The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 37

Celia and Celeste were just about to help Lucia lower herself when she spoke up. "Master Herald, I am heavily injured and dizzy. If I kneel, I might faint. I shall stand to receive the decree."

"Insolent!" Alistair barked, his face flushing with rage.

Lucia did not even spare him a glance.

"It would be rather difficult to accept a decree while unconscious," she said smoothly.

The Royal Herald looked at her bandaged head and had no choice but to yield.

"Then Lady Lucia may stand."

He unrolled the heavy parchment and read aloud.

"By the grace of the gods, the King decrees: It has come to our attention that the legitimate second daughter of Lord Alistair Beaumont, Lucia, possesses both peerless beauty and a gentle, virtuous nature... We hereby betroth her to our youngest brother, naming her Princess Consort to Prince Jareth, with the wedding to take place on a chosen auspicious day. So it is decreed."

The Royal Herald's voice echoed through the hall, his tone flat as he delivered the words to the gathered household.

Every single person in Beaumont Manor was stunned into absolute silence.

Alistair nearly jumped out of his skin.

Lady Beaumont's face twisted in pure fury, her eyes practically shooting fire at the parchment, convinced this wretched messenger was sprouting utter nonsense.

"Impossible!"

A young girl of about thirteen couldn't hold back her screech.

This was Aurelia's blood sister, Selena Beaumont, the third daughter of the house.

Selena had not yet laid eyes on Lucia today. She had heard of this sudden 'second sister' and was actually on her way to Sunstone Pavilion to cause a scene when she diverted to hear the royal decree.

When Prince Jareth left the Royal Capital years ago, she had been a mere toddler. She didn't know the Prince personally, but her greatest idol was Seraphina Marquis. Just days ago, she had heard rumors that Seraphina was destined to be the Princess Consort.

How could the Princess Consort suddenly be Lucia?

"Lady Lucia, accept the decree," the Royal Herald urged, anxious to return to the palace and entirely uninterested in the family's drama.

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