The Debt Of Fate
Chapter 86: The Queen’s intentions

Chapter 86: The Queen’s intentions

Anastasia was shocked. She had not expected the queen to bring up the prince’s mistress. She had assumed that everyone would simply pretend not to know.

Seeing her reaction, the queen was certain that Anastasia was aware of the situation.

"You don’t have to listen to such rumors. She once saved my son’s life, and since she has a talent for medicine, he wished to repay her kindness by bringing her to the palace to refine her skills," the queen said. Even if it were true that the prince was having an affair with her, the queen would not allow any stain on her son’s reputation.

"I understand, Your Majesty. Only a fool would take rumors seriously," Anastasia replied, uncertain of the queen’s intentions.

"Although it is just a rumor, I do not think it suitable for her to continue living in the royal palace. I have ordered preparations for a small residence outside the palace for her. A royal physician will visit her every two days to continue her training. What do you think of my arrangement?" the queen asked.

Anastasia’s face paled. She recalled her dream—the prince had accused her of driving his beloved away, causing her to suffer.

Anastasia was unsure whether it had truly been the queen who had sent Dorothy away in her dream, or if the prince’s reaction would be the same as she had foreseen. But she was determined not to take any chances.

"Your Majesty is wise. We cannot allow the prince’s reputation to be ruined over baseless gossip," Anastasia said. Even though she knew that allowing the mistress to leave now might lead to the same outcome as in her dream, she dared not contradict the queen’s decision outright.

Hearing her response, the queen nodded. Just as she was about to give an order, Anastasia interjected.

"Your Majesty, I believe that while this solution is sound, the prince brought her into the palace so he could be at ease. She risked her life to save him—perhaps there are other implications we do not yet understand."

Anastasia paused, observing the queen’s expression. The queen merely frowned slightly but did not stop her, so Anastasia continued.

"I fear that if she is suddenly sent away from the palace, the rumors will be confirmed. Moreover, the prince is not here now, and should anything go wrong, he may blame himself in the future," she said.

"So what do you suggest?" the queen asked. She had chosen to deal with the mistress while the prince was away so that no one could interfere. She had not expected the one to stop her to be Anastasia. No one should have wanted to remove a mistress more than the wife.

"I am not in good health at the moment. Since she is skilled in medicine, I believe it would be best to transfer her to my courtyard to care for me. The prince is deeply concerned about my health," Anastasia added with a faint smile.

The queen listened to her words and could not help but be impressed by her daughter-in-law. Most women would try to send a mistress as far away from their husband as possible, yet Anastasia was welcoming her into her own residence. But upon further thought, her move was truly ruthless.

If Dorothy were to be placed in the crown princess’s courtyard as her attending physician, Anastasia could monitor her closely and deal with her as she saw fit. Additionally, her last remark—that the prince was worried about her health—suggested that he had only taken special care of Dorothy to train a female physician for his wife.

This arrangement would not only dispel the rumors of a mistress but also give Dorothy a legitimate reason to remain in the palace. The queen felt that this was a perfect example of the saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

"Then I will have someone summon her. Your health is of utmost importance, and it would be inappropriate for a male physician to reside in your courtyard while the prince is away," the queen said. She was swift in her decision, and soon, Dorothy was invited over.

---

In truth, Dorothy was terrified when she heard that the queen had summoned her.

Ever since she had followed the prince back to the palace, the queen had seemingly ignored her existence. But now that the prince was away at war, she was suddenly remembered. She could not help but feel afraid.

After all, she was well aware of the rumors circulating in the palace. Even the maids who came to her residence had begun treating her with newfound respect because of them.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Dorothy curtsied.

"My son said you have good medical skills?" the queen asked without preamble.

"Your Majesty, I learned a bit from my grandmother, and she said I have a talent for it," Dorothy answered, unsure of why the queen was asking.

The queen nodded with mild satisfaction. "How is your training under the royal physicians progressing?"

"I have put in my best effort to learn everything they teach. I feel my progress is good, but the teachers would be better suited to evaluate me, Your Majesty," Dorothy replied.

She had been in the palace for almost a month and had learned a great deal. Especially since the prince had promised to make her his official mistress, she had been careful to act appropriately before the queen.

The queen nodded again and, as expected, sought confirmation from the royal physicians. Word was soon sent back that Dorothy had been learning well.

"Seeing that you have talent, I have decided to grant you a position among the royal physicians. Are you willing?" the queen asked.

Dorothy was shocked but also elated. She recalled her grandmother’s words: A person’s talent will create opportunities for them.

"I would be honored," Dorothy replied immediately.

"Good. Return and follow the necessary procedures. Once everything is in order, you will be assigned your duties," Queen Mary said.

"I am grateful to Your Majesty," Dorothy said, bowing deeply before leaving.

Watching this unfold, Anastasia felt a sense of relief. Keeping a viper close was dangerous, but she preferred a threat she could watch over rather than one lurking in the shadows.

In her dream, the king had accused her unjustly. Allowing Dorothy to remain in the palace for now seemed like the best way to prevent history from repeating itself.

"Now, on to more important matters," the queen said. "Have you given thought to the noble ladies you wish to select for your court?"