The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 205: Think clearly

Chapter 205: Think clearly

When Mary heard about the incident from Miss Margaret that day, she sneered.

"I knew nothing good could come from a woman willing to climb into a man’s bed without a proper status," Mary said.

"Your Grace is fortunate to have discovered her character in time. With her personality, there would have been no peace in the future had she become His Majesty’s mistress," Miss Margaret replied, her impression of Dorothy worsening.

"I’ve heard of wives who can’t tolerate a mistress, but this is the first time I’ve seen a mistress so bold," Mary said. She no longer held any good opinion of Dorothy. She had once considered the fact that Dorothy saved her son’s life, but now she even suspected that might have been a scheme.

"My daughter-in-law is still too kind. If I had sent Dorothy out of the palace back then, she wouldn’t have had the chance to harm her," Mary continued.

Although she understood that Anastasia had made that decision out of consideration for King Edward’s feelings, she still blamed her a little. If she were certain Anastasia could bear children, she would never have allowed a woman with such a calculating heart to bear her first grandchild.

"Your Grace is truly farsighted," Miss Margaret praised.

Mary smiled. She had recently been thinking about traveling to see the world once her son was firmly seated on the throne. But the matter that troubled her most was arranging a marriage for her second son. His health was poor, and she feared finding him a wife who wouldn’t be capable of caring for him.

As she thought about the kind of wife her second son needed, her thoughts drifted to Anastasia—kind-hearted yet strong in character.

To be honest, Anastasia’s willingness to punish Dorothy had surprised her. While some women had divorced in the past, most were shamed and looked down upon. But Anastasia had seized the opportunity and turned the situation to her advantage. She hadn’t minded letting the entire kingdom know that she had never shared a bed with the king. Mary was convinced that if her foolish son had agreed to the divorce, he would have suffered the most damage.

"Such a daughter-in-law would suit my second son perfectly," Mary murmured. After all, her son was not likely to live long. A woman with a strong character would be the best match for him. She would be able to protect his estate when he dies and care for him while he was alive.

While Mary worried about her second son’s marriage, others were also plotting around the same issue.

In the royal court of Gube, an advisor was trying to persuade the king.

"Your Majesty, sending Princess Katrina to marry the second prince of Nixel is the best plan for our future. That second prince is injured and may only live a few more years," the advisor said.

The King of Gube frowned. He had two daughters—his first was already married, and his second, Princess Katrina, was his favorite. After marrying off his first daughter to a distant kingdom, he had never intended to send Diana away. But the wealth of Nixel tempted him.

"I will think about it," the king said after a pause.

The advisor smiled when he heard this. They had been trying to persuade the king to marry Princess Diana out for a while. Had he agreed earlier, there would have been no need for war. If Katrina had married the crown prince of Nixel, the throne would eventually fall to their descendants. But now... the second prince wasn’t a bad option either. At least the king was finally considering it.

After the advisor was dismissed, the king summoned his daughter.

"Father," Princess Katrina greeted with a bow.

"Come, let me take a closer look at you," the king said with a smile. He was especially fond of Katrina because she resembled his mother.

Katrina smiled and stepped closer. The king studied her face and felt conflicted deep within.

"What troubles you, Father?" Katrina asked. She had always been perceptive of her father’s moods.

"Do you have someone in your heart that you wish to marry?" the king asked. Besides his affection for her, another reason he didn’t want her to marry far was because he hoped she’d choose someone she loved—something his mother never got to do.

Katrina lowered her head. She did have someone in mind, but she couldn’t tell her father—he wasn’t from Gube. She knew her father didn’t want her to marry into another kingdom, and the man she loved didn’t have the status to match hers. Even if her father would let her marry outside Gube.

"No," she said. Though tempted to be honest, she ultimately held back. If he were from Gube, she might have dared to speak.

"Then are you willing to marry outside Gube?" the king asked. "The war between Gube and Nixel has weakened our kingdom. We need at least five years to restore our strength. Nixel didn’t pursue the war further because their king had just died. They are currently dealing with internal strife. Their crown prince wishes to stabilize the realm before engaging in further conflict. Our spies report that Nixel’s royal city is still at peace. If the new king continues to govern effectively, he’ll suppress the rebellious factions within two years. But we fear that after two years, Nixel will come for revenge. Two years is very little time."

The king paused, then looked at his daughter, whose face clearly showed reluctance.

"I won’t hide it from you—I covet the rich lands of Nixel. So I ask you now: are you willing to marry outside Gube? I will only consider this suggestion if you agree."

"What kingdom does Father wish to marry me into?" Katrina asked, her hands clenched tightly.

Although she hated the thought of marrying into another kingdom, she figured that if it wasn’t him, then it didn’t matter who she married.

"Nixel," the king replied.

Katrina felt her heart race. That was his homeland; the same kingdom he came from. Her pulse quickened so much she could hardly keep calm.

"The king of Nixel is already married," Katrina said. She guessed what her father was thinking. He wanted someone from Gube on the Nixel throne. The idea that she might go to Nixel and see him again made it difficult for her to think clearly.