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I woke up on the 4th Prince's bed, the physician that was checking my pulse quickly stood up and bowed. Bella rushed to my side, her eyes watery.
"Miss! You're finally awake!" She exclaimed with joy.
"Bella, Are you alright? How long have I been asleep for?" I asked. She helped me to sit up.
"Miss I am quite alright. It has been a week since the intruder came. My eyes widened.
"A week?!? I have missed so many training sessions!" I said, attempting to stand up. Bella quickly rushed to my side to stop me.
"Miss! The 4th Prince has demanded that you remain in bed until you are fully well, your body is still processing shock," The Physician said while bowing. My throat closed at the mention of the 4th Prince. My mind going back to what happened that night. I sat back down.
"Alright," I said slowly. Seeing my expression, The physician bowed once more.
"Miss, please do not be discouraged, The 4th Prince is only doing this in your best interest. As soon as you are healed, you can begin moving around again." The physician said again. I nodded.
'How could I not be discouraged!? If I remember the plot correctly, there will be a festival soon. And when the King and Queen ask for the Girls in training to attend, I will be the least prepared!' I thought to myself. I sighed and stared at my hands, disappointed.
'If only my body was stronger, then I would be fine…' as I was sulking, a servant boy entered the room. He bowed upon seeing me.
"Miss Black Jade, the King, and Queen have requested your presence." He said. The Physician looked back at me before looking back at the boy. I knew this wouldn't end well, regardless if I went now or not.
"What? Miss Adedora is still resting! How can she-"
"I will go," I quickly interrupted. "Please tell the King and Queen I shall be there immediately." Bella looked at me worried.
"But miss, The Physician just said-"
"Bella, Please help me look presentable for them. Young boy, see the physician out please." I said softly. Bella quickly stopped talking and bowed stiffly, the boy bowing as well.
"Yes, miss. They both said.
Bella helped me up and changed me into a proper gown before doing my hair. She sighed while combing it.
"But miss, I'm sure the King would understand if you could not meet him now, Why must you persist?" She questioned.
"Bella, The news of this has probably spread throughout the palace by now. The rumors will only become worse if we sit back and let them." I said.
"B-But miss! That's-"
"Bella." I stopped her. Turning around in the chair I looked at her. "How is your wound."
She huffed slightly but nodded.
"Miss, My wound is fine. The doctor said it will only leave a small scar." She said. I pursed my lips as I stared at her.
Bella was a petite girl with dark hair that was always up and out of her face. She never had time to care for her appearance, but she was still young. Her face and body should be taken care of well. I looked at her neck.
"Move a bit closer, Bella," I said. She then moved towards me. As my hand traced her neck, I paused.
The last time I tried to heal someone, I ended up almost killing the Queen. If I try now… will it be any different? Noticing my reluctance, Bella spoke up.
"Miss? Is everything alright?"
"Y-yes, Everything is fine." I lowered my hand. Clearing my throat, I stood up. "Have you finished? Let's go." I said quickly.
"Yes, miss." Bella picked up my coat and carried it behind me as we walked to the Throne Room.
***
"Miss Black Jade has arrived!" The King's advisor echoed. I gulped slightly. We were guided into the throne room. I kneeled before bowing deeply. My head nearly touching the marble floors.
"Greetings, your Majesty," I said.
"Quickly, stand!" He said. I bit my lip before standing up. To the side of him, The Queen sat there, staring back at me. I curtsied towards her politely. She nodded.
"You, you become this Black Jade as soon as you arrive and almost get yourself killed by an assassin. You have caused more trouble for my palace than in the last decade of my ruling! And now, you have upset the 10th consort. Your relationship with the other ladies in training is also poor. Tell me," He stared at me. "Why should I keep you here?" The room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. I only gulped before bowing again.
'This.. this was not good at all! I am the female lead, so why am I being kicked from the center of the action!' I clenched my fists. 'I hadn't found out anything about the 3rd Prince's killer, and I already promised the queen, I cannot go back on my word!'
"Y-Your Highness," I spoke up. "I have no excuse for the problems that have been caused because of my arrival, In the best interest of the palace, I… I will understand if I must leave. However, your highness." I looked up to him, although I was scared of how my words would be heard, I must at least try to earn my stay!
"Your highness. If I must leave the palace, then-"
"The 4th Prince has arrived!"
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(Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.)