The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 50

Tears and snot mingled with the blood on Bertha's face. She was drowning in a sea of terror, screaming internally: *Why did I actually confess? Why did I betray Lady Selena?*

The moment the confession left Bertha's lips, Lucia withdrew her hand and stepped back, looking at her in disgust. She gave Celia a dismissive wave.

Gritting her teeth, Celia released the trembling maid.

"I still haven't had my breakfast."

Lucia's gaze swept across the paralyzed kitchen staff before landing squarely on Matron Cassia.

Cassia's heart seized in her chest.

Why was she looking at her?

Lucia pointed a finger at her. "What is your name?"

"C-Cassia, my Lady... they all call me Cassia..." She found Lucia utterly terrifying.

How could a young girl fresh from the countryside have the courage to bring a single maid into the kitchens and violently subjugate the entire staff?

And she had just forced Bertha to blurt out the absolute truth!

Lady Lucia... was she truly Lady Lucia? Had she passed through some haunted forest on the road and been possessed by a vengeful spirit?

The terrifying notion flashed through Cassia's mind, draining the last remnants of color from her face.

"You'll do. Bring me whatever decent food is left in this kitchen."

Through Lucia's eyes, a faint deathly aura clung to Matron Cassia's face.

Moreover, the woman was clearly a coward, easily intimidated, and likely one to overthink herself into a panic.

There was, in fact, a pot of luxury Restorative Broth still simmering on the stove. Lady Beaumont, Aurelia, and Selena usually had a small bowl in the morning, leaving the rest warming for their afternoon cravings.

There were also fresh pastries and meat pies kept warm on the hearth, ready in case the masters suddenly felt hungry.

But none of this was meant for Lucia.

Before she could finish, Celia was already swinging the heavy wooden ladle. Smack!

Twenty brutal strikes rained down like a relentless storm. By the time Celia finished, Bertha's mouth was a ruined, bloody mess, and she had lost four more teeth.

The rest of the kitchen staff huddled together in a corner, shrinking into themselves. Terrifying. This was absolutely terrifying.

Lucia cast one final, sweeping glance over them.

"Go ahead and complain to whoever you like. Just know that I can send Celia back here this afternoon to break the rest of your bones. If you have any sense, you will prepare a proper lunch and dinner for me."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the kitchen with the food basket. Celia dragged the whimpering Bertha away.

Matron Cassia's legs finally gave out, and she collapsed onto the floor.

Word of the massacre in the kitchens reached Lady Beaumont and Aurelia almost immediately.

"Bitch! How dare she!" Lady Beaumont roared, slamming her hand onto the table.