The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 6

"I don't know how she managed to hook him! She truly was raised in the country—no manners, no shame!" Lady Beaumont ground her teeth.

They rushed to the main entrance and found an unassuming carriage waiting outside.

Lord Alistair Beaumont had an eye for quality. While the carriage appeared plain, it was sturdily built, spacious, and crafted from top-tier wood. The stallion pulling it was a rare, magnificent beast. Instantly dropping any hint of disrespect, he hurried forward and bowed deeply. "Your humble servant, Alistair, greets Prince Jareth. Welcome back to the Royal Capital, Your Highness."

Although the carriage curtain hid the occupant from view, no one in their right mind would dare impersonate the Prince.

Inside the carriage, Prince Jareth stared at the unconscious young woman. Extending an index finger, he poked her swollen, red forehead. She remained perfectly still, her head simply lolling to the side at his touch.

"Lord Alistair, you have raised an incredibly audacious daughter."

The voice drifted from the carriage, brushing against Aurelia's heart like a teasing feather. She widened her eyes, peering curiously at the vehicle. Was that Prince Jareth? His voice was impossibly seductive!

Alistair's expression, however, drastically paled. Was the Prince demanding an explanation? What in the world had Lucia done? Panic seized him, knowing full well that Prince Jareth was not a man to be crossed.

"Your Highness, this daughter of mine was raised in the countryside. She is undoubtedly vulgar and entirely lacking in etiquette. If she has offended you, please punish her as you see fit."

Jareth gazed at the unconscious girl, a scoff escaping his lips. It was abundantly clear her family couldn't care less about her. Without even asking what had happened, her father was already offering her up for execution.

"Heh," Jareth chuckled softly, shoving her toward the carriage door. "Physician Finch will arrive shortly to treat her injuries. See that she is well cared for until she wakes."

After all, she was his so-called 'fiancée.' Once she regained consciousness, he would have a very thorough discussion with her regarding their newfound relationship.

Physician Finch was a retired court physician who shared a childhood friendship with the former king. Even the current ruler treated him with deference. His medical skills were unparalleled, but given his advanced age, he rarely made house calls. Lady Beaumont had previously prepared a small fortune in silver to request his services, but she couldn't even make it past his front door.

And now, Physician Finch was personally coming to Beaumont Manor to treat Lucia? Where did that wretched girl get such privilege!

"Prince Jareth merely wants her healed so he can punish her more severely! Lucia is in deep trouble!" Alistair said, his face darkening.

Aurelia's eyes darted thoughtfully. "Father, I will go check on Lucia and find out exactly what happened. We can't let her drag you down with her."

"You are always so thoughtful, Aurelia. Very well, I leave her in your capable hands," Alistair replied, looking pleased.

A bowl of freezing water splashed violently across Lucia's face.