The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 227: Take all the blame

Chapter 227: Take all the blame

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The king turned to look at Anastasia, who still sat gracefully. He thought, Indeed, a clean hand needs no washing. He believed she remained calm because she was ignorant of what was about to unfold.

"I don’t know what happened to the prescription that was in Lady Dorothy’s possession. I find it strange that I would say such things while drunk. I once heard of a forbidden medicine that causes a person to speak nonsense—I never believed it until it happened to me. I had long wanted to explain this to the investigation hall, but I doubted anyone would believe me, so I kept quiet.

Last night, someone approached me and promised I could live if I accused the queen of plotting against herself to ruin Lady Dorothy. I agreed; after all, what man wants to die? But I dare not tell such lies before our High Priest and before God. So I confess the truth," Gill spoke quickly, keeping his eyes fixed on the High Priest.

King Edward frowned upon hearing these words. He never expected that this man would fear God enough to confess that someone had instructed him to lie against the queen.

Anastasia’s heart skipped a beat. She turned to look at the king—he was the only one who could have promised to spare the man’s life. Cold sweat broke out on her back. She had never imagined he would do something so cruel.

Before the king could react, Anastasia stood and fell to her knees before the High Priest.

"I wish to live. Please, High Priest, grant me justice in the name of God and set me free from this marriage," Anastasia pleaded.

The Priest turned to the other priests who made up the council.

Everyone in the chamber could sense the truth: the king had arranged for the man to ruin the queen’s reputation.

"Queen, these are only his words. How can we be sure he speaks the truth?" the High Priest asked, still hesitant. He had a close relationship with Queen Mother Mary and wished to leave room for doubt.

"How is it merely his word? I was the one who was poisoned. I gathered evidence that His Majesty’s mistress intended to harm me, but he didn’t believe me. Weeks later, this man suddenly appears claiming to have switched my prescription. I asked questions, his words were baseless to begin with but his majesty wanted to protect his lover. In all these months, has there been any progress in the investigation? When Anastasia asked this question she turned and looked at the king.

King Edward looked at her coldly but said nothing. Indeed there was no progress. This man had not said another word since he was sent to be questioned.

"And now—someone even dares to frame me..." Anastasia continue seeing that the king had nothing to say.

"Priest, can’t you see someone wants me dead? Our God is a righteous judge. As His servant, do you dare to say you do not understand what is happening?

If you do not save me today, I will die and my blood will be on your hands," Anastasia cried out. Her voice was firm as she looked at the high priest. She looked as though she would take her life if he did not grant her justice.

The high priest heart shook, he looked at Mary, he wanted to know if she had anything to say. No one had expected things to develop to this angle.

One of the other priests stood up. "The queen’s petition can be granted—a royal divorce. Though she must forfeit her title as queen," he said solemnly. This priest had watch Mary spend three days in the chapel praying. He thought she was virtuous woman, so he spoke in her favor.

The other three priests nodded, this is true," they echo.

"Since the king and queen have never shared a bed, we, as priests of the Most High, grant Lady Anastasia Thompson her request. Your Majesty, what is your response?" the High Priest asked.

"I agree," King Edward said and walked out of the council chamber. He had planned to ruin the queen, but in the end, he only humiliated himself.

Now, others would not fear him, they would despise him. He could already foresee that once the news of this council spread, more voices would rise against his throne.

"Thank you," Anastasia whispered as she stood.

Mary looked at her son’s back and regretted trusting him. She felt that there was no need for this council. It would have been best if he wrote her a letter of divorce and end things quitly.

Prince Lucan was also a bit disappointed in his brother. He did not understand what was so good about his mistress that he would destroy such a good wife for her.

Two people in the chamber were happy to see this ending.

Lord Auraline and princess Karen of Gube. They both felt that this was the chance they needed to act.

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Royal Palace – East Wing,

The sun had barely begun its descent when the doors to Anastasia’s chambers were opened for the final time.

Servants moved quietly through the room, packing her belongings under the watchful eyes of the palace guards. Everything of value that had once belonged to the Crown remained behind—jewels, official documents, and royal gifts were neatly catalogued and stored away, per custom. Only her personal effects were allowed—clothes, books, and a few keepsakes.

Anastasia stood at the center of the room, draped in a simple dove-gray cloak. Her gown was modest, without embroidery or ornament, a deliberate choice. She had chosen not to leave as a queen but as a woman who had reclaimed her name.

Miss Magdalene, adjusted the hood of her cloak with trembling fingers.

"You don’t have to come with me," Anastasia said softly.

"who else can I serve if I chose to remain in the palace?" She whispered, blinking back tears. "Wherever you go, I go."

Since she had pledge her loyalty to the queen she could only have a better chance of survival if she left now.

A faint knock came at the door before it creaked open. Prince Lucan entered, alone, his face unreadable.

"Prince Lucan," Anastasia said, surprised. She was not close to this brother in-law and his visit was a surprise.

"I wanted to see you off," he replied.

She gave a small nod of thanks, but the grief in her eyes lingered.

He looked away, ashamed.

Outside the corridor, a procession had been arranged—simple and discreet. No royal escort, no trumpets, no farewell ceremony. Only a small carriage stood at the palace gate, guarded by two riders sent by the temple to ensure her safe passage. The priesthood, perhaps out of guilt, had insisted on this.

As Anastasia stepped through the grand hallway for the last time, the walls felt colder, the chandeliers dimmer.

Queen Mother Mary stood near the main staircase, hands folded tightly before her.

"You were brave today," she said. Mary was not sure how she felt about this daughter in-law. No matter what she could not find a reason to blame Anastasia. Her son, had acted out of line. She also felt that this ending was not too bad. Rather than have Anastasia this two edge knife in the royal family it was best to let her go.

Anastasia stopped. "And you were silent." Anastasia had thought that her mother in-law was a righteous woman. Only today did she realized that she was a mother who protected her son. But yet, she respects her for the times she had stood by her and support her.

Mary flinched but said nothing more. Their parting required no further words.

At the gates, the High Priest himself waited, a rare gesture that made the gathered guards murmur among themselves.

"As promised," he said, "no one shall touch you. May God guide your steps, Lady Anastasia."

Anastasia gave a respectful bow of her head. "May He also open your eyes."

She stepped into the carriage. The doors closed behind her with a soft thud—final, like the end of a Chapter.

As the carriage rolled through the gates, she did not look back.

But high above, behind the tall glass of the royal study, King Edward stood alone, watching the carriage fade into the distance. His fingers were curled tightly around the hilt of his sword, but he made no move.

For the first time in months, the palace felt unbearably quiet.

He did not know why but watching the carriage leave the palace made him feel like he was losing something. King Edward could not explain this feeling, he had never loved Anastasia.

At best, he had only acknowledged her as his wife and queen.

Yet, in this moment he regrets his actions. Why had he never visited her bed chamber. He felt that it was easy for her to leave because they have never truly been husband and wife.

King Edward dropped his sword and push those thoughts out of his mind. He had let her sit firmly as the queen. He did not intend to make Dorothy Queen. "She is too greedy, what man is not allowed to have a mistress?" He refused to take all the blame.