The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 224: Acting recklessly

Chapter 224: Acting recklessly

Duke Thompson’s Residence

On this day, the Duke’s residence received an unexpected visitor—General Robert had decided to visit. After many years of being married to the general’s daughter, Duke Thompson could count on one hand how many times his father-in-law had come to his house.

The two families were supposed to meet at the royal celebration, but it had been suddenly canceled.

"General," Duke Thompson greeted him with respectful formality.

"Let’s talk in the study," General Robert said.

Duke Thompson followed his father-in-law into the study.

"Do you know why the royal celebration was suddenly canceled?" General Robert asked as soon as the door closed.

"No," Duke Thompson frowned and shook his head. Everyone knew he had little influence in the royal court. Even so, he hadn’t been pleased with how much attention the child of a mistress had been receiving.

Usually, if a son was born from a mistress, there was no need for a royal celebration. The king’s sudden action had caused speculation that the boy would be named crown prince. Rumors about the queen being unable to conceive had begun to spread.

While many doubted the news for various reasons, Duke Thompson knew well about the queen’s poisoning before her marriage. Lately, he had been quietly frustrated with the duchess.

"I heard your daughter demanded a royal divorce from His Majesty," General Robert said. Some royal relatives had attended the morning prayers, and Queen Anastasia’s request had already begun circulating among noble households.

"What? Can that news be trusted?" Duke Thompson asked, surprised. He had assumed his relationship with his daughter was still sound, but since her marriage to the king, she had never returned to visit nor invited her family to court.

Even when the news about the king taking a mistress spread and he approached her himself, she had rejected him.

So although a few high nobles now respected him, he understood it was only because of his daughter.

"Very reliable. She requested the royal divorce during the prayer at the royal chapel this morning," General Robert confirmed.

"She didn’t tell me anything," Duke Thompson said, feeling uneasy.

"How did you raise your daughter? She dares make such a decision without even informing you?" General Robert was clearly displeased. He felt the queen was acting recklessly. When had a woman ever demanded a divorce? Even if the rumors about the king intending to name the mistress’s child as heir were true, there were many ways to manage the situation—divorce shouldn’t be one of them.

"Is this situation not thanks to your daughter? Don’t pretend you don’t know why the queen cannot conceive," Duke Thompson said. Though he respected and was somewhat intimidated by the general, he couldn’t help but feel bitter. Why should he be blamed now?

If Duchess Anita hadn’t poisoned Anastasia, why would the queen be barren? He had spoiled his daughter, yes, but still, he was being questioned.

When Leah took the blame back then, he had only pretended to believe it. There had been no benefit in stirring internal strife at that time.

General Robert was shocked by Duke Thompson’s response. Over the years, the Duke had always listened to him obediently. Of course, he knew about the poisoning.

"This is not the time to point fingers. Send a message to the palace. Tell her to stop the divorce plans. We can find another way to help her," General Robert said.

"Okay," Duke Thompson nodded, brushing aside his grievances. The most important thing now was for Anastasia to remain queen. As long as she held her position, his influence would continue to grow. The two men discussed a few follow-up strategies before the general departed.

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Duchess Anita’s Chambers

"Mother, do you know why the royal celebration was suddenly canceled?" Elizabeth asked. She had picked out her best dress to flaunt in front of Anastasia. Over the past few months, her parents had been discussing her marriage. Now she was engaged to Salem, the son of the Duke of Greenland. Although he couldn’t be compared to the king, since he treated her well, she was satisfied.

Especially with the recent news from Nill, one of the queen’s maids, who claimed that the king hadn’t visited the queen’s chambers in months. Elizabeth had been preparing to mock Anastasia during the celebration, but it was suddenly canceled.

"How would I know?" Duchess Anita frowned. She could tell things weren’t simple, especially since her father had ridden all the way to the house.

"Such a pity," Elizabeth pouted, disappointed at missing her best chance to humiliate Anastasia.

"What?" Duchess Anita immediately understood what her daughter was thinking. "You’d better keep those little thoughts to yourself. Anastasia is no longer the same," she warned.

Elizabeth frowned. She hated that her mother never let her speak freely.

"Your sister sitting as queen does our family a lot of good," Duchess Anita reminded her. Though she didn’t explain everything plainly, she expected her daughter to understand.

Why would the Duke of Greenland allow his first son to marry Elizabeth? Anyone could see it was because her sister was the queen. If anything happened to Anastasia now, the engagement might be called off.

Hearing those words, bitterness spread through Elizabeth’s chest.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Your Grace, the Duke is coming this way," a servant called from the hall.

Duchess Anita looked at her daughter, uncertain why the Duke would come after speaking with her father.

She straightened her dress and shot her daughter a warning look.

"Your Grace," the servant’s voice came again, followed by a knock on the chamber door before it was opened.

"Husband."

"Father."

The mother and daughter rose and acknowledged the Duke’s presence.

"You’re still dressed. Good. I want you to deliver a message to Anastasia at the palace," Duke Thompson said, his tone serious.

"My lord, what could be the issue?" Duchess Anita asked, sensing something was wrong.

"Your father brought word that Anastasia demanded a royal divorce from His Majesty during communion this morning at the royal chapel," Duke Thompson said. He believed his wife was the only one who could get an audience with the queen, so despite her being the best choice, there was no one else he could think of.

"What?" the mother and daughter exclaimed in shock.