The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 78: Her place

Chapter 78: Her place

The Duke looked at them but did not say anything and walked out. Seeing his reaction, the women were relieved. Lady Robert looked at her grandmother with a smile of approval. She had told the story so well that even if Anastasia were to tell the Duke the truth later, he might consider it a misunderstanding Or just Anastasia’s exaggeration.

For the first time, Duke Thompson went to Anastasia’s courtyard. When Anastasia heard that the Duke was asking to see her, she was shocked. After all, he had never taken the initiative to come over, not even when her mother was alive.

"Help me," Anastasia said. She had sprained her ankle, so she had sent for Grater to take a look. Since she had refused the Duchess’s gift, Lala had forgotten to ask the physician to come and examine her injury. When the Duke arrived, Grater had just finished applying medicine to her ankle.

"Your Grace," Grater bowed as the Duke walked into the small hall.

Duke Thompson looked at the old lady. She felt familiar, but he could not remember much about her.

"Father," Anastasia did not attempt to stand up. After all, her legs were hurting, and this was the perfect excuse.

"Are you injured?" Duke Thompson asked, noticing that her leg was propped on a stool.

"Nothing serious, but my wedding is a day away. I can’t possibly get married with a twisted ankle," Anastasia said. If she wanted her leg to heal, she had to rest it as much as possible.

"Did you already have a physician check it out?" the Duke asked with concern.

"No, but Grater is very skilled. She has helped me with my injuries in the past. She already examined it," Anastasia answered.

"I heard you were frightened by a maid’s horse today?" Duke Thompson said. He actually wanted to hear Anastasia’s side of the story.

When Anastasia heard his question, she smiled bitterly in her heart. His precious daughter had almost killed her, yet the incident had been reduced to merely being frightened by a horse.

"It was an accident, nothing serious," Anastasia said. Though she had expected an apology from Elizabeth, this incident made her realize where she truly stood within the family.

All the talk about unity as a family was a farce. While she had never expected much from the Duchess and her side of the family, she felt truly disappointed in her father.

She was also his daughter; why did he show no concern at all?

Although Anastasia suspected that Elizabeth and her cousin might have lied to the Duke about the situation, it did not lessen her disappointment. If he had cared, he would have asked her directly what had happened. The way he phrased his question showed that he already believed what he had been told. She would not waste her energy arguing. What is the point of that when she most certainly lose.

"I will send a physician to take a look. Rest well," Duke Thompson said. He could tell Anastasia felt wronged, but he did not know how to communicate with her. He had never paid much attention to her. So he decided to leave. As long as Anastasia was not throwing a tantrum, he felt everything was fine.

"My lady, are you okay?" Grater asked as she reentered the small hall after the Duke left.

"I am fine," Anastasia forced a smile.

"You don’t have to be sad. At least now you are getting married as a legitimate daughter. Your life in the palace should not be so hard," Grater tried to comfort her.

"Grater, are you willing to come with me to the palace?" Anastasia asked.

When a lady got married, she could take two to four servants to her husband’s household. Before now, Anastasia had only thought of taking Rosa, but this incident reminded her of Grater.

Grater had been good to her all these years, and because of that, she had suffered. Now that Anastasia was marrying well, she wanted to take care of her.

"My lady, I am already old. I can’t help you much," Grater shook her head. She was willing to follow Anastasia but felt she might be of little or no use.

"The palace does not lack servants. Taking a maid or two with me is just for show. I only have Rosa as a maid. Other brides marry with two or more maids; I feel I will be looked down upon. Although you are already old, you can enter the palace under the identity of my nanny," Anastasia said.

Grater hesitated, but she was tempted. She had stayed at the Duke’s residence only to watch over Anastasia, keeping the promise she had made to Lady Maureen before her death. Lady Maureen had been most worried about her daughter’s future and had asked a favor of Grater, as she had once saved Grater’s life.

Grater had planned to leave the Duke’s residence after Anastasia successfully married the Crown Prince. She had thought of using her knowledge of herbs to build a better life elsewhere. However, the opportunity to follow Anastasia into the palace was an unexpected third option.

She did not want to continue working for the household, where she was given the worst jobs and paid poorly all these years. Following Anastasia would be better than stepping into an uncertain future. Besides, it would allow her to continue watching over her.

"If there is an opportunity, I will follow you," Grater agreed.

Hearing this, Anastasia was glad.

Time passed quickly, and soon, it was the day of Anastasia’s wedding. The ceremony was to be held at the Chapel Royal Cathedral. King George had personally decided on the location after a seer told him that the more honor Anastasia received, the more her star would favor his family, helping them smoothly pass the Heavenly Wrath.

The grand venue made many nobles envious of Anastasia. After all, her family was not particularly powerful, yet the King was treating her wedding with such great care. This inside information was what made General Robert eager to bring Anastasia to his side.

No one dared question the King. He was known for his ruthless actions, even if he always appeared kind on the surface. With the wedding taking place in such a grand location, Elizabeth and her mother were far from pleased.

The Queen had arranged Anastasia’s dress and jewelry; partly because she did not trust the Duchess and partly because she did not want Anastasia’s appearance to disgrace the royal family.

Miss Magdalene arrived at the Duke’s house the night before the wedding with the dress. That morning, she joined Rosa and Grater to help Anastasia get ready.

"You look beautiful, my lady," Rosa smile feeling more excited about the wedding than the bride.

Anastasia smiled in response.

The Duke and Duchess, along with the Duchess’s family, came to see Anastasia before she departed for the wedding location.

Duchess Anita introduced her family members, and Anastasia smiled politely. This time, Elizabeth was also present. She kept staring at Anastasia, wishing she would suddenly drop dead.

"I was thinking of letting Nill follow you into the palace. She has served in your courtyard for a while and would be a good choice," the Duchess said after the pleasantries.