The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 267: Second wedding

The room fell quiet after Miss Magdalene’s words. Although Rosa and Grater did not know who this Lord of the Dark Sea was or what secret Miss Magdalene was referring to, they were worried about Anastasia’s safety. The smiles on their faces disappeared.

"You are wrong," Anastasia said. No matter how she looked at it, it did not make sense.

"My lady..." Miss Magdalene called, worried that Anastasia might have been moved by Ernest’s sweet words. To survive, one must not trust the words of men.

Anastasia looked at Miss Magdalene, her gaze clear. She thought of how many times Ernest had saved her life. It did not make sense that he had done all that just to be close to her.

What did she have to offer? The dress meant that he was related to the Lord, but it did not mean he had bad motives for wanting to marry her. Even if he did, Anastasia could not explain why she was willing to be fooled by him.

"If he believes that I am behind those businesses, then he would not take this route. I trust him," Anastasia said.

Miss Magdalene still had some doubts, but she felt it was better to keep them to herself.

Rosa and Grater did not fully understand the conversation, but they trusted Anastasia’s judgment, so they continued to help her dress up.

Soon, Anastasia was ready and took the carriage to the church where she would be getting married to Ernest.

Anastasia felt her heart beat in anticipation as she stepped out of the carriage. This was the second time she would be getting married in less than two years. Her first marriage had been grand—almost the entire kingdom had come to witness it. This time, she was getting married again, but it was almost a secret.

Grater and Rosa helped Anastasia as she walked into the building. To their surprise, the hall was full. Anastasia had only expected a handful of people—after all, who would want to associate with her? Although this was a smaller hall compared to where she had married King Edward, she could not explain why she felt peace in that moment.

She looked forward and saw Ernest standing at the altar, waiting for her.

"That is the former queen," Anastasia heard someone whisper as she walked towards him.

"Yes," another replied.

"Why is General Ernest marrying the former queen?" someone asked. After all, throughout the kingdom, Ernest’s loyalty to the throne was well known.

"How would I know?" the other answered.

Hearing these whispers made Anastasia frown. She did not need to think much to understand that Ernest had invited these people without telling them who the bride was. She did not know how this new revelation made her feel.

As she stood before Ernest, doubt crept into her mind.

"We are gathered here today to witness the marriage between General Ernest and Lady Anastasia. The groom would like to say a few words before they take their vows," the priest standing in front announced.

"I know everyone has heard of Lady Anastasia’s confessions," Ernest began. "This is not her fault alone. I was the one who accompanied the king when he got drunk and mistook Lady Elizabeth. That day, it was my carriage that Lady Anastasia had wandered into. The mistake had been made, and it is only right that I take responsibility. I have also confessed to the king, and it is with his permission that I take Lady Anastasia as my wife today—and you all as my witnesses."

Ernest’s words were very direct. He did not want others to mock Anastasia. By confessing to being the man, no one would think Anastasia was unworthy of him. By mentioning the king’s approval, he silenced any further objections. Sometimes, the best way to end rumors was to speak the truth plainly.

The marriage ceremony continued peacefully.

Although people still wanted to gossip, with the king’s approval behind them, nobody said anything.

The marriage banquet was held in Ernest’s residence. Though the ceremony had been modest, the hall soon filled with warmth and laughter. Musicians played soft tunes, and the scent of roasted venison and sweet wine drifted through the air. Ernest stood beside Anastasia, greeting the few guests who had come to witness their union.

Outside, however, the news of the marriage traveled faster than any messenger. By dusk, whispers had already reached the palace.

When the steward broke the news to King Edward, the monarch froze. For a long moment, he said nothing. His hand tightened around the goblet of wine, and his eyes turned distant. Although Ernest had indeed seek his permission for the marriage, he did not expect it to hold so soon, especially since he own wedding was coming up and Ernest had not sent a notice to the palace.

"Married?" he repeated, his voice calm but heavy.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Walter replied, bowing his head. "Lady Anastasia and General Ernest exchanged vows this morning at St. Carvel’s Chapel."

King Edward placed the goblet down slowly. "And the nobles—have they sent gifts?"

"Not yet, Your Majesty. They are waiting to see if the crown truly acknowledge the marriage, as General Ernest had announced that the marriage was with your majesty’s permission. The ceremony is modest and only a few close friends and his subordinate in the army had been invited.

A faint smile curved Edward’s lips, though there was no mirth in it. "He really knows how to play." King Edward could tell that Ernest was forcing him to publicly give his blessings by announcing his permission.

He turned away, pacing to the window. "Send no gifts," he ordered. "Let them enjoy their little celebration," he said. He knew that given Ernest current position in the army and the situation in the kingdom they could not fight.

Walter hesitated. "But, Your Majesty... " He felt that this marriage was a humiliation to the king, sending a gift would make him look weak but he did not dare voice out those words, after all he has served under the Edward to know that he hates been questioned.

Edward shot him a sharp glance. "Did you not hear me?"

Walter bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."

The next morning, the nobles caught wind of the king’s actions. In fear of appearing disloyal to the crown, they rushed to outdo one another. Gold cups, silken cloths, and boxes of jewels began to arrive at Ernest’s residence, each gift more lavish than the last.

After all, As a general closed to the king, Ernest held some authority and power within the royal council, especially in time of unrest.

Anastasia looked at the gifts that arrived one after another before breakfast. She had not received such honor even when she married the king but after sitting as a queen for a year, she had learned a lot about human nature especially those who claimed to be noble.

"Arrange the gift, and send back a thank you gifts," Anastasia instructed Grater.