The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 183: Dare not

Chapter 183: Dare not

The celebration lasted late into the night.

The men continued their festivities in the grand hall, while the women celebrated in the queen’s quarters.

Anastasia used the opportunity to announce the ladies she had chosen to join her court. As planned earlier, she selected Lady Rosalind, Lady Isabel, Lady Cecilia, Lady Jilian, and Lady Sabina.

When these names were announced, a few people felt envy, others did not care but there were those who were angry.

Duchess Anita and her daughter Elizabeth were furious. No matter what, Anastasia should have chosen her sister.

Meanwhile, Lady Thorne turned to the king’s mother. Although she said nothing, Mary understood what she meant.

Mary sighed. She had also hoped Anastasia would include Amber among her chosen ladies of the court. She had not anticipated being ignored.

"I will ask my daughter-in-law later," Mary assured her. The two were good friends.

"Your Grace, my family has always been loyal to the royal family. We have also been close friends. If not for how things turned out, we would have become in-laws. I just thought this was an opportunity to show our loyalty," Lady Thorne said with a smile.

Mary frowned. Now that her husband had died suddenly, and with others eyeing the throne, she wanted to keep the royal court calm. But that did not mean she would be threatened.

"Look at what you’re saying? My daughter-in-law chose based on her preferences," Queen Mary said. She had heard from Miss Magdalene that Amber had acted haughtily during the first tea hosted by Anastasia. No matter what, Anastasia was now a member of the royal family and could not be looked down upon.

Lady Thorne felt choked hearing those words. She knew her daughter well. Even though she hadn’t attended the tea, Amber had come home complaining about Anastasia’s shortcomings.

"Moreover, if you are willing, we can still become in-laws. Although my second son is injured, he has returned to the royal city. His brother will grant him a good position. So there is more than one way to show loyalty," Mary said.

When Lady Thorne heard this, she nearly choked again. Of course, if the second prince were still healthy, she would have had no problem with her daughter marrying him. After all, the only difference was that he would not become king but his status remained just below Edward’s, and it would still have been a good match.

But now, the second prince was injured. She had even heard rumors that he might not live past five years. If her daughter were to marry him, wouldn’t that mean she’d become a widow early? So, she had wanted to drop the idea of marriage. If her daughter could join the queen’s court, she would certainly find a good match. But now, her daughter had neither a court position nor a marriage proposal and the queen had brought up marriage.

"Your Grace, His Highness the Second Prince is indeed a good match. I’m embarrassed to say this, but my daughter has always had her eyes set on His Majesty. Now that it seems not to be God’s will, I do not think it wise for her to marry the Second Prince. But I will, of course, seek my husband’s opinion," Lady Thorne said with a smile. She did not dare show her thoughts in her words. After all, if the royal family decides on this marriage, they did not dare refuse

Mary also smiled. There was nothing more to discuss. Finding a wife for the Second Prince would not be difficult. In fact, she had intended to begin searching among the noble ladies of marriageable age. Given that he might not live long, she wanted him married as soon as possible, perhaps he could leave behind an heir.

Lady Thorne was relieved that Mary did not continue the conversation about marriage.

The celebration prolonged late into the night and continued for the next two days.

Duchess Anita found an opportunity to speak with Anastasia alone.

"My dear, Elizabeth is your sister. No matter what, she should be a member of your court. You don’t want others to think the Duke’s residence lacks peace and unity," she said with a kind smile. No matter how angry she was about the situation, she did not dare speak out of tune.

"What others think is not my concern. It’s not that I don’t wish for Elizabeth to join my court... it’s that I don’t dare," Anastasia replied. After everything the duchess and her daughter had put her through, she was already being generous by not seeking revenge. Why would she let them benefit from her? Moreover, she had no habit of using snakes as pillows.

"What do you mean, you don’t dare?" Duchess Anita frowned. She felt that Anastasia, now queen, had forgotten her roots. She began to consider spreading word if Anastasia did not include Elizabeth to force her. After all, Anastasia was allowed up to ten ladies and there were still available spots.

"Duchess, my sister lacks emotional control. Once, in anger, she pushed me toward a mad horse. I would have died if not for a timely rescue. I just fear that if I upset her again, she might harm me once more," Anastasia said. She wore a look of concern, though she had no intention of confronting Anita directly.

Duchess Anita felt like shouting. She hadn’t expected Anastasia to bring up the horse incident again.

"You are now the queen, and forgiveness is a virtue. Besides, it was an accident. Why do you make it sound so terrible?" she asked.

"The Duchess puts it very simply, but I was the one who nearly lost my life. My sister does not know how to manage emergencies. I’m even more worried that she may offend other noble ladies. I dare not include her," Anastasia said with a smile.

"Don’t worry, I will speak to Elizabeth. She will be careful in the future. Although you are queen now, you still need your family’s support," Duchess Anita reminded her.

"You are right, Duchess, but I need to stay alive to remain queen. I know the value the Duke’s residence places on my life... it’s not more than a few pieces of jewelry. I dare not take the risk," Anastasia said. She did not trust the duchess or her daughter. No matter what anyone says, she will never give Elizabeth the opportunity to join her court.

Duchess Anita was furious when she heard this. Back then, she had sent her maid to deliver jewelry to apologize on Elizabeth’s behalf. Anastasia had rejected the gift. Elizabeth had never apologized, and over time, even forgot the incident. She hadn’t expected Anastasia to still be waiting to strike back.