Chapter 82
Chapter 82
Could copper coins, devoid of even a sliver of silver, truly be called silver? There was a word for such things: hollow, fake. Yes, these counterfeit coins were no different from that woman. A flawless facade, but filled with falsehoods. A counterfeit crown princess. Florencia Irenea. She wore the mantle of a duke’s ward, yet she was nothing more than an insignificant bastard, a damaged good.
“Such a thing….”
Hadn’t they consummated the marriage? Even without witnessing it, the unfolding events were clear.
“Filthy wench.”
The crude curse slipped out. Words loud enough to cause a scandal if overheard, yet they did little to quell the burning anger. For days, Cesar had been acting recklessly, dragging her along on his whims. A sense of injustice, of being wronged, gnawed at her.
“How could the prince do this to me?” Mercedes shook her head vehemently. It couldn’t be. Her kind prince wouldn’t treat her this way. Her thoughts swirled in a chaotic mess. This was all that detestable girl’s doing. She could almost see her, eyes curving seductively, whispering sweet nothings into Cesar’s ear.
“She must be manipulating him.” It had to be true. She knew it without seeing it. There was no other explanation for Cesar’s behavior. Their bond spanned eighteen years. Such a connection couldn’t be severed by some insignificant newcomer.
“I won’t forgive her.”
The words of a bribed maid from the Emerald Palace echoed in her mind.
“She’s been asking about how the previous crown princess candidate died.”
What a pointless endeavor. What could she possibly hope to uncover?
“Let her try.” A faint, tearing sound reached her ears. Looking down at her trembling hand, she saw blood welling up where her nail had dug into her skin.
“It’s all within my grasp….” Mercedes brought her hand to her lips. The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth.
***
Delphina wiped my face with a towel, studying my complexion. We were alone in the bedroom. I signaled to her with my eyes. She understood immediately, blinking in acknowledgment.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Please, tell me.”
I whispered my request. Her calm expression gradually morphed into one of bewilderment.
“Can you get it?”
“…That?”
“Yes….”
Delphina’s expression clearly questioned my intentions. I quickly added, “Don’t ask why. And don’t let anyone know, especially Cesar.”
“Yes….” She seemed to have much to say, but finding no grounds to refuse, she resigned herself with a nod. “I’ll ask the kitchen maids…. No, I’ll find it myself.”
I knew it was an odd request.
“Thank you.”
But it was necessary to protect Cesar’s innocent heart.
That afternoon, Delphina handed me a small, cloth-wrapped bundle. I wondered what it was, then remembered my morning request.
“Perfect.” I smiled, wrinkling my nose.
“But Your Highness, what will you use this for?”
“Oh, that. Ahem. It has its uses.” I coughed a few times before opening the bundle. Inside lay a single, white, round egg.
***
“Cesar, come here.”
“Yes?”
I called to him as he entered my bedroom that night, as he always did. My voice sounded unnatural, strained from feigning innocence and putting on an exaggerated performance.
“I have a present for you.”
His eyes widened at the word “present.”
“Is it something good?”
“Yes, something good.”
He looked at me with such anticipation, like a puppy waiting for a treat, that it was almost endearing. It also pricked at my conscience.
I fiddled with the bundle in my pocket, then, with a deep breath, pulled it out. A cough escaped my lips.
“Here….”
“….”
I glanced at Cesar, then added, “I laid this.”
His eyes widened in surprise. I worried for a moment that he might be suspicious.
After a long pause, Cesar’s face lit up with joy. His lips stretched into a wide smile. He took a step closer, as if about to rush towards me.
“The fruit of our love?”
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