hapter 12
Dorian recognized Edmund, but wondered why he wasn’t with Luciana.
“I think I’ve seen this guy before…” Dorian hesitated before speaking.
Juliette glanced over and couldn’t help but flare up. “Why are you out here? Is the kitchen empty now?”
She’d already given orders–he was only supposed to do menial tasks. Serving dishes wasn’t his job yet.
Hearing Juliette’s sharp scolding, Edmund felt conflicted. The Juliette he knew was supposed to be gentle. Whether toward servants or commoners, she always wore a smile and never spoke harshly.
Seeing him just standing there dumbly, Juliette got even angrier.
“Neither Dorian nor Edmund should be in front of me right now. They should be with Luciana, annoying her instead.
‘What’s going on?‘ she complained inwardly.
Dorian knew the Faulkner family would be exonerated later, but Juliette shouldn’t have taken him in.
“You, get out of here now.” Dorian shooed Edmund away, wanting to have a heart–to–heart with Juliette.
In the previous life, after the Faulkner family was cleared, the King was furious with Luciana for secretly sheltering a Faulkner descendant without telling him.
Later, the King cold–shouldered Luciana for a long time. But now that the guy was with Juliette, wouldn’t she be the one facing the King’s displeasure later?
“I’ve seen him at Luciana’s place. Why’s he here? No matter what, you can’t keep him,” Dorian warned seriously.
He’d said it before–Juliette was his only sister. He refused to take Luciana his sister.
Juliette smacked her forehead. “Ugh, how’d I forget about him? He didn’t want to stay with Luciana, and I was afraid he’d die out there, so I brought him back.”
Dorian sighed helplessly, thinking Juliette was still so kind–hearted.
No one else would’ve done something like this, but kindness couldn’t be reckless–it could backfire.
“Take him to Grandfather tomorrow. Sis, you’re not married yet–your reputation can’t take a hit.”
At Dorian’s concern, Juliette’s expression finally softened a little. “If I talk to Grandfather, it might not work. If you’re free tomorrow…”
Dorian agreed without hesitation.
Juliette had never asked him for anything before. Now that she finally did, he had to say yes.
He forgot–tomorrow was archery practice, and the King might drop by on a whim.
That night, when Dorian returned to the palace, he noticed many of his belongings were missing.
‘Were they all gifts from Luciana? Had Luciana taken advantage of the chaos to steal my stuff?‘ he wondered.
As he was thinking, a servant handed him a list–everything was accounted for.
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Chapter 12
Nothing extra had been taken. Camille had gone through the palace records item by item.
Not only was nothing extra taken, but a lot was missing.
Some items were just gone from Dorian’s possession.
“Fine!” Dorian fumed. “At least now I don’t owe her anything. Whatever little gratitude or sympathy I had left for her is gone.”
Did he ever feel grateful? Did he ever show sympathy? Luciana couldn’t tell.
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“Your Highness, Mr. Newberry wishes to see you,” Camille reported.
Luciana held a bowl of fruit drink, idly stirring it with a’spoon. “Let him in,” she said casually, swinging her legs slightly in a relaxed, carefree
manner.
20
Donovan, blushing, stepped forward and drew the bed curtains, shielding the princess–both literally and figuratively.
Samuel Newberry was rescued by Luciana three days ago.
Not that she was particularly fond of playing the hero, but this guy was just too damn pretty.
With a chiselled face, thick brows, a teardrop mole at the corner—seductive and alluring–a high nose bridge, and thin lips tinged with red,
his features were flawless. The only problem? He looked like he was about to kick the bucket.
Samuel had stopped her in the street, and with just a slight tilt of his head, Luciana decided to save him.
After bringing him back to her residence, she called for a physician. His injuries were severe, requiring rest and recovery.
Now, on the third day, he was already well enough to get up and was eager to see her to express his gratitude.
Even through the curtains, his exquisite beauty was undeniable.
“Your Highness, my name is Samuel Newberry.” His voice soft and weak, he sank to his knees, his eyes lifting uncertainly to Luciana.
Luciana continued stirring her drink, smiling. “Rise. Take a seat.”
Samuel remained kneeling. “Thank you, Your Highness, for saving my life. My family suffered misfortune, and I encountered bandits on the
road. Barely escaping, I reached Elarion at the brink of collapse. Had I not met you, I fear I wouldn’t have survived.”
“No need for formalities. Stand up,” Luciana replied, still swirling her spoon, though she had no intention of drinking it.
It just didn’t taste good.
However, the chef was specially hired by Donovan, who claimed that not only would it help alleviate the summer heat, but also serve as a means of physical conditioning.
Seeing his earnest expression, Luciana couldn’t bring herself to refuse his kindness, so she’d been stirring the drink pointlessly for ages.
Samuel struggled to his feet. Covered in wounds, even getting out of bed was a challenge, but he was desperate to thank her and didn’t dare
delay.
A maid brought over a stool, and as soon as he sat down, he saw Donovan step through the curtains and take the bowl from Luciana’s hands.
“If you don’t like it, there’s no need to force yourself. I’ll find someone else to make it again,” Donovan said seriously before walking out. He
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12:33 Thu, 7 Aug 9 Q
Chapter 12
refused to believe he couldn’t find a decent chef.
Noticing the fruit drink in Donovan’s hands, Samuel knelt once more.
Luciana was taken aback. ‘Wasn’t this guy still injured? How could he kneel so easily?‘
20
“I heard that the princess used a lot of medicine to save me, but I don’t have any money. My family used to run a drink bar, and I know how to make all kinds of beverages–sour plum, pear syrup, ginger honey, you name it.
“If the princess doesn’t mind, I’d like to work for you to repay the debt and thank you.” Samuel’s voice was weak, but his tone was firm, looking at her with a mix of nervousness and hope.
This was the only thing he could do.
Luciana hadn’t even thought about that yet, but he was already taking the initiative. Still, her experience with taking in Edmund had left her a
bit wary.
“Don’t overthink it for now. Focus on recovering first–we’ll talk when you’re better.” She didn’t agree, but she didn’t outright refuse either.
Samuel nodded and left, not bothering Luciana any further.
The next day at noon, Juliette and Dorian brought Edmund to see Luciana.
Edmund hid behind them, his head practically buried in the ground. After being scolded by Juliette yesterday, he had thought a lot, but he
still couldn’t make sense of it.
When Juliette came for him today, he thought she had finally remembered him, but instead, she was just sending him back.
He begged, but Juliette ignored him, saying that keeping him around had only been temporary.
This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.
Edmund trailed behind them, dazed and heartbroken. When he saw the familiar place, his steps stiffened–he really didn’t want to go in.
Dorian strode in first and, without even greeting Luciana, said, “About Lord Faulkner, we’re returning him to you.”
Then he turned to leave, as if he was just ticking off a task.
“Stop right there!” Luciana snapped irritably. ‘What did he mean by returning him? Did I even ask for him back?‘ she said inwardly.
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