Earning the Love of a Princess-Chapter 323: Violet: You Can’t Give Up Now

It was not enough.

As Leo had predicted, King Edward took each of the young princes aside and questioned them until they both broke down and admitted having lain with Sancia. Two scared boys were no match for a cunning, experienced king who could sniff out a lie like a hunting hound on the trail of a fox.

Leo returned to their shared apartments later that day, his face nearly black with rage. He promptly proceeded to kick the door leading to their bedchamber with such force, the heavy timber began to splinter. Not satisfied with that, he bellowed curses without pause.

"Husband." Violet deliberately kept her voice even. She knew she had to make sure Leo saw her as an ally and a confidant, never as the enemy. "Please tell me what happened. I want to see if I can help. And I don’t want you hurting yourself."

Leo heaved himself onto a couch and dropped his head in his hands. "It’s as we feared. Both boys confessed to laying with your slut of a sister. Father questioned them each separately, so they couldn’t get their stories straight. Both faltered and couldn’t keep lying." He punched a cushion with brutal force. "How the fuck did we ever think those untested lads would be a match for his wits?"

"We didn’t. It was a last gasp hope." Violet was actually a little puzzled at Leo’s fury. He’d never been particularly close with either boy. Then again, he’d always been a poor loser, no matter what the game or dispute was.

What he said next however, answered that question. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Father tore me to pieces as well, accusing me of knowing and allowing this because Sancia is your sister! He said you and Sancia must’ve plotted together to raise your family’s wealth and prestige at the crown’s expense, and that I’m letting you!" he roared. "I can’t believe my own father is accusing me of such a thing. Why the fuck would I put the crown in peril when I’m the one supposed to be wearing it next?"

Violet stood up immediately. Of course the king would immediately assume the worst about her and her kin. He’d seen for himself how the Thierres were nothing but half starved social climbers.

Violet looked down at Leo. "Then we must convince the king otherwise. Take me to his chambers right now."

"A terrible idea. You won’t be welcome in his presence, trust me."

"Of course I won’t be! All the more reason I need to speak with him now." she replied tartly.

But Leo made no attempt to move. He just remained on the couch, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

Violet glared at him in disgust. Was that going to be the extent of his efforts? Was he just going to sit there doing nothing but pounding his fists and yelling complaints?

When did a grown man pouting ever solve a goddamn thing?

"Leo!" she suddenly screamed, making him jolt. "Take me to your parents right now! The fight isn’t over!"

Leo just stared at her, mouth hanging open. She’d never raised her voice like that at him before. And she wasn’t done.

"Are you really going to let that little slut ruin our reputations with your parents? Are you going to let my lazy, ungrateful parents live a life of luxury by draining your cousin’s inheritance? Hell, my parents will probably waste it on frivolities and leave William with nothing but debt within two years! The boy has no father to protect him!"

"If he’s stupid enough to let his future wife and her kin get their hands on his wealth, then maybe it’s punishment for his recklessness." Leo muttered.

"William inherited control of most of western and southwestern Islia from Johan. If my parents squander his fortune and find themselves in debt again - and getting into debt is all my parents know - what do you think happens then?" Violet’s continued shouting without remorse. "With no money for the defences of those border counties, they become vulnerable to invasion by our neighbours. It weakens the crown. Your crown!"

She could see the fire of resentment starting to smoulder in her husband’s eyes again. So she threw in another couple of logs to really make the flames rise.

"Not only does it weaken the crown when you inherit it, but also when you pass it down to our son." Violet said with harsh finality. "Don’t you think our boy deserves better than that?"

Leo rose up from the couch, face flushed and breathing heavily. Despite his faults as a husband, he’d always been a good father. She knew the thought of his son being cheated of some of his rightful wealth, would drive him wild.

"You’re right, wife. This situation won’t do. Let’s go speak to my parents now." He began heading for the door, motioning for Violet to follow him.

Violet hesitated, refusing to take another step. At least not until she got what she wanted from him first.

If he wants my help, then he owes me his loyalty. It’s only fair.

"Remember this moment." she said quietly, looking him right in the eye. "This is the moment when I chose your family over mine. Whenever your parents, or anyone else, starts questioning my motives. You remember this."

"I will." Leo said, placing a hand on his chest briefly.

The two of them started hurrying towards the king’s rooms.

In truth, Violet knew there was very little she could do to save William or Tom. What she was trying to do was save herself.

She didn’t really think her marriage was at risk of being forced to end. Divorce was extremely rare and difficult in Islia as the church forbade it. If the king insisted that Violet be cast aside, that would make their young children illegitimate. She knew Edward would be very reluctant to reduce her little sons to bastards.

So she more than likely couldn’t be divorced. But she could end up having to endure shame and punishment for a long time. The king and queen could easily have another ten years of life left in them. Perhaps even twenty, if Violet was unfortunate.

No, that won’t do, she told herself. If I must continue to live as a princess under the eyes of Their Majesties, then those eyes can’t be suspicious, vengeful ones that make my life a living hell. I can’t live under the cloud of their indefinite hatred.

They must be forced to trust me, even if they don’t like me.

- - -

Leo strode into King Edward’s presence chamber without knocking, something only an heir could get away with doing. Violet entered immediately behind him.

The king was in one corner of the room, running a hand through his hair while staring anxiously out the window. The queen was sitting on a plush chair, dabbing her eyes. One look at her blotchy face revealed that she’d been weeping.

Both of them turned, startled, when they saw Leo and Violet in the room. Queen Celia took one look at her daughter-in-marriage and she scowled with blatant contempt.

Dumb bitch, Violet thought immediately. I’m here to help you. Nevertheless, she bowed deeply to both monarchs.

"What is she doing here?" the king growled.

"Father, Violet wishes to help." Leo said, bowing his own head. "She spoke to Sancia a couple of days ago and wants to share what they discussed, in case it’s of any use to you."

"I’m surprised you’re not revelling in your family’s latest triumph." Queen Celia said icily.

Violet held back from throwing a retort at her red, fleshy face. "Your Majesties, I only found out very recently that Sancia is with child. She only told me after I’d finished my confinement. When I found out, I was horrified. I begged her to tell no one, not even our parents, and to take care of the problem quietly, discreetly."

The last sentence was a white lie but she figured it couldn’t hurt. Violet continued.

"It turned out she’d already sent a message to our parents to tell them, which is why they begged my husband to come to court, under the pretence of wanting to see me and my new daughter. For a moment I thought they were showing a genuine interest in me and I was happy." Violet aimed a wounded glance at the king and queen. "But I was wrong. And it hurt."

Was that an ever so slight softening she could see in the queen’s expression?

"On the day they arrived at court, my parents requested an audience with me. They asked me to approach Your Majesties on Sancia’s behalf, to help break the news. I refused and told them point blank I was disgusted with their actions. I disowned Sancia as my sister and sent them out of my sight. My entire family is furious with me and we haven’t spoken since."

"Such exemplary loyalty. Why are you so willing to forsake your family for us?" King Edward asked in a soft, dangerous lilt.

"Because you are my family too, Sire." Not that you’ve ever made an effort to make me feel that way, Violet thought sourly.

"But a rushed marriage into the royal family because there’s a child on the way...I feel like we’re already heard that story before. Haven’t we, Princess?" The king’s voice gave a mocking hiss as he mouthed her title.

Violet knew she was going to humble herself, truly humble herself before the royal couple, if she was to succeed.

She wouldn’t hesitate to do it and save her own neck.