The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 72

"Even Zella is far superior to her."

Claiming that Lucia was worse than a lower-status daughter like Zella was just another way to belittle her and please her mistress.

Ximena felt she understood Lady Beaumont well; if her words pleased the lady, she might be given extra silver for the healer.

To her surprise, Lady Beaumont frowned.

"You say she was a timid, silent creature? And she didn't even dare to look anyone in the eye?"

"Yes! Even when I spoke to her, she replied no louder than a whispering breeze. It was infuriating to watch!"

Though Ximena was but a servant, she had lived in the Royal Capital for half her life. Which noble lady in the city was as unpresentable as that wench?

Her face was pretty enough, but she was entirely too thin. She lacked the curves needed for childbearing, and with such a frail frame, no respectable household would ever want her.

Lady Beaumont's frown deepened.

Could Ximena truly be talking about that damned girl, Lucia?

Over the past few days, the wench had been defiant to everyone in the manor and even dared to slap people!

And she didn't dare to look anyone in the eye?

Her beautiful eyes were as sharp and deadly as drawn daggers!

"Ximena, I want the truth. You don't need to spout nonsense just to flatter my dear Aurelia and Selena," Lady Beaumont said coldly.

"Oh, my lady, how could I dare lie to you? Every word I've spoken is the absolute truth."

Looking at Ximena's expression, it didn't seem like she was lying.

"Tell me what happened first. How did she get into trouble, and why didn't you bring her back to Beaumont Manor?"

"As for that," Ximena's eyes darted nervously. "I truly don't know. Our journey was peaceful, and we were nearly at the Royal Capital. But on a mountain road not far from the city, we ran into a group of men. They tore open the carriage curtains, saw Lady Lucia's face, and insisted she was their master's woman. Then they dragged her away!"

The Lucia that Ximena described was a completely different person from the one currently residing in their home! She needed the old woman to identify her!

Though confused, Ximena dragged her injured leg and followed Lady Beaumont back to House Beaumont.

Lucia had also just returned.

After his wife's departure, Alistair had intended to go to Sunstone Pavilion to question Lucia, only to discover she had left the manor.

This provoked another bout of his temper; he couldn't fathom how she could cause so much trouble right after arriving in the city.

Who could she possibly know in the Royal Capital? And to run off while still injured!

He waited in the main hall and ordered the steward to keep watch, instructing him to report the moment she returned.

The moment the steward saw Lucia enter the gates, he hurried to Alistair.

"Lady Lucia has returned, my lord, but she looks rather unsteady on her feet."