Chapter 389 - 387: Private Audience With The Queen II (1/2)

Edward was not too happy about it of course. Later, everything unfolded, she found out the truth, and it was horrendous. She did not know that she was pregnant then, and all that happened got her a miscarriage. Edward did feel some guilt but ultimately still chose Floresca who was also pregnant. She wanted to go back to Alighieri, but who was she kidding? It's not like her parents will welcome her with open arms, also why would she let them get their happily ever after?

She knew that Edward wanted to but could not divorce her that easily. First, he has no valid reason as she gave birth to a prince already. The marriage has been consummated, and she has provided him with a male heir. So, if he still insists on doing so, conflicts may arise within the allied nations, something they cannot afford after the war with Jinjoo.

Yet, he also wanted to marry Floresca, for if he does not, the child she gives birth to would be a bastard. The only option left was to let Floresca enter as the 2nd wife. However, for a second wife to enter the household, the main wife must give the approval. Thus, Loretta used that to her advantage.

Anyhow, she was not a very popular person in Windsor, but she did make one friend. That was her other lady-in-waiting, Lady Melissa Cross. Later, she figured, that although Edward got Floresca as her lady-in-waiting to have easier access with her, he also placed some people for connections. Thus, someone from the Cross family.

The Cross were a military family who has always stayed neutral. By having Melissa as a lady-in-waiting to the queen, the monarch was pulling the Cross family to their side. It did not end with that happening though.

However, as years passed, the old Duke, Melissa's father, died, and Argent, Melissa's brother became the new duke.

Now, Loretta could see that in terms of popularity and power, Floresca was way ahead of her. People, even in the palace, listens more to her than herself. She felt like she was only a vase, and it was suffocating. It was no wonder though, Floresca was favored by Edward, plus she's a duke's daughter of the kingdom they were in. These facts made her paranoid. She needs to get some power for herself.

So, with Melissa's help, she started talking with Duke Argent Cross. Later, they started talking about the crown prince's marriage and the possibilities of him marrying Argent's daughter, Lady Annalys Cross.

Of course, we all knew what happened instead.

Anyway, back to the palace drama, Loretta's hate on Floresca will always remain despite the fact that Edward already took a third wife. Still, Loretta has learned something, and that was, men were fickle things. There was no such thing as great love as time changes all that.

What one can only rely on for security was power.

Now, back to the present.

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”I have a few names to suggest. However, the most promising is Lady Annalys Cross. What do you think?” The queen asked.