The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 276: reconcile 2

The hall fell into a strained silence after Anastasia’s remark. The Duke’s face darkened, though he struggled to maintain a semblance of calm.

"Anastasia," he said after a long pause, his voice gentler than before but still heavy with authority. "You may resent me for what happened, but no matter what words were spoken in anger, blood cannot be changed. You are my daughter — that truth remains, even if you refuse to acknowledge it."

Anastasia’s expression did not waver. "Blood..." She emphasized the word as though she were trying to test it.

Hearing the mockery in the way she said it, Duke Thompson worried that she had found out the truth. "But, Your Grace, it is not always a bond of love or favor toward me. You have declared this before the entire kingdom."

The Duchess shot her husband a nervous glance, seeing that the conversation was not going well, but the Duke pressed on. "You speak as though you’ve forgotten the weight of family, yet it is family that gives one strength. You are married to a great man now — a general beloved by his soldiers and trusted by the King. Do you not see how your family’s support could serve you well? The court is not kind to women who stand alone, even with a husband’s favor."

There was meaning beneath his words — a warning disguised as concern, telling her that without his support, it was only a matter of time before she fell.

Anastasia smiled faintly. "When have I ever had your support? As a child, I was treated worse than a maid, especially after my mother’s death. When I was married into the palace, I did not feel your support — not even when I stood alone after I left the palace. Neither love nor duty brought you to my side. In fact, you helped destroy my reputation with your high moral standing and speeches to win His Majesty’s favor. So forgive me if I fail to see the comfort in your support now that I am no longer a burden."

The Duke’s mouth tightened, a flicker of guilt crossing his features, but before he could answer, Ernest’s voice cut through the silence — calm, yet commanding.

"That will not be necessary," Ernest said, his hand resting gently atop Anastasia’s. His tone carried quiet authority, the kind that left no room for argument. "My lady needs no other family but the one she already has."

The Duke’s eyes flicked toward him, uncertain how to interpret the words.

Ernest continued, his gaze steady. "Whether she chooses to reconcile with her kin or not, she will not lack protection. I will stand as her family — as her husband, her shield, and her ally."

His words were neither boastful nor loud, but they carried a conviction that filled the room like a storm building at sea.

Anastasia looked at him quietly, her throat tightening. For a moment, she forgot the presence of the others — forgot even her father’s cold gaze — and saw only the man beside her, who had said more in that single vow than any promise made to her before.

The Duke swallowed hard. He had expected that, being an illegitimate son, Ernest would care most about status and social standing, and that Anastasia, after her fall, would be more humble and cautious. But now, she was fiercely defended by a man who clearly cherished her. The balance of power he had expected did not exist.

"I see," he said finally, clearing his throat. "Then I shall not press the matter further. But know this, General — no matter what has passed, the Thompson family bears you no ill will. We are... grateful that you treat Anastasia well." He still hoped to make a good impression for future reconciliation. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Ernest inclined his head slightly, the faintest trace of a smile at his lips. "That is all any husband should do, Your Grace."

The Duchess quickly smiled, seeing that the tension in the room had eased a bit. "I am also here to apologize about yesterday’s incident with Elizabeth. This child does not know better," she quickly added, not wanting to waste the chance to protect her.

Anastasia raised her brows; she was not surprised that Anita cared about this. After all, with her words yesterday, the King could find a reason to cancel the wedding.

"Indeed, Her Grace must put more effort into training her, especially now that she is to enter the palace," Anastasia replied. Her words made it seem as though she agreed with Anita, but in truth, she was blaming her for failing to raise her daughter right.

Anita was furious at that remark, but she knew better than to cause a scene because of it.

"You are right, I will do my best," she said, feeling very annoyed in her mind.

"In any case, I think there is no need to spread lies and ruin your reputation and that of your sister. Now that you have married the General, live well and stop thinking about the past," Duchess Anita said. She wore a kind motherly smile, but beneath it lay a threat. Her words meant that if Anastasia dared to spread the story of yesterday’s incident, they would drag her down together.

"Your Grace, forgive me, but I do not quite understand your words. When have I spoken a lie? I was indeed sick that day in the palace. I have no idea how I was taken out of the room or why Elizabeth was there instead. This is the truth," Anastasia said.

"Your—" Anita wanted to defend Elizabeth, to say that she also had no idea what happened, but Anastasia beat her to it.

"We are no longer family, so it does not concern me much. And like you said, I already have a husband. I cannot be thinking about the past. In the beginning, I was only an illegitimate child, not fit to be the King’s wife. Perhaps it is fated. As long as your daughter does not come looking for trouble, I will not repeat those words again," Anastasia said.

"That will be for the best," Anita replied, glad to hear her agree so readily, believing that Anastasia had not become fearless. In any case, once her daughter married the King and conceived a son, this small talk would have little relevance.

"I know you are still sensible to think of the family," Duke Thompson praised, wearing the gaze of a proud father. But Anastasia frowned.

"Do not get this wrong. I am not saying anything now because of the King. After all, the truth would hurt him as well. Nothing is more important than a stable kingdom," Anastasia said. It seemed she was clarifying things to her father, but in truth, she hoped these words would reach the King’s ears so that when she eventually spread the news, she would not be suspected.

Hearing this, Anita rose, her smile brittle. "Then we shall not overstay our welcome." She never really cared if Anastasia reunited with her father; as long as Elizabeth could marry smoothly, nothing else mattered.

Ernest stood with Anastasia as they escorted their guests toward the entrance. When the doors finally closed behind them, the silence that followed felt lighter — freer.

Anastasia exhaled softly, her fingers still caught in Ernest’s hand. "You didn’t have to say all that," she murmured.

"I did," he replied, glancing down at her. "Because I meant every word."

Anastasia felt her heart skip a beat. She had not expected to be lucky enough to meet a man like him after she left the palace.