The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 273: A little trouble

When Ernest returned later that evening, he heard the news about the incident that afternoon. He couldn’t help but laugh when he heard Anastasia’s clever story. Back then, the Queen Mother and the King had wanted to force her back to the palace by creating a scene.

"Ensure this news remains within the residence," Ernest said after thinking for a while. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"My Lord, this is the best opportunity to clear Lady Anastasia’s name," the steward said, surprised by Ernest’s decision. Yesterday, he had instructed the servants to care for Lady Anastasia, so they all believed he loved her very much. Now, he was throwing away the chance to clear her name for good.

"I want to clear my wife’s name, of course, but we must think of the King. He is marrying Lady Elizabeth. If we ruin her reputation, it might also affect the King. His throne is not stable now," Ernest replied with a tired smile.

"Then, should we find a way to send word to the King?" the steward asked.

"No, this is just a minor matter. Since Lady Anastasia left the palace, the King’s attempts to pick another wife have all failed. Another marriage can’t fail," Ernest said, shaking his head. Then he gestured to his trusted aide.

The residence Ernest currently lived in was granted by the King. Ernest understood that the King must have planted spies in the estate, so he never used it whenever he wanted to make a move. He deliberately allowed all his actions to be monitored by the King so that he would earn his complete trust.

As for the incident, he deliberately pretended not to want to spread the news so that the King would believe in his loyalty even more. By saying those words just now, he was also convincing the spies sent by the King not to bother reporting it as urgent news.

After all, the best way to hurt someone was to make them have something and then lose it. He had not forgotten how Elizabeth had once pushed Anastasia, almost causing her to be killed by a mad horse.

So, he never planned to allow her to wield the power of a queen. Seeing Ernest’s gesture, the steward understood.

"But General, we can stop our people from gossiping, but those ladies and their maids heard those words too. What do we do?" he asked, seemingly concerned.

"Send word out tonight to remind them that Lady Elizabeth is to be queen in five days. They must not gossip about her. Remind them how much importance the King places on this marriage. With their family standing, they will not dare," Ernest said.

The steward bowed and left the room. Ernest frowned. He realized that merely marrying Anastasia was not enough to protect her. Taking care of Elizabeth was simple, but the King...

He had decided not to rebel against Edward since Edward was not the one who hurt his father. But he was beginning to see that Edward was just like his father — evil and petty. While King Edward still needed him, he might not hurt Anastasia, but in another three to five years, when he firmly held the power of the court, Ernest was not sure he would be safe either.

Moreover, being a general meant he faced the threat of death all the time. He tapped the table, deep in thought.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to push the worry about the future away for the moment and visit Anastasia. No matter how tired he was, he did not want the servants to think she was not favored.

---

The soft glow of candlelight danced upon the chamber walls when Ernest entered. The air was faintly perfumed with lavender and rose oil, and Anastasia sat by the dressing table, brushing out her dark hair — her reflection framed in the mirror like a painting come alive. She turned slightly at the sound of the door, her eyes lifting to meet his.

He paused at the threshold, as though time itself had halted with her gaze. Her beauty struck him with the same quiet force that once made him forget his sword arm ; a gentleness he had never known in the midst of war. She was dressed simply, in a white nightgown trimmed with lace, the candlelight softening every line of her face.

Anastasia felt his heated gaze on her and blushed. "My lord," she said, trying to find her voice.

He smiled faintly, removing his gloves as he stepped toward her.

She rose from her seat, the brush still in her hand. Although this was her second marriage, Anastasia realized she still knew little about being a wife.

"I heard that some guests came earlier today," he commented, fighting the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her passionately. He did not want to do anything she was unwilling to do; after all, she had agreed to this marriage not out of love.

Anastasia nodded, setting the brush down. "Yes. They brought gifts and a little trouble, though I believe I handled it well enough." She looked at him then, her eyes bright with quiet amusement. "I hope I did not cause you any difficulty," she asked. After all, she understood that his decision to marry her might have cost him the King’s favor.

Ernest’s brow lifted slightly, a trace of laughter glinting in his eyes. "Difficulty?" He took a few steps closer until the light fell across his face, revealing both weariness and admiration. "I heard about the story you told. You handled it far better than I could have."

"I only said what was necessary," she replied, turning away shyly. "It would have been improper to quarrel with guests." But she could not resist after Elizabeth had pushed her limits.

He reached out, catching her hand gently. "Improper or not, you were clever," he said, letting his hand smooth over her face. "This residence was granted by His Majesty," Ernest commented casually, but he trusted that, given how clever Anastasia was, she would understand the meaning of his words.

He wanted her to be more careful about her actions in the future.

"His Majesty treats you well," Anastasia smiled; she caught the meaning of his words.

"Yes, he is a wise king who takes care of those loyal to him," Ernest said. He was finding it more difficult to control himself now that they were so close to each other.

Anastasia rolled her eyes. She could never bring herself to call Edward a wise king, but knowing he had spies, she did not argue.

Seeing her act like this, Ernest could not resist giving her a kiss on her forehead.

The silence that followed was warm, filled only by the soft crackle of the hearth. Ernest brushed his thumb over her knuckles, then drew her closer. She looked up at him but quickly lowered her head, uncertain, her heart fluttering beneath the stillness.

He lifted his hand and raised her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. Anastasia saw his undisguised wanting. Although she had never been with a man, she could tell the meaning of his gaze. She felt a bit shy and wanted to look away, but he kept her gaze fixed on him his eyes gently asking the question he could not voice.

Anastasia smiled a silent agreement which was all Ernest needed before claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.