The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 46: plot

Chapter 46: plot

Anastasia was in class that morning when a maid from the main hall came to call her. After excusing herself from the teacher, the maid informed Anastasia of a message from the palace.

"Lady Anastasia, the Duke requests your presence in the main hall. You are asked to prepare for your entry into the palace," the maid said.

Miss Brace was the one teaching the class that morning. Although everyone knew Anastasia was the chosen wife of the crown prince, she still looked down on her. After all, within the Duke’s residence, everyone believed that Anastasia was chosen only because she was the Duke’s first daughter and her mother was originally a legal wife.

Miss Brace thought that if the lady-in-waiting from the Queen’s court saw how untalented Anastasia was, she could report to the Queen and have the bride changed.

Miss Magdalene was surprised that Anastasia was suddenly summoned to the palace. Although the engagement had already been completed, the crown prince was not in the royal city, and there would be no grand celebration due to the ongoing war in the third region. It made no sense for Anastasia to be called to the palace so suddenly.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, clenched her hands into fists. She could not understand why Anastasia would be summoned. In her heart, she believed that the marriage to the crown prince should have been hers.

"With your permission, Miss Brace," Anastasia said before walking out of the class, with Miss Magdalene following her. She, too, did not know why Anastasia had been called to the palace.

"Miss Brace, I don’t feel well. I would like to take the day off," Elizabeth said as soon as Anastasia and the others left the room.

"You may take the day off. I will inform the other teachers," Miss Brace replied with a kind smile. Elizabeth immediately thanked her.

---

"Mother, what should we do now?" Elizabeth asked as she rushed into her mother’s chambers after leaving class.

Duchess Anita frowned. She had not expected Anastasia to be summoned to the palace, especially so suddenly. Usually, a message would have been sent a day in advance.

"We can only wait and see. Leah, in the past few days, has the maid succeeded?" Duchess Anita asked.

"Your Grace, I asked the maid this morning. She has only managed to add it twice. That foolish girl who’s always with her is very cautious," Leah answered in a low voice.

"That’s fine. She only needs three doses at most before it takes effect. Remember to send tea with her to the palace. She will surely get thirsty along the way. Add extra," Duchess Anita instructed.

Leah bowed and left the room.

Duchess Anita smiled, thinking about the situation. She had decided to poison Anastasia gradually because she was afraid of being discovered. Now that Anastasia was heading to the palace, she felt it was the perfect opportunity. If Anastasia fell ill there, the marriage would be called off, and no one would suspect her.

"But Mother, if she falls sick at the palace, how can we ensure that the marriage will fall to me?" Elizabeth asked, worried.

"Don’t worry. The engagement gifts have already been sent. If the marriage is annulled, an official message will be sent to the Duke’s house," Duchess Anita reassured her.

Elizabeth nodded, but she still felt uneasy. "Can’t I go to the palace with her? That way, I can seize the opportunity."

"I doubt that will be possible. One cannot enter the palace simply because they wish to. If we make such a request now, it could raise suspicions, especially after she falls ill. And remember, do not eat the snacks in the carriage," Duchess Anita warned, shaking her head.

Although she wanted her daughter to impress the royal family, the risk was too great.

Elizabeth nodded, understanding her mother’s concerns.

"Anyway, even if this marriage doesn’t come to you, as long as it is called off, our efforts won’t be wasted," Duchess Anita added after a pause. She would never allow Anastasia to have a better future. The thought of her daughter bowing and addressing Anastasia as ’Your Majesty’ was unbearable.

Elizabeth also felt that her mother was right. Nothing mattered more than ensuring Anastasia did not become the crown princess.

---

Inside the carriage

"My lady, you should eat some snacks so you don’t get hungry later," Rosa suggested. Seeing the snacks in the carriage, she assumed they had been prepared by the palace.

"I don’t want to eat anything," Anastasia shook her head. She was too preoccupied with the sudden summons from the king.

"Rosa is right. Although this carriage is fast, it will still take at least three hours to reach the palace. You should eat something," Miss Magdalene advised.

Anastasia agreed, picking up a snack and eating small bites.

"My lady, have some tea," Rosa said, pouring a cup for her.

The tea was pleasant, and Anastasia drank a bit more along the way to calm herself.

By the time they arrived at the palace, Anastasia felt her stomach was full from the tea, so she asked to use the restroom before meeting the King and Queen.

"Remember, when you see Their Majesties, you must act confidently," Miss Magdalene whispered as they walked toward the throne room, where the king was waiting.

Over the past few days, the two had gotten along well, and Miss Magdalene hoped Anastasia would successfully marry the crown prince. She offered advice to help Anastasia please the Queen.

The king had already made his decision, so as long as Anastasia did not make any grave mistakes, it should not be a problem. However, the Queen was known to be particularly selective about her daughter-in-law.

"I will remember everything you have taught me these past few days," Anastasia said, taking a deep breath as they stepped into the throne room.

The Queen’s gaze remained fixed on Anastasia as she approached. Noticing that her posture was correct, the Queen let out a small sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty," Anastasia bowed upon reaching the King and Queen.

"Rise," the king said, his gaze kind. However, Anastasia felt an inexplicable shiver run down her spine.

"Your marriage to the crown prince has been set for next month. I summoned you today to undergo the purification rite," the king announced without delay.

Anastasia was surprised. She had read about the purification rite before, but the tradition had long been forgotten. Moreover, according to historical records, the rite was usually conducted just days before the wedding, not an entire month in advance.

Something felt off, but she did not dare question the king.

"I understand, Your Majesty. What do I need to prepare?" Anastasia asked.

"Do not worry. The royal family has made all the necessary preparations. You simply need to follow the Queen and obey her instructions," the king replied.

Anastasia nodded in understanding. The Queen stood and motioned for Anastasia to follow her.

Just as she took a few steps, Anastasia suddenly felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She took a deep breath, trying to endure it, but the pain intensified. Soon, she could only clutch her stomach, unable to take another step.

At that moment, the Queen noticed her discomfort and stopped.

"What is the matter?" she asked with a deep frown.

Anastasia tried to answer, but dizziness overtook her, and she lost consciousness.

Fortunately, Miss Magdalene and Rosa were quick to react, catching her before she collapsed to the ground.