The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 116

Lucia's patience snapped. She shot a cold glare toward Aurelia. "Aurelia, if we are not going in, I am leaving."

"Ah, coming." Aurelia had been distracted, keeping a watchful eye on the estate's grand iron gates. Seeing her sister blocked by two maidservants, she laughed inwardly. But the moment Lucia threatened to leave, she rushed over. How could she let her prize escape?

"Helena, this is my sister, Lucia."

She linked her arm through Helena Marsh's and turned back. "Lucia, quickly, greet Lady Helena."

Helena cast a frigid, evaluating gaze over Lucia.

"I would not dare have the future Princess Consort address me so informally."

Prince Jareth had returned to the Royal Capital. The king had arranged his marriage, and the bride was none other than the wild village girl reclaimed by House Beaumont.

The news had already swept through every cobblestone street of the capital.

Everyone was in a state of absolute disbelief. They were burning with curiosity about what this second Beaumont daughter looked like, and what dark sorcery or sheer blind luck she had used to catch Prince Jareth's eye.

Helena was naturally just as curious.

And now she was looking right at her. Just as she suspected, the girl had the face of a bewitching enchantress. Helena loathed her on sight.

Lucia, of course, sensed the venom rolling off the noblewoman.

She offered a faint, unbothered reply.

"Indeed, you are entirely unworthy."

With that, she brushed aside the hands of the startled maidservants and strode past the gates without waiting.

The maids, realizing Helena and Aurelia were present, hadn't dared to stop her further, but they had never expected such sheer audacity from the supposed village girl.

Helena shook with a blinding rage at the insult.

She gripped Aurelia's hand so tightly her knuckles turned white. "What did she just say to me?!"

Unworthy?

So what if the king had decreed it? A year was more than enough time to sabotage a betrothal.

Zella Beaumont stood off to the side, desperately trying to shrink into the shadows.

Fortunately, Helena didn't even notice her. All of her burning wrath was fixed solely on Lucia.

Zella breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

With her older sister acting so recklessly, Zella figured she would be safe. Having someone else draw the monster's attention was a blessing.

"What an insolent, uncultured little beast! Why on earth did you bring her?!" Helena snarled, storming past the gates to chase after her prey.

"She grew up so far from civilization, I felt I had to give her a chance to learn our ways. I will ensure she apologizes properly to you later," Aurelia promised, playing the role of the benevolent elder sister flawlessly.

"An apology? Fine. She will drop to her knees and beg for my forgiveness with a chalice of wine!" Helena hissed through gritted teeth.

Up ahead, Lucia had already wandered deep into the estate's gardens.