The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 313: Stand his favoritism

Elizabeth’s expression hardened as the murmurs spread among the gathered noblewomen. The lantern light cast sharp shadows across her face, stripping away the softness she had worn during the celebration.

"This matter will not be brushed aside," she said coldly. Her voice carried clearly through the courtyard. "Someone dared to tamper with what was served in the royal garden. I want a full investigation."

She turned to the guards standing nearby. "Seal the garden immediately. No one who handled the tea leaves, the herbs, or the serving trays is to leave the palace grounds. Question every maid, every servant, every steward involved tonight. I want answers before dawn."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the guards replied in unison, moving at once.

Elizabeth’s gaze swept over the noblewomen. "This incident concerns the safety of the royal household. Until the truth is uncovered, I expect discretion. No rumors are to leave these walls."

Though her words were firm, unease flickered beneath her composure.

Inside the nearby chamber, Physician Nathan and the female physician worked in tense silence. Anastasia lay pale against the cushions, her breathing shallow, her hand clenched tightly in the sheets. Another wave of pain rippled through her, and she cried out despite herself.

"Steady, my lady," the female physician said gently, placing a calming hand over Anastasia’s. "Breathe slowly. Do not fight it."

Nathan quickly prepared a cooling draught, his movements precise but hurried. "The herb has agitated her body," he said in a low voice. "If we do not stabilize her soon, the contractions may worsen."

They worked together, administering medicine meant to counter the heat in her blood and ease the strain on her womb. The female physician adjusted Anastasia’s posture carefully, murmuring reassurances as she monitored her condition.

After what felt like an eternity, the sharpest pains began to subside. Anastasia’s breathing gradually evened out, though sweat clung to her temples and her face remained unnaturally pale.

"She is out of danger for now," the female physician said quietly. "We have stopped the immediate onset of premature labor, but her condition is now very delicate. Any further shock—physical or emotional—could trigger it again." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Nathan nodded grimly. "She must be kept absolutely still. No disturbances. She will need constant supervision for the coming days."

The female physician looked at Anastasia. If only this had happened a few weeks from now, the best solution would have been to deliver the babies, but if they came earlier, they would definitely not survive.

Outside, Ernest stood rigid, his hands clenched at his sides. When the physicians finally emerged, he stepped forward at once, searching their faces.

"She is alive," Nathan said first, knowing that was the answer Ernest feared most. "But she is fragile. Very fragile."

Ernest did not take Physician Nathan seriously. He turned to look at the female physician. Only when he saw her nodding did he feel relief. He bowed deeply to both physicians.

"Thank you very much. Can she be moved?" Ernest asked. He did not want to leave his wife in the royal palace.

"Yes, we can use a sedan to move her home," the female physician answered.

Ernest immediately moved into action when he heard that.

The next morning, the palace was quiet and tense.

By dawn, the investigation in the garden was finished. The guards brought their report to Queen Elizabeth.

The tea used in the garden had been checked. Every servant who handled it was questioned. In the end, all signs pointed in one direction—Dorothy.

Dorothy’s personal maid was found with a small amount of the morning herb hidden on her. When the guards questioned her, the maid denied everything. She claimed she knew nothing about herbs and said she had no idea how it ended up on her clothes.

"I have never used such a thing," she insisted again and again. "I don’t even know what kind of herb it is."

But her words did little to ease suspicion.

Among all the women present that night, Dorothy was the only one with knowledge of herbs and medicine. The morning herb was not something an ordinary maid would recognize, let alone use.

There was also motive.

It was no secret that Dorothy disliked Anastasia. While Anastasia was married to the king, the two never got along.

King Edward listened in silence as Elizabeth explained everything. When she finished, his face had gone pale.

"Dorothy?" he said, stunned. "That can’t be true."

"The evidence points to her, Your Majesty," Elizabeth replied calmly. "Her maid had the herb, and Dorothy had the knowledge. Moreover, during the last celebration, she showed it clearly. You can investigate it. This was not an accident."

Edward clenched his fists. The joy of his victory faded completely. He had just returned and did not even know Anastasia was pregnant. Not that he cared, but why did her poisoning have to be related to Dorothy?

If it had been any other time, he would have brushed off the case, but that was not a possibility.

