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My face exploded with embarrassment as I took several steps back from the 4th Prince. I cleared my throat and straightened my dress before bowing deeply.
"My apologies 4th Prince. I-"
"The King has Arrived!!" the man with the loud voice echoed. The entire courtyard rushed to greet him.
"Greetings, your Majesty," they said, bowed in unison. The King let out a deep belly laugh.
"Stand, Stand." He said, he turned towards me with an eyebrow raised. I gulped before Boeing deeper. "Was it you that healed the Queen?" Before I could deny it, the Physician bowed and spoke up first.
"Your Majesty! The tumor is completely cured because of Miss Adedora!! The Queen is healed!" He exclaimed. The Maids and servants began whispering.
"She healed her?? All by herself??"
"She truly is the Black Jade!!"
"The Black Jade has healed the Queen!'
I panicked slightly hearing the praise of others.
'My movements will always be closely watched now!' I groaned internally. I watched the 1st Concubine as she glared at me.
"Well done Miss Adedora." She said slowly, her words were like poison covered in sugar. I gave her a forced smile and bowed politely. The King cleared his throat, the entire courtyard immediately going quiet.
"Alright. Because you have done such a good job, what should I reward you with?" He said. I quickly bowed.
"Your Highness, there is no need, it is my honor to-"
"Nonsense! Miss, the king rarely gives out these grants! You must not turn him down." he said persuasively. I suddenly remembered my peaceful life plan. I glanced back at the 4th Prince. To my surprise, he was still looking at me! I quickly turned away, my embarrassment from earlier returning.
'Now is not the time Eva… Quickly!'
"Your Highness, I-"
"Alright alright, there is no need to say it now, When you have put some thought into your request I will allow you to seek me. " He said. The 1st concubine sneered.
"Nonsense! What could this girl want that she needs to think more of…" She said rudely. I smiled and nodded.
"I agree, Your highness, I know what I shall ask of you," I said. The king nodded and waited for my answer.
"I would like to be the first wife of the 4th Prince," I said. The courtyard went silent for a moment.
"What!?! M-M-Miss, you can't possibly be-"
"Alright, I accept" The 4th Prince himself interrupted the Physician. In utter shock, the Physician turned towards the Prince.
"My prince, s-surely you don't-" He started. But as soon as the Prince glanced at him, he quickly kept quiet. The king looked at me wearily.
"You… and you are sure that is your wish?" He asked. I smiled before nodding my head. He let out a sigh but quickly nodded.
"Alright, Advisor Xi, please deal with this, I do not have time for this anymore." He stated disappointedly before turning around to leave. Even the 1st Concubine, was looking at me with a confused expression. Everyone in the courtyard quickly bowed down as the King and 1st Concubine left. Soon, even the servants had returned to continue their tasks. The Royal Physician stared at me blankly.
"Arghh!! You guys will drive me crazy! Let me leave quickly. 4th Prince, I shall take my leave now." The Physician said before scurrying out of the courtyard himself. I suddenly realized something. I clapped.
"Bella!" I exclaimed. I sighed deeply and hit my head. 'How could I forget her?? After all, she saved me from being executed.' I turned towards the 4th Prince, but just as I was about to ask…
"Miss, The Queen would like to speak to you." a maid said as she tapped my shoulder. I nodded before turning around and entering her manor.
I bowed. "Greetings your highness-"
"Are you crazy? Have you forgotten the warning I just gave you??" She scolded me harshly. I pursed my lips before looking up at her.
"Your Highness, I dare not forget your warning. But I must ask, who told you of this murdering?" I asked. Her eyes darkened even more.
"You doubt me?? After all these years, you think I have not tried to convince myself of the same?!?" She shouted at me. I shook my head. I sat next to her bedside.
"Your majesty, I cannot tell you everything I know without prove, I will be courting death." I paused and grabbed her hand. "But your highness, I know for certain it was not the 4th Prince that killed the 3rd Prince." She looked at me shocked.
"But, how can you be so sure? You will only bring trouble to yourself if you continue searching for it, You must not lose your life in trying!" Her voice carrying many warnings, pleading for me to also accept. I smiled at the queen and bowed.
"Your Highness, I will not die before I find your answer,' I said
I now know what my job in this life is.
"I will find who killed the 3rd Prince."
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(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it.)