How To End This Marriage-Chapter 180: A Princess’s Return

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, may I come inside?" the tribal princess, Sylvia, knocked on the door.

A cold voice emanated from within: "You can."

Princess Sylvia entered the room as Crown Prince Maximus paced back and forth, his brow furrowed.

"What is it, Princess? What brings you to me so suddenly? Is something amiss?"

"There is no issue, Your Highness," Princess Sylvia replied. "I merely come to seek your permission to depart for my empire."

"The Tribal Empire? Why? We discussed this – I promised to help you achieve your goals, while you would stand as guardian with me on the empire’s throne."

"Indeed, we did," Princess Sylvia conceded. "But a pressing matter calls me back. I had momentarily forgotten – an event of vital importance is about to unfold in my empire, and my presence is required immediately."

Maximus nodded. "I understand. I will ensure everything is prepared for your departure."

"No need," the princess said. "I have already made the necessary arrangements. I merely wished to bid you farewell for a time."

Maximus’s brow furrowed further. "Can I know the reason behind your sudden departure? Is there anything I can do to assist you? Or has my recent support of the Empress made you reconsider our arrangement?"

"Nothing of the sort," Princess Sylvia declared. "I will remain committed to our agreement until I have proven your true nature – that you are no different from your father, the Emperor. Until then, I shall fulfill my duty as your fiancée. Upon my return, you may declare the engagement ceremony if you still desire my support. I refuse to remain an unwelcome guest."

"As you wish, Princess," Maximus said, his voice betraying a hint of disappointment.

"Then I must take my leave, Your Highness." Princess Sylvia inclined her head and turned to depart. At the doorway, a flash of anger crossed her features.

"It hasn’t even been a year," she muttered. "She might not have given birth yet. And if there’s no proper surveillance, she’ll turn this lie into truth. I must reach the empire tonight."

With renewed urgency, she changed into her travel attire and rushed to the entrance, where her loyal horse awaited.

"Shall we depart, my friend?" she whispered, stroking the horse’s head. The horse whinnied in agreement.

Without further delay, Princess Sylvia mounted and rode off towards the Tribal Empire. The journey wouldn’t be completed in a day, but she urged her steed onward at a relentless pace. Sweat beaded on her brow, a mix of worry and determination. She wouldn’t stop until the horse could go no further.

Finally, the horse stumbled, its energy depleted. Princess Sylvia dismounted, her heart heavy.

"Are you tired, my friend?" she murmured, gently stroking the horse’s head.

Knowing her horse needed rest and sustenance, Princess Sylvia led it to a nearby river. She filled her water bottle and then gathered soft grass for a makeshift meal. Finally, she returned to the horse, offering the food with a tender smile.

With her loyal companion refueled, Princess Sylvia found a shady spot beneath a tree and allowed herself a brief respite. But the journey was far from over, and the weight of her mission pressed heavily on her. She knew the fate of her empire hung in the balance, and she wouldn’t rest until she had set things right.

Tribal Princess Sylvia opened her eyes after a while, startled by the encroaching darkness. "Did I sleep too long?" she panicked, scrambling to her feet and rushing back to her horse. Mounting once again, she spurred the steed toward the Tribal Empire, the deepening shadows a blur against her desperate focus.

The black veil of night descended, but she rode on, fueled by adrenaline and determination, until she reached the familiar cave marking the hidden entrance. "I did it!" she exclaimed, stroking her exhausted horse before approaching the massive stone blocking the passage. With a surge of strength, she pushed against the rock, but it remained unyielding. Her nails scraped against the rough surface, drawing blood.

Frustrated and weary, she slumped against the stone, contemplating her next move. "Just when I thought I’d made it... Unless someone exits, I’m trapped," she muttered, resigned to waiting. Time stretched, punctuated only by the chirping of crickets, until a figure emerged from the cave entrance.

"Halt!" she cried, drawing her sword and pointing it at the startled man. "Who are you?"

Fumbling for words, the man stammered, "I... I am a healer, summoned for the Concubine Feng Mei. She is in labor and requires urgent treatment."

Princess Sylvia felt a flicker of hope. "Then my arrival is timely," she declared, lowering her sword. "Step aside and let us enter together."

