The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 79: placing a spy

Chapter 79: placing a spy

Anastasia fought the urge to roll her eyes when she heard the Duchess’s words. When had she ever gotten used to Nill? It was obvious the Duchess was trying to send a spy with her into the palace.

"I am not used to Nill. I would rather go with Grater, who has cared for me since I was young," Anastasia said.

The Duchess did not expect Anastasia to reject her arrangement so directly, let alone propose one of her own.

"Grater is serving in this household and cannot just leave," Duchess Anita countered with the first excuse that came to mind.

"Your Grace, I do not serve the Duke’s residence but the late Lady Maureen. I joined the family with her, so it is only natural that I follow Lady Anastasia when she gets married," Grater said. This had been the excuse she planned to use to leave the Duke’s residence after Anastasia’s wedding. Now, it would also ensure that she could follow Anastasia into the palace.

Duchess Anita was taken aback. She turned to Lala, unsure of the status of insignificant servants. Lala, who had taken over Leah’s duties, was diligent and had taken the time to study all the servants and their origins. As soon as the Duchess looked at her, she nodded in confirmation.

Grater could indeed be considered a maid who had followed Lady Maureen into marriage. Since Lady Maureen’s family was small and lacked influence, having even one personal maid was considered a privilege.

Realizing she could not refute this, Duchess Anita forced a smile.

"You are marrying into the royal family; there is nothing wrong with taking more maids. Let Nill and Dorata accompany you as well. Four maids would be the standard for a noble lady of your status."

Duchess Anita was unsure how to insist on sending Nill alone, so she suggested increasing the number of maids instead. In Nixel, noble ladies typically married with two maids unless they were highly favored by their parents, in which case they could take four.

Anastasia smiled. She could not continue to reject the Duchess’s offer outright, so she nodded in agreement. In any case, she had yet to deal with Nill since returning to the Duke’s house. She might as well take her to the palace and punish her slowly.

Standing on the side, Elizabeth grew furious. After the incident two days ago, she had been too angry to speak to her mother. However, the previous day, Duchess Anita had come to see her.

This time, she explained everything. "I was not punishing you because of Anastasia. It was because of the circumstances at the time," she said.

"You dared to push her in public. Can you guarantee that no one saw you? Do you think that if the guards had taken you away, a simple apology would have been enough to excuse your actions against a member of the royal family?"

Hearing her mother’s words, Elizabeth felt a chill. She had understood this point all too well, which was why she had been scared when Anastasia looked her way as the guards arrived.

"Given your relationship with Anastasia, she would have used the incident to get revenge. I know you pushed her on purpose; do you think she is foolish enough to believe it was a mistake? She covered up for you because of the family. That is why I could not brush it off like before. I had to pretend to punish you; it was a show so that you would not have to lower your head and apologize," the Duchess had patiently explained, spending more than an hour making Elizabeth understand.

She had also reassured her that while they could not stop the marriage, they could still benefit from it.

"Anastasia is nothing more than a chess piece," Duchess Anita had said. "My maiden family, the General’s household and the Duke’s household will use her to gain more power. Once we achieve our goals, she can be abandoned. Even if she marries the prince, it does not mean she will have a good life. Without our support I promise there will be a day you can step on her again.

Hearing her mother say so much, Elizabeth had decided to trust her.

What she did not expect, however, was for Anastasia to have four maids escorting her into marriage.

No matter how she looked at it, her own marriage could never compare to Anastasia’s.

Seeing her daughter frowning, Duchess Anita gently took her hand to comfort her.

---

The ride to the royal chapel cathedral was quite, Anastasia was a bit nervous. She did not enjoy the lively scene before her like she did when she step out shopping two days ago.

As they drew closer to the hall, Anastasia look outside her gaze landed on the bells tolled in the distance, their deep chimes echoing through the cold morning sending her a bit of comfort.

"We have arrived ," the coachman announce as they carriage came to a stop. Anastasia descended from the carriage with the help of Rosa and Miss magdalene. A hush fell over the gathered nobles, their breath visible in the chill, their curious gaze fell the bride. Wrapped in the heavy folds of her wedding gown; ivory silk embroidered with golden filigree; Anastasia felt the weight of her new status settle upon her shoulders.

The cathedral loomed before her, its towering arches and stone-carved saints standing as silent witnesses to her fate. The Duke stepped forward, offering his arm with practiced solemnity. Anyone could see he was a proud father. The Duchess stood to the side, her smile thin, her calculating eyes assessing every detail. Beside her, Elizabeth watched in sullen silence, her hands clasped tightly before her ruby-red skirts. Heaven know how many times she had curse Anastasia since they arrived the scene.

Anastasia’s veil cascaded down her back, the pearls woven into its delicate lace catching the dim light of the torches lining the great hall. Every step forward echoed, her embroidered slippers brushing against the cool marble floor. The scent of burning wax and crushed rose petals filled the cavernous space, mingling with the murmurs of the assembled guests.

At the far end of the aisle, the Crown Prince awaits his bride. His face was unreadable, his dark eyes sharp as they rested upon her approach. The crown prince was handsome as ever, dressed in rich velvet adorned with silver embroidery, the insignia of his lineage glinting at his breast. He neither smiled nor frowned, simply observing as she took her place beside him.

The officiant, clad in solemn vestments, raised his hands, calling the witness to silence. The ceremony commenced, the officiant began the sacred rites, his voice steady and authoritative. Words of devotion and duty filled the air, binding her fate to the prince’s in the eyes of the people and God. the words of union spoken with weight and finality. Anastasia’s voice did not waver as she repeated the vows.

The vows were exchanged, Then came the moment of exchange. A golden band, simple yet exquisitely crafted, was placed upon her finger, by the prince. Its cool weight a tangible reminder of the future she had stepped into. In return, she fastened a signet ring onto the prince’s hand, the emblem of his house pressed into its surface.

When the prince lifted her veil, his touch was light but distant. Their eyes met for a brief moment. The hall erupted into applause, the nobles offering their approval with measured enthusiasm.

Anastasia lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening around the delicate lace of her sleeves. The wedding was over. In the crowd upon seeing the face of the Bride clearly Ernest balled his fist feeling like a thousand needles has been pierced into his heart.