The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 77

Pale as death, the steward hauled his son out to find a physician.

Lord Beaumont felt a throbbing ache in his temples. Glancing over and seeing his wife and Ximena looking as if they had seen a ghost only worsened his foul mood.

"Ximena, if you are injured, stay in your quarters!"

The very sight of the old servant felt like a bad omen.

"My lord," Lady Beaumont said, suddenly grabbing his arm. "Ximena says the girl who just stood before us is not the same Lucia she brought from the countryside!"

Lord Beaumont paused. "How is she different?"

"Her entire demeanor. Tell him, Ximena!" Lady Beaumont urged.

Ximena recounted every detail of the journey, swearing on her life that the meek girl she had escorted would never have dared raise her voice at Lord Beaumont.

Upon hearing this, Lord Beaumont frowned deeply.

"I recall that when she was born, she had a pale red, crescent-shaped birthmark on her right ankle."

Lady Beaumont immediately stood up. "I will have someone verify it."

A simple glance at an ankle shouldn't be too difficult!

"Do it quietly. If word of any scandal gets out before the old king's mourning period concludes, my head will be on the block."

The kingdom-wide mourning was the only reason he was treading so carefully. The king had decreed that all noble houses maintain absolute peace, lest they disturb the old king's resting spirit.

"I know." Lady Beaumont dismissed Ximena and hurried off to make the arrangements.

Celia soon returned to Sunstone Pavilion with the food.

This time, the kitchen staff had not dared to play any tricks. She brought back a generous portion of roasted meat, fresh bread, and a hearty stew.

It tasted surprisingly decent.

"My lady, I must return the carriage to the Prince's Estate shortly. Shall I purchase some new gowns and slippers for you on the way? Bonnie and I are skilled with a needle; we could buy some fine wool and make them ourselves."

They could see that Lucia didn't have the energy to fight Lady Beaumont over wardrobe matters, but a lady of her station could not go without proper attire.

Matron Cecily's curiosity peaked. She had trained these two maids herself; they had good hearts, but they were by no means docile. Thanks to her rigorous tutelage, they even carried a hint of pride.

After all, she had prepared them to serve Prince Jareth. They were meant to stand apart from common scullery maids, not to grovel in the dirt.

Yet in a mere three days, Lucia had completely won their loyalty!

The Prince had ordered them to House Beaumont, yes, but it was clear that Celia and Bonnie were now fiercely protective of Lucia by their own choice.

This proved that the girl possessed a rare and formidable spirit.

"Is House Beaumont truly as wretched as they say?"

Celia gave a brief account of the Beaumont family's deplorable behavior.

"It is a viper's nest. Thankfully, my lady does not seem overly bothered by their cruelty."

Matron Cecily pondered for a moment. "Since she is now under our Prince's protection, the Estate cannot stand idly by. Come, I will arrange some proper gifts for Lady Lucia."