The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 47

The palm-sized silver box alone was worth a few marks.

Celia, now fully understanding her mistress's direct nature, drew her concealed dagger and wedged the blade under the lid. With a sharp crack, she pried the small silver box open.

Inside lay an emerald pendant.

"Oh, my."

Lucia picked it up. The stone was cool and smooth, the craftsmanship exquisite. It was carved with a delicate protection rune—a piece of truly exceptional quality.

Celia was no stranger to finery.

Matron Cecily had trained them to serve by Prince Jareth's side, naturally ensuring they had an eye for luxury.

Looking at the pendant, she said, "My Lady, this also looks like the work of Brightwater Jewelers. Noblewomen favored this exact cut of white stone and emerald a few years ago. They would buy them to gift to younger relatives, blessing them with health and good fortune."

But why would such a valuable piece be sealed in a silver box and buried beneath that tree?

"Could this belong to one of the Beaumont daughters? Or perhaps Lady Beaumont herself?" she guessed curiously.

Lucia traced her thumb over the smooth surface of the stone. Celia couldn't see it, but a faint, dark mist clung to the emerald. As Lucia's skin brushed the gem, the shadowed energy hissed and evaporated, restoring the jewel's natural, brilliant luster.

Though Celia was blind to the dark magic, she clearly saw the physical transformation of the stone.

She had assumed the pendant was dull from spending so long buried in the dirt, but for some reason, one light touch from her mistress miraculously revived its shine.

"This emerald does not belong to House Beaumont," Lucia declared.

"It doesn't?" Celia paused.

"It carries no trace of their family's energy."

Celia believed her instantly.

She already knew her new mistress possessed extraordinary abilities, but she was quickly realizing just how little she actually knew.

"Then whose is it?"

What Celia really meant to ask was: do we need to return it to the owner?

She looked at the silver box in her hand.

Celia quickly explained their task, instructing her to take the items to the pawnbroker.

"I'll go at once." Bonnie nodded, turning to leave.

"Once you have the coin, buy some meat pies and sweet tarts on your way back," Lucia said.

"Yes, my Lady."

After Bonnie left, Celia looked at Lucia with a pained expression. "My Lady, you cannot sustain yourself on sweet tarts and pies alone. I should have Bonnie buy some pots and skillets so I can set up a small hearth here in the Sunstone Pavilion..."

She assumed Lucia was avoiding a confrontation with Lady Beaumont and intended to quietly buy her own food from now on.

Lucia let out a soft laugh.

"We can certainly set up a hearth. It will be useful when I want to brew medicinal broths or enjoy a midnight meal. But make no mistake—I will not forfeit a single crumb of what this household owes me on a daily basis."