The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 80: Smooth and untroubled

Chapter 80: Smooth and untroubled

Ernest was late to the grand celebration, so he did not witness Anastasia arriving with the Crown Prince. As a result, he was unaware that Anastasia was the bride. After saving her two days ago, he had been trying to uncover her identity.

Anastasia was not well-known, and no news of her had reached him. Still, he had hoped in his heart to find her soon. He did not expect that when they met again, it would be as he watched her marry another man. Though he had not been certain of his feelings for her before, this moment made everything clear.

It would have been easier to accept if she had married anyone else but not the Crown Prince. Although he served in the royal army, Ernest hated the royal family the most.

Ernest was not the only one feeling heartbroken. Dorothy also felt a sharp pain in her chest as she watched the man she loved and with whom she had shared a bed marry another woman.

Though he had promised to take her in as his mistress soon, how was that the same? There would be no grand wedding, no joyous celebration. She would simply be a woman acknowledged for having an affair with the prince.

The blessings and well-wishes around her felt like a blade cutting into her heart. She wished she could take the bride’s place.

Dorothy was not the only one with such a wish. Many noble ladies shared the same longing, though their reasons differed from hers.

Elizabeth, watching the scene unfold, felt as though she were being forced to swallow something bitter while being made to smile. She still could not accept that Anastasia had married the Crown Prince.

But regardless of what anyone thought, the two had officially become husband and wife.

---

The royal gardens had been transformed into a breathtaking scene of celebration. Long tables, draped in embroidered linens, stretched beneath a canopy of twinkling lanterns. The scent of roses, lavender, and fresh herbs filled the cool evening air, mingling with the rich aroma of roasted meats and spiced wine. Laughter and lively conversation blended with the soft strumming of lutes and viols as the nobility gathered to celebrate the royal union.

King George and his wife sat upon ornately carved chairs at the highest table, their presence commanding the attention of all in attendance. The king, dressed in deep crimson and gold, observed the festivities with an expression of quiet authority. Beside him, the queen, adorned in pearls and silver embroidery, carried herself with regal composure, her gaze drifting occasionally toward Anastasia.

The Crown Prince and his bride were seated below them, positioned in a place of honor. Anastasia, ever mindful of her role, kept her posture straight and her expression serene. The prince, as always, appeared gentle, the flickering torchlight casting a golden hue over his face. As goblets were raised and toasts were made in their honor, he acknowledged each one with a polite nod, his demeanor unreadable.

The nobles, dressed in their finest silks and velvets, moved through the gardens, exchanging pleasantries and hushed speculations. Some admired the beauty of the setting, while others whispered about the bride. Was she truly favored by the king? Would she hold any power at court? And why had her status suddenly been elevated to that of a legitimate daughter?

The Duchess, seated among her kin, smiled as if she had orchestrated the grand union herself. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, sat stiffly, her gaze often drifting toward Anastasia with barely concealed resentment.

"Why do you look as if you’ve swallowed a frog?" Isabel teased, sitting beside her.

Elizabeth turned to glare at her cousin but, realizing that her displeasure might be noticed by others, forced a smile. It was bad enough that Anastasia stole her marriage she could not give others reasons to mock her.

Seeing her cousin’s false expression, Isabel smirked. She was deeply pleased that the one marrying the Crown Prince was not Elizabeth. After all, no one understood Elizabeth’s arrogance better than she did. Besides, given the tantrums she had thrown in the past days, she had lost their grandmother’s favor.

Now, their grandmother praised Isabel for her sensible behavior, and Isabel felt that Anastasia’s marriage to the prince had indirectly benefited her as well. Her grandmother no longer urge her to be deligent like Elisabeth.

As the meal concluded, the musicians struck up a lively tune, and the open space before them was cleared for dancing. A courtier approached the royal table and bowed low.

"Your Highness, would you grant the bride the honor of the first dance?"

All eyes turned toward the Crown Prince. He hesitated for only a fraction of a moment before standing and extending his hand toward Anastasia. She placed her fingers lightly in his, allowing him to guide her to the center of the garden, where the ground had been carefully prepared for the dancers.

The music swelled, and they began to move in perfect harmony each step measured, each motion refined. The lanterns above flickered in the soft evening breeze, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the gathered court. Nobles murmured their approval at the elegance of the pair, but Anastasia felt no warmth in her husband’s hold.

He danced as one fulfilling a duty, not as a man celebrating his new bride.

Still, she smiled, for she knew that this night was only the beginning. In this world of power and pretense, appearances mattered above all else. And if she was to survive in the palace, she would have to master the art of playing her part.

Ernest, watching the two dance so harmoniously, felt frustration rise within him. He reached for his goblet and drank deeply.

"Why are you drinking so much?" his friend Edwin asked.

Although Ernest had a strong tolerance for alcohol, Edwin had never seen him drink so quickly, nor so heavily.

"It’s a happy occasion," Ernest said bitterly as he picked up another cup and emptied its contents.

Edwin frowned. Something felt off. His friend looked like a heartbroken man but that made no sense. Ernest had never been one to involve himself with women. Everyone in the royal army knew he cared only about training and winning battles.

"I must be overthinking things," Edwin muttered, pushing the thought aside.

A round of applause rose from the guests as the Crown Prince and his wife completed the first dance. Anastasia allowed the prince to escort her back to her seat. Many whispered among themselves, commenting on how well-matched the pair appeared.

The celebration continued, but the king—his health ever delicate, soon found an excuse to retire. Seeing that the prince had married Anastasia, he felt at ease.

The seer had assured him that as long as Prince Edward’s fate was tied to Anastasia’s, his life would remain smooth and untroubled.