The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 185: Hypocrisy of men

Chapter 185: Hypocrisy of men

To honor all the soldiers who had contributed to the victory in the war, a grand celebration was held. Although it was not as extravagant as the coronation, as only the most important nobles and military men were invited. Still, the hall bustled with activity.

Ernest was never one to enjoy crowds or loud celebrations. So, after the king’s speech, he quietly made his way out of the hall.

"Congratulations on your promotion," Anastasia said, having deliberately sought Ernest out. She found him in a quiet corridor.

Ernest was surprised that someone had managed to find him. After all, he had specifically chosen that secluded part of the palace to take a break.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he replied. Seeing Anastasia looking healthy and composed, Ernest smiled. He didn’t really care much about the promotion itself. He had thought to retire after the war since king George was dead and he no longer had to take revenge but he stayed because he wanted to have opportunity to come to the palace and see her.

"I also want to thank you for saving me once again," Anastasia said with a polite smile. Since they had both been rescued from beneath the slope, they had not seen each other. Although Anastasia wasn’t sure of Ernest’s motives, she felt strangely drawn to him. Moreover, if she wanted to cultivate her own influence to avoid future nightmares, she needed loyal allies in court—and after observing him for some time, she felt Ernest might be a good choice.

"Your Majesty need not thank me. I was only doing my duty," Ernest said humbly.

"Still, I thank Lieutenant General Ernest for his protection," Anastasia replied. She understood that expressing gratitude was one way to win hearts.

"Then, I am honored to accept Her Majesty’s appreciation," Ernest said. Hearing his reply, Anastasia was pleased.

"If Lieutenant General Ernest does not mind, I have a question and hope you can answer me honestly," Anastasia said with a smile. Ever since she heard those gossiping soldiers in the military camp at Lowe, she had wanted to confirm if the rumors were true or merely baseless talk.

"Your Majesty may ask. If I know the answer, I will be truthful," Ernest replied, curious as to what had piqued her interest.

"I heard some rumors. Before the last battle, the prince came to me and asked that I act as bait. He claimed it was a collective decision. But later, I heard that my female physician, now rumored to be his mistress was originally meant to take the risk, but he spared her. Is that true?" Anastasia asked.

Ernest was stunned. He hadn’t expected that question. The truth was, he had arranged for those soldiers to gossip near her tent, wanting her to learn the truth that her husband had favored his mistress over her, even in a life-threatening situation.

While it was not uncommon for men to favor their mistresses, in matters of life and death, the wife’s safety should come first. Moreover, Dorothy wasn’t even an official mistress yet.

He had hoped Anastasia would grasp the implications and take steps to protect herself. But he hadn’t expected her to seek him out for the truth. This action made him see her in a new light. After all, rumors could be false—yet she sought confirmation before acting. That, in itself, was wisdom.

"Your Majesty," he began, "to be honest, none of us expected His Majesty to insist that you take the risk. We all believed the female physician should have gone. It was nighttime, and the Gube spies didn’t know you well, so they might have been fooled. But His Majesty felt the plan wasn’t foolproof. He claimed that since you had been with the Gube spies for several days, they might recognize her and not be deceived. I don’t know if there was a hidden reason behind his decision."

With that final statement, Ernest subtly reminded Anastasia that Edward’s words might hide deeper motives.

"Thank you," Anastasia said with a smile. Of course, she believed the rumors. Still, the king had treated her kindly in recent days, and that had made her waver.

Although he hadn’t shared a room with her and their union was yet to be consummated, he had also stayed away from Dorothy’s bedchamber. He spent most of his time working in his study and resting in his private quarters in the Crown Prince’s wing. Now that they had moved into the main palace, he still hadn’t approached Dorothy.

Anastasia couldn’t help but wonder if her actions had changed the course of fate. After all, no woman wanted to be stepped on by her husband’s mistress. Yet hearing Ernest’s words, she felt naive.

Who could truly understand the heart of a man? Her own father had once pretended not to see how the Duchess treated her, only to later act as a loving father when her marriage to the Crown Prince was arranged. He made her believe this was his intention but She later learned that it had been the late king’s will all along. The old seer had said her fortune matched the prince’s. Her father simply took credit. And yet, he still allowed the Duchess to poison her and cover it up.

Anastasia was not ignorant of the hypocrisy of men. Most cared only about maintaining peace on the surface. Her mother had been unfavored by her father and endured much hardship.

Now, with rumors circulating that the king favored a mistress over his wife, he could simply pretend they were false. If he did have hidden motives, he would never give anyone a reason to point fingers, especially given the current tense state of the royal court.

Ernest, watching Anastasia’s smile, felt drawn to her—but he held himself back.

"If Her Majesty has no further questions, I will take my leave," he said, lowering his head. He didn’t trust himself to stay any longer. Why would the king care for a mistress when he had such a beautiful wife? Ernest could not understand this.

Anastasia nodded. She watched Ernest walk away, a bitter feeling rising in her heart. Ernest had saved her four times, yet always claimed it was merely his duty. Was it not a husband’s duty to protect his wife? Yet Edward had chosen to let her face the Gube spies rather than risk Dorothy. She hadn’t forgotten that she had nearly died.

"I must protect myself well," Anastasia thought.