"Summon Dorothy," he said at last. "I want to hear the truth from her mouth."

As orders were sent out, the palace grew heavy with unease.

Dorothy was brought before the king later that morning.

Only a few people were present in the chamber: King Edward, Queen Elizabeth, Dorothy, and one trusted aide who stood quietly by the door. The room was silent, heavy with pressure.

Dorothy knelt as soon as she entered. Her face was pale, but her eyes were clear.

"Your Majesty," she said, her voice shaking, "I have been framed."

The king did not answer at once. His expression was cold.

"My maid was found with the herb," Dorothy continued quickly. "But she truly knows nothing about such things. She has served me for years. She cannot even tell herbs apart. Moreover, why would she carry the evidence on her?"

Edward’s gaze hardened. "You are the only one there with knowledge of medicine. Perhaps she did not get the opportunity to discard the herb."

"I know herbs," Dorothy admitted, "but I would never use them to harm someone. Yes, I do not get along with Lady Anastasia, but I gain nothing from poisoning her. Nothing at all."

The king said nothing, and the silence pressed down on her.

For a moment, Edward remembered the first time Anastasia had accused Dorothy. At the time, he had believed Dorothy and even thought Anastasia was a vicious schemer. Now, doubt crept back into his mind.

Seeing his hesitation, Dorothy’s voice broke.

"Your Majesty, please think," she said desperately. "Since my son’s accident, I have spent all my time with him. I barely leave my chambers. I had no reason, no time, and no need to harm Lady Anastasia."

She lifted her head and spoke more boldly.

"Also, it was the queen who arranged the flower gathering. I did not choose the tea or anything else. I only followed everyone else."

Edward’s eyes flickered. She made a valid point.

Slowly, his thoughts shifted. Dorothy’s words made sense. Elizabeth and Anastasia did not get along. It was not impossible for Elizabeth to harm her and frame Dorothy.

King Edward felt a headache coming on, as it did not matter which of the women was responsible. One was his wife, and the other his mistress. No matter how one looked at it, the royal family was involved. The kingdom was still in the midst of inner conflict. The nobles were watching, and a scandal like this would shake the court.

If this had happened at another time, he might have quietly buried the matter. But now, Ernest and many noblewomen had seen everything. He owed them an answer.

Queen Elizabeth, who had been standing silently, suddenly stepped forward.

Her face changed when she understood the implications behind Dorothy’s words.

She dropped to her knees.

"Your Majesty!" she cried. "I am innocent!"

Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at the king.

"Even if I do not get along with Anastasia, she is still my sister," Elizabeth said through sobs. "I am the queen now. Why would I harm her at my own gathering, in front of so many people?"

She shook her head, her voice trembling. "I planned that flower viewing carefully. It was meant to celebrate your return. How could I destroy my own honor like this?"

Her crying filled the room.

Dorothy clenched her hands, her heart pounding. If she could not guess by now that the queen was responsible for the previous night’s incident, then she was a fool.

King Edward looked between the two women, his expression dark and torn.

"Announce that the incident was a misunderstanding. A cook did not know the herb had an effect on a pregnant woman, so she thought to use the morning herb to keep everyone warm," King Edward said after careful consideration.

"Your Majesty," Elizabeth said. She was not happy with the outcome. She finally understood why Anastasia could not stand his favoritism. Who would believe such a tale?

"Do you have a better plan?" King Edward said sharply, hating being questioned. "Or perhaps you want to step forward and admit your crimes?"

"Your Majesty wrongs me. I am innocent," Elizabeth said, her heart turning cold. There was so much evidence pointing to Dorothy, yet the king believed her empty explanations. Moreover, the announcement the king wanted her to write would make many speculate about her involvement.

Seeing her lowered gaze, Edward cleared his throat. "Lady Dorothy, you will be confined to your courtyard for three months. You will not attend any events during this time," he announced, feeling that his judgment was fair.

"Your Majesty..." Dorothy did not think she would be punished. She felt hurt that the king did not believe her.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, felt this was good news. Even if things did not go the way she planned, as long as Dorothy was under punishment for a few months, it would be enough time to get pregnant with the king’s child and also act against Dorothy, ensuring she would not be able to give birth again.