Sold to My Killer Husband: His Concubine's Dilemma
Chapter 35: I bring urgent news.

Chapter 35: I bring urgent news.

The palace corridors stretched endlessly before Edgar; the sound of his steps echoed in the royal halls. He was walking as fast as he could; his hands, which used to be clasped neatly behind him, were now swinging, which made his breathing rapid and heavy.

The news of Prince Lucien’s illness had spread faster than the time doctors took to reach his estate, and it was Beatrice who did good to inform Edgar and there was only one person who would be truly concerned about the prince’s health, As Edgar neared the grand double doors leading to her chamber, a young maid standing outside dipped into a bow. "Sir Edgar," she spoke softly, her eyes lowered respectfully. "Her Majesty is not in her quarters. She left early this morning for Lady Belle’s estate."

Edgar paused for only a breath. "How come I did not know this?"

"I am sorry, sir; I have no idea about it." This reply made Edgar turn on his heels as he needed to visit Lilian at Belle’s place.

Unlike many others who had vied for power in the late king’s court, Lady Belle had always remained in the background. She had never sought to challenge Queen Dowager Lilian’s authority, nor had she involved herself in the shifting allegiances of noble families. Instead, she had chosen a quiet existence away from the palace’s machinations, raising her children in the comfort of her estate.

But today was different because of that invitation; Edgar seemed to have forgotten of the same.

Today, Lady Belle was hosting a gathering in celebration of her elder son’s upcoming marriage, who was Lucien’s half brother.

Lady Belle had once been one of King Regnar’s favored concubines, just as Lilian had been before she became Regnar’s wife.

The late king Regnar Blackthorne had married only one woman, Queen Martha, Alden’s mother. But he had taken concubines too; as for Lilian, despite being Martha’s elder sister, she had been the first concubine. Then came Belle and Meghan, two women who had quickly learned that their position would never rise above Lilian’s.

Even now, though the king they once served was long gone, Lilian’s presence at Belle’s gathering was more than just a matter of courtesy. It was a reminder of who had truly held power in the late king’s court.

Edgar exhaled slowly. If Lilian was not in the palace, he would not wait. She would not take kindly to receiving such urgent news late, as it was her strict order that the news related to Lucien must be delivered to her first.

So Edgar was already on his way, his cloak shifting as he strode toward the courtyard. With a flick of his wrist, he signaled for a carriage "Take me to Periwinkle Estate." .

Lucien’s condition was unknown, or maybe it might go worsening. And whether the Queen Dowager was ready for the news or not, she would have to hear it.

After Edgar arrived at Periwinkle Estate, his carriage rolled to a slow halt before the grand iron gates. The estate had always been known for its serene beauty, a place untouched by the ruthless power struggles of the royal court. Belle had chosen to keep it that way, raising her sons far from the suffocating influence of the palace politics.

As he stepped out, he asked the maid nearby, "Take me to Queen Dowager." The maid nodded, guiding the way. She walked towards the event while walking, and Edgar’s gaze swept over the well-decorated garden for the event; the pillars were draped in garlands of fresh roses, and the scent of lavender lingered in the air. There were few noblewomen gathered in the courtyard, their soft laughter blending with the gentle rustle of the trees.

A steward from Periwinkle Estate dressed in crisp navy uniform approached as he noticed Edgar, bowing deeply. "Sir Edgar, we were not expecting your arrival."

"I am here for Her Majesty," Edgar stated politely. "I bring urgent news."

The steward hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "This way, please."

He was led past the courtyard through an open archway that led to the estate’s main hall. This place was elegantly furnished but lacked the luxury of the palace; everything about Periwinkle Estate spoke of elegancy but not excessive wealth.

Following the house’s steward, Edgar, entered the room, his eyes found the chamber buzzing with murmurs, the delicate rustling of silk and whispered conversations. The wives of ministers, scholars, and the wealthiest merchants had gathered, their daughters adorned in the finest silks; each one of them was hoping for a chance to be noticed by the Queen Dowager, dressed in soft pastels, laughing mirthfully.

Lilian, seated in the center of the crowd, maintained a composed smile as the women fawned over her, praising her beauty and wisdom. Some brought their daughters into view, their eyes gleaming with the idea that marriage to a prince or a noble scholar was still a path to power for them.

Beside her was Belle, who was observing everyone as she was still on a search for a girl to be married with her younger son. She was offering Lilian a nod of approval. "Your presence here is a blessing, Your Majesty," she said softly, lifting her tea cup to her lips.

But the conversations stilled the moment Edgar stepped forward. The scrape of his boots against the marble floor, drawing all eyes toward him. He bowed deeply before speaking.

"Your Majesty, I bring urgent news."

Lilian, however, did not so much as lift a brow. She merely exhaled before setting her teacup down on the table beside.

"Must it be urgent now?" She mused, "I assume whatever trouble he has found himself in this time can wait, Edgar."

Her reaction was indifferent. No matter how much she cared for Lucien, she could not afford to be seen as a mother doting on a fallen son. At least not in front of these women.

Your Majesty," Edgar insisted "the matter is truly pressing.",

Lilian’s lips curled into smile, though she did not look at him Instead, it was Belle who interrupted.

"Perhaps we should hear what Sir Edgar has to say," Belle suggested gently.

The Queen Dowager finally turned her gaze to Edgar; after moving her gaze around the hall, she smiled at women who were looking at them. Hushed, she asked, "Speak, then, but make it quick. I have guests to attend."

Edgar hesitated for only a moment before leaning slightly closer towards her, making sure only she and maybe even Belle could hear, "Beatrice has sent word from the estate. Prince Lucien has fallen ill."

"..."

Lilian merely smiled and this was surprising for Edgar. She dabbed the corner of her eye with a silk handkerchief as if she got something in her eye. "And what, please tell, does that have to do with me?"

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