Bailey had initially just probed her, never expecting her to admit it.
In an instant, Bailey's gaze turned icy. "I know why you came to the palace, but since my father sent you here, i won't send you away immediately. However, if you continue down this path, I have ways to ensure you'll never speak again."
Daisy glared at her angrily, but Bailey didn't pay her attention. "I've restrained you, and you'll be free in twelve hours. Stay on your knees and learn your lesson. If you don't face some hardships, you'll never learn."
Inside the study.
Rory was playing chess with Vic when he casually asked, "What do you think of the queen consort's actions?"
As Bailey recently refer Vic as a teacher, he naturally spoke in favor of his newly acquired apprentice.
"In my opinion, the queen consort's actions may not necessarily reflect the intentions of the Noel family. Moreover, that maid was personally brought by Princess Joyce, Alicia, her daughter, will soon become the Fifth Prince's wife. Jayden has always sought favor with those in power, so he has likely reached a secret agreement with the Fifth Prince."
"Are you speaking up for the queen consort?" Rory questioned.
Vic smiled awkwardly, "I feel she hasn't done anything wrong. Otherwise, why would she provide medical treatment to people experiencing poverty? And someone who saves lives with their medical skills is unlikely to harm others."
Rory remained unmoved. "Based solely on the despicable methods she used to force me to marry her, my impression of her is extremely poor!"
"Besides, even if the queen consort decides not to marry you, the concubine lacks the qualifications to become the queen consort. Regardless of who holds that position, as the king, why vent your frustrations on the queen consort? Her love for you is genuine and unwavering," Vic expressed.
"Vic!" Rory's face darkened. "You've said enough."
Vic couldn't help but feel alarmed, cursing himself for speaking out of turn.
The concubine held a special place in the king's heart, like a gentle lamb. Criticizing her was strictly off-limits.
Unknowingly, Vic's words kept echoing in Rory's ears, making him uncomfortable. Especially with Bailey's recent drastic changes, the more he thought about it, the more restless he became. He wanted to find out the truth!
Danny knocked on the door from outside. "Your Majesty, it's time for your meal. Shall we go to the Consort's place?"
Rory stood up. "Let's go to the Serene Pavilion."
The Serene Pavilion was where the queen consort resided. Danny's eyes widened in surprise.
How surprising The king was going to see the queen consort!
As the sky gradually darkened, Daisy grew colder in the courtyard. The anger she had been holding inside made her already crowded features even less appealing.
When Rory entered, he heard someone muttering, "Pah! The queen consort who climbed up using her seductive charms has no shame!"
He frowned, his face revealing a layer of anger.
As soon as Daisy saw the king, she instantly became submissive. With a great deal of grievances, she said, "Your Majesty."
Rory deliberately asked, "Aren't you the queen consort's attendant? Why are you kneeling here?"
"Even I don't know what offense I committed to receiving such treatment from the queen consort. She doesn't trust me anymore," Daisy replied with a hint of bitterness.
She believed Bailey lacked the courage to speak the truth to the king.
"Are you suggesting that the queen consort's temperament is unpredictable and arbitrarily bullies others without any reason?"
"I didn't say anything," Daisy denied with her mouth, but her face displayed undeniable agreement.
Rory stared at her coldly, confirming that the Noel family's maidservant had no manners, just like the master.
In a cold tone, fecommanded, "Danny, slap her for criticizing her master!"
Paying no heed to Daisy's anguished cries, he strode into the room and was greeted by laughter.
It turned out that Chloe was reminiscing about their childhood, and Bailey listened with avid interest, urging her to share more. A rare smile graced Bailey's face, reflecting her genuine delight.
Bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, Bailey's cascading black hair framed her face. Her deep, luminous eyes shimmered like precious gems, adding a touch of soft beauty to her features.
However, her smile quickly faltered, freezing on her face.
Once Rory entered the room, Bailey's demeanor transformed into that of a wary hedgehog. The smile vanished from her lips, and her gaze grew distant and guarded.
"Is there a specific reason for the king's sudden visit to the Serene Pavilion?" she inquired.
In truth, she wanted to say, "If there's something you wish to discuss, do so. If not, kindly leave."
Rory thought to himself, "She truly knows how to provoke with her words!"
Dissatisfied, he retorted, "This palace is mine. There is no place where I cannot go. Today, I choose to dine here without prior notice. Must I inform you?"
Bailey nodded, affirming, "Of course! Typically, the kitchen prepares meals for only one person. But now that you're here, we must arrange for two. Without your reminder, how would one meal be sufficient for the both of us?"
"It appears that the queen consort does not welcome my presence," Rory remarked.
Bailey nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, neither confirming nor denying the statement.
This woman's demeanor is truly despicable!
Bracing himself, Rory took a seat and discreetly observed her.
In the past, Bailey would be overjoyed at the slightest proximity. Her eyes would gleam with excitement. But now, despite his voluntary decision to stay and share a meal, there was no trace of surprise on her face. Instead, a subtle hint of disdain seemed to linger.
This wornan was an entirely different person from before!
After a prolonged silence, Rory gazed at her with a complex expression and inquired, "You have changed significantly since the day before Princess Aimee departed. What occurred during that time?"
Bailey paused briefly and then calmly responded, "What could have happened? I simply learned to navigate the intricacies. In my residence, I nearly faced a fatal assault. If I were to remain ignorant as before, I might have met my demise without ever knowing the culprit. It is better to be astute and learn early on."
"Share with me how one seamlessly switches between cleverness and foolishness?"
Bälley smiled sübtly and repiled, "Your Majesty, I am aware of my own intelligence. Your compliments are unnecessary."
Rory's laughter carried a hint of mockery. "Do not overestimate yourself. I came here to warn you. Refrain from causing trouble. Perhaps I will extend your days if I am in a good mood."
"Such words are better suited for Ms. Mack. You should talk to her. She would be wise to keep her head down in the Rainy Pavilion. Who knows what consequences she might face if she dares provoke me again?"
Slamming his chopsticks down, Rory spoke in a frigid tone, "Do not test the limits of my patience!"
Unfazed, Bailey met his gaze fearlessly. "Does this qualify as testing your patience? If certain individuals come here seeking trouble for no reason, I might become even more audacious!"
Rory gritted his teeth and said with venom, "Do not think I am powerless against you."
"If you have a way, feel free to try it. I am prepared at any time," she retorted.
Having once been a queen, Bailey had witnessed grand spectacles and wasn't easily intimidated by mere words. It was truly a laughable notion!