As the man moved the rock, she followed him inside, holding a flaming torch to dispel the enveloping darkness. The cave seemed longer than she remembered, its familiar contours warped by the flickering light. "Does it feel different to you?" she asked the man.

He shook his head. "I haven’t been here before, Princess. I was only called recently to treat the Concubine."

Pressing onward, they soon reached the chamber they sought. "Doctor! You’ve arrived!" a frantic handmaiden cried, leading the healer away. No one acknowledged the princess’s presence, their eyes trained solely on the doctor. A cold fury ignited within her.

"Freeze!" she roared, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Did it just dawn on you all that I’m here? Have you forgotten the heir to the throne, the elder princess, still walks among you?"

Trembling, the handmaiden stammered, "No, Princess, never!"

"Then why does no one greet their princess? I wasn’t invisible, yet you saw only the doctor. Where are the salutations I deserve?" Her voice was sharp, like a honed blade.

Shamefaced, the handmaidens and guards fell to their knees. "We... We have made a grave mistake, Princess! Please forgive us! It will never happen again!"

A chilling smile twisted Princess Sylvia’s lips. "I’m sure it won’t... if I slaughter you all."

"Spare us, Princess! We beg forgiveness for our grave mistake!" the handmaidens pleaded, their voices trembling.

Suddenly, the Emperor himself emerged from the palace, drawn by the commotion. "Princess! You have returned!" he boomed.

Princess Sylvia bowed gracefully. "Greetings, Your Highness, Sun of the Empire."

"There’s no need for such formality," the Emperor chuckled. "But why such a ruckus upon your arrival? Concubine Feng Mei is in immense pain, and you delay the doctor with this?"

The princess’s smile turned icy. "I understand your concern, Your Highness. But surely everyone here remembers the basic etiquette, wouldn’t you agree? Or have you all forgotten the heir who already exists, while one is yet to be born?"

The Emperor’s face hardened. "It’s not as you think, Princess."

"Then allow me to see for myself," the princess declared, her voice unwavering. "I would like to check on my mother while she gives birth to my younger sibling."

"But Your Highness," a handmaiden interjected, "it’s a bloody scene, unfit for your eyes."

"Did I ask for your permission, girl?" the princess’s glare silenced the handmaiden. "Or are you in any position to dictate my actions?"

Before the handmaiden could stammer another word, the Emperor intervened. "The birthing chamber isn’t for everyone to enter as they please."

"But Father," the princess countered, her voice softening, "she is your wife, and therefore my mother as well. If I don’t share her pain, who will? Surely you understand that. I have journeyed far to ensure Mother’s well-being, and I deserve to see her."

Touched by her apparent concern, the Emperor relented. "I didn’t know you cared so much, my dear. Go to the concubine, no one shall stop you. It is the Emperor’s order."

A triumphant smile bloomed on the princess’s face. "Lead the way!" she commanded, her eyes flashing with a hidden agenda as they met the handmaiden’s trembling gaze.

As the princess walked towards the chamber, the screams echoing from within gnawed at her nerves. "Is she truly in such pain?" she thought, doubt creeping into her mind. "Or is this all an elaborate act?"

"Princess, are you certain you want to enter?" the handmaiden asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Did I say I don’t?" the princess responded with a sharp glare, her facade momentarily faltering.

The handmaiden, sensing her unease, quickly ushered her inside. The chamber was large and dimly lit, with Feng Mei, shrouded in a cloth, screaming in agony. The princess, her heart pounding, attempted to approach the bed, but a figure, the head maid, stood in her way.

"Is this how you treat the princess?" the princess demanded, her voice laced with fury.

"I apologize if you feel offended, Princess," the head maid replied, her voice firm. "However, I have my mistress’s explicit instructions. In her pain, Feng Mei wishes to see no one. Please, step back."

"I fail to see how a maid would possess the audacity to stop a royal like myself," the princess declared, her voice dripping with icy disdain.

"This is not about your royal status, Princess," the head maid countered, her voice unwavering. "It is about my loyalty. I cannot betray my mistress when she has given me a direct order."