stood before him his second daughter, Bridget, trembling in her fine silk robe, and Beatrice, her face flushed but defiant. Both had been called from their rooms without explanation, and both seemed to understand exactly what this was about.

Since Rosalind run away from the house that morning they have both been feeling scared, they were worried their father would hear the words they had said to her

"I want to hear it," Lord Williams began, his voice deceptively calm. "Word for word. What was said to Rosalind that made her abandon her engagement and flee to the monastery?"

Bridget looked down. Beatrice tried to speak first.

"Father, we were only warning her out of love—"

"I said word for word," he cut her off sharply. "Not excuses. Speak." He was not ignorant that his children were not close but he never cared much as long as they did not cause no trouble or cross the line by hurting each other.

Bridget swallowed hard and turned slightly to Beatrice, silently pleading for help. But Beatrice only looked away.

"I—I told her that she should be careful, that the king’s affections might not be what they seem..." Bridget began in a shaky voice.

Lord Williams’ eyes narrowed. "Beatrice?"

Beatrice raised her chin. "I told her the truth," she said, her voice clearer. "That the former queen left for a reason. That the king’s mistress holds too much power. That it is said she poisoned Queen Anastasia and went unpunished. And I said—" she faltered for a moment, then straightened, "—I said she should not expect a different fate if she entered that palace."

Silence followed.

"You said this knowing she was to marry the king in a few days?" Lord Williams asked, his voice now barely above a whisper.

"I didn’t mean to ruin anything—" Bridget started, but he raised a hand and she fell silent.

Lord Williams exhaled slowly. "Do either of you realize what your words have cost this family? Do you know what position you have placed me in?"

Beatrice stiffened. "Would you rather she entered a doomed marriage and died in that palace?"

"That is not for you to decide! And where did you get that notion that she would die in the palace?" Lord Williams thundered, the firelight casting deep shadows across his face.

"Father, you said so yourself to mother," Bridget whispered in a small voice.

Lord William felt her hitting her head on the he wall when she said those words.

"I said so? In your eyes am I a father who can not protect his daughter? I only said those words to your mother to comfort her. With your stupid brains do I dare send either of you to the palace?." Lord Williams asked. The reason why he was willing to allow Rosalind marry the king was because he knew she was smart. She knew how to control and protect herself.

He did not point at the short coming of his other two daughters so they don’t feel hurt. He never expected that those words of comfort would end up creating trouble for him.

He stepped forward, and both girls instinctively stepped back.

"What else did you say to her?" He asked. He just wanted to be sure that he knew everything.

"We told her what you said to mother," Bridget said, seeing her father’s angry face she did not dare keep anything to herself.

Lord William gaze was filled with rage, he finally understood what Rosalind meant by her words that she and the former queen were motherless children.

"I will have no more recklessness under my roof. You both are confined to your chambers until further notice. You are not to speak to guests, nor send letters outside this house without my permission."

Bridget burst into tears. "But Father—"

"Enough," he said coldly. "I gave the king my word I would provide answers by morning. And I shall. You’ve both said enough to hang our family on a thread."

He turned away, the weight of the evening bearing down on his shoulders.

As the door shut behind the girls, Lord Williams sank into his chair. His pride had suffered a blow, but worse than that was the growing dread in his chest.

Somewhere along the way, he had lost control of his household. And now the king’s wrath might fall on them all.

Fortunately, Rosalind would be sent back tomorrow, he planned to take the opportunity to talk her back into marrying the king. That way he would still provide an explanation to the king.