“Such a great cook–it’s a real shame he ended up in the palace.” Luciana put down her fork, clearly still craving more.
Camille handed her a handkerchief, not daring to voice her opinion.
Luciana had always put Dorian first. The cook wasn’t the only one she’d sent into the palace before. It was the first time she was putting
herself first.
Everyone around Luciana was glad to see this change. But they didn’t know how long it lasted.
Over the next few days, Luciana went to the palace every day, checking in on Francesca’s health, reminding her not to worry and to rest
more.
Luciana said all the right things, but when it came to asking her to help Dorian, she still refused.
That day, just as Francesca was about to bring it up again, Luciana stood up and left, showing no intention of getting involved.
“What’s wrong with Luciana this time? It’s been days. Isn’t it time she let it go? She’s still mad at her own brother?” Francesca’s voice was laced with frustration. “Why is she suddenly acting so immature?”
Luciana had always been the most sensible one in Francesca’s eyes. No matter what happened, she would try to solve the problem first. Even if she was upset or felt wronged, she would only talk about it afterward.
But this time, Luciana had clearly decided not to step in. Dorian was still confined, and Trenton hadn’t visited him once out of anger.
“If she’s upset, she could wait until Dorian is released and then scold him. That’s her little brother, not some outsider. How could she just leave him like this?” Francesca kept grumbling.
Jeannie sighed beside her, looking worried. “Prince Dorian has visibly lost a lot of weight.”.
A hint of pain flickered in Francesca’s eyes. She said, “Can’t he just lower his head a little?”
Francesca had already sent someone to tell him that Luciana was mad. And he should send someone to apologize, then Luciana would definitely help him then.
But all the talk in the world wouldn’t help unless Dorian apologized first.
And Dorian had flat–out refused. He even said he didn’t need Luciana’s help. Trenton couldn’t possibly keep him locked up forever.
Dorian wasn’t willing to give in, and there was nothing Francesca could do.
Jeannie looked troubled as she replied, “Prince Dorian has been asking about Princess of Camoy every day–several times a day. He wants to know if she’s come to the palace yet or if she’s recovered from her cold.”
Francesca lifted a hand to her forehead. Her head was starting to hurt. She thought, ‘Juliette is never sick–she has been faking it.
‘And this foolish boy still believes her, even thinking Juliette may save him.‘
“Forget it. Send someone to Juliette’s estate. Bring her to the palace.” Francesca gave the order with a sigh.
This time, Juliette didn’t make excuses and reluctantly came to the palace.
On her way in, Luciana deliberately slowed her steps so she wouldn’t run into her.
1/3
12:35 Thu, 7 Augu
Chapter 25
Camille was confused. “Princess Luciana, if you don’t plan on helping Prince Dorian, why come to the palace every day? You could’ve done what Princess Juliette did and stayed far away.”
“Avoiding her wouldn’t be clear enough. I already said I’m not getting involved with Dorian. I can’t just hide every time,” Luciana said as she turned to walk in another direction.
Instead of leaving the palace right away, Luciana went to bring Caleb some paper and brushes.
These days, after checking in on Francesca, Luciana would always stop by to see him.
Though no one dared mistreat a prince in the palace, when it came to one with no background, people were bound to be careless. No one really put in any effort.
Luciana showed up more often so they’d pay more attention. At the same time, she was keeping her eye out for other potential candidates- relying on Caleb alone was too risky.
After leaving Caleb’s place, Luciana looked up and immediately saw Juliette waiting nearby.
“Heard you were sick a few days ago. Looks like you’re fine now,” Luciana said as she walked over, calm as ever.
Juliette forced a smile. “Guess I am.”
Juliette thought if she stayed away for a few days, she could dodge this mess. ‘Who knows Luciana really meant it when she said she wouldn’t help?‘ she muttered.
Luciana almost laughed. She had been coming to the palace every single day. If this were before, Juliette would’ve shown up every time.
Now Juliette was too scared to show her face, all because she had to keep pretending to be sick. And Juliette had avoided the palace because she didn’t want to get involved.
But at the same time, Juliette worried Luciana might win Francesca over, and if that happened, Francesca might start favoring Luciana instead. So these days of pretending to be sick had been rough on her.
Now that Francesca had called her in, Juliette had no choice but to stop faking.
When Francesca asked her to help, Juliette just brushed it off, pretending not to understand, acting all clueless.
Finally, Francesca told her to go see Dorian. After leaving, Juliette immediately went out to find Luciana, hoping to drag her along.
Juliette said, “Back then, when Dorian made you angry, I was there too. But I never thought you’d stay mad this long. Mother’s been worried sick these days about his confinement. Don’t you think it’s time to help him out a little?”
Luciana couldn’t hold back a laugh. ‘Juliette really is a perfect daughter.’
“If you’re so worried about Mother, why don’t you do it yourself?” Luciana shot back.
‘Does she bring up Mother because she cares about her, or is she just trying to get me to feel guilty?‘ Luciana muttered.
Juliette looked away, eyes shifting. “I’m not good with words. I’m afraid I’d make it worse. Father’s already mad, and that god statue ended up with me, remember?”
Luciana clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up. “Well, isn’t that perfect? Just say you wanted to take a look at it, so Dorian sent it over. Then you both forgot to return it, and that’s why it never got back in time.”
“What are you talking about?” Juliette’s face twisted in anger. “I can’t even explain it as it is, and now you want me to admit I asked for it?”
2/3
12:35 INU, 7 AUG OO
Chapter 25
One rekoh Juliette had faked being sick was to distance herself from the whole mess.
Actually, Juliette had been cursing Dorian behind his back these past few days. Of all the things he could’ve sent, why did he have to send something from the palace?‘ she snapped.
“You don’t want to take the blame, and neither do 1. I didn’t ask you to help, so don’t try to push me either, Luciana said coldly, giving her a sharp look.
Luciana turned to leave. There were still things to handle back at the estate.
Juliette quickly stepped in front of her and forced a smile. “Fine, we don’t have to help him. But he’s still our brother. Can’t we at least go visit him together?”
Juliette really didn’t want to go alone. She had been waiting for Luciana all this time.
Luciana paused, then finally nodded. “Alright. Let’s go.”
It had been a while since she’d seen Dorian. Luciana wondered how he was doing with this whole confinement thing.
In the past, Dorian had never been locked up this long. Maybe in this life, the new experience had been kind of fun for him.
“Princess!” A shadow suddenly jumped out from the side, startling both of them.
Donovan immediately stepped in front of Luciana, scowling at the man.
It was Jacob–the long–absent Jacob. Last time, when Juliette never showed up, he had no choice but to ask Dorian for help.
At first, Dorian didn’t want to get involved and risk trouble.
But Jacob’s request had been simple: he just wanted Dorian to assign a servant to look after him a little.
Nothing fancy, no favors, not even speaking on his behalf. Just someone who could help him get rescue if he was half–dead and needed help.
3/3
