The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 71

Lord Alistair Beaumont was filled with regret.

But regret was useless now. He hadn't known the item was with Lucia! If he had, would he have waited this long to send someone to the countryside to retrieve her?

"Who knows where she lost it? She can't even remember herself," Lady Beaumont said, looking at her husband. "My lord, why are we looking for it, anyway?"

As if struck by a sudden thought, her eyes lit up. She grabbed his arm. "Could that maiden statue be worth a fortune in gold? A priceless treasure?"

Alistair shook off her hand and scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Then why do you care so much about it?" Lady Beaumont eyed him with suspicion. "Wait. My lord, tell me the truth. Is that statue carved in the likeness of that wretched woman? Are you so desperate to get it back because you want a memento of her?"

Alistair was instantly furious.

"What nonsense are you spouting? And didn't I forbid you from mentioning her? If you ruin my plans, I will never forgive you!"

Lady Beaumont shrank back, startled by his predatory gaze.

"I won't say another word!"

Why was he being so fierce?

It was his own fault for not explaining the statue's true purpose.

"Hmph. Furthermore, I told you to find out what happened to Ximena. She was supposed to bring the girl back quietly, so how did she end up in Prince Jareth's hands? Was this a deliberate attempt to sabotage me?"

At the mention of this, Lady Beaumont's expression darkened.

"Ximena had her daughter deliver a message. It wasn't clear, only stating that Ximena was injured. I was preparing to go see her myself."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

She was clearly just begging for coin.

"Enough, enough. Will I not reimburse your medical expenses? Tell me what happened!"

Hearing that Lady Beaumont was willing to pay, Ximena's wailing ceased. She offered a few flattering words before recounting the events of that day.

"I went to the village, and the old woman there was reluctant to let Lady Lucia go. But upon hearing it was the will of Lord and Lady Beaumont, she didn't interfere. I brought the young miss back toward the Royal Capital, trying to pry information from her along the journey as you commanded. But she was as silent as a grave, refusing to utter a single word. She was incredibly timid, too; whenever we were around crowds, she looked ready to bury her face in the dirt."

Ximena didn't forget to elevate one by stepping on the other.

"That village girl is truly pathetic and unpresentable. She cannot compare to Aurelia or Selena at all."

Aurelia and Selena were both born of Lady Beaumont; naturally, Ximena knew to praise them.