Boom!
Brenna felt as if a lightning boit had struck down from the clear blue sky, catching her completely off guard.
How could this be? How could it turn out like this?
The first person to approach, Brenna, left Rory momentarily bewildered.
His face had a slight frown, but it wasn't obvious.
However, Bailey knew deep down that he must be tom apart inside.
The man must have been deeply hurt when the wom he loved the most played such a trick on him.
Brenna suddenly became tongue-tied. "Your Majesty. What brings you here? And why are you and the queen consort sitting so peacefully?"
As soon as the words left her lips, she realized her mistake, and panic set in, desperately trying to make amends for herself.
"What I meant is Lilly heard that something happened to the queen consort, but now it seems that she is perfectly fine. Thank God."
As soon as she finished speaking, a group arrived in a grand procession.
Emperor Zachary, the empress, and the noble consort led the way.
Witnessing the scene inside the room, everyone was momentarily stunned.
This was utterly contrary to what the maid had previously mentioned.
How could Rory and Baily have managed to tidy up and sit down for a game of chess in such a brief period?
It was evident that someone was plotting against them! Emperor Zachary asked sternly, "What is the meaning of this?"
Rory looked puzzled. "Father, why have you all come? Bailey and I were engaged in a game of chess. Has the preceding wedding banquet concluded?"
The empress hesitantly said, "Rory, someone reported an unfortunate incident involving the queen consort in the backyard, and..."
"Huh?" Bailey looked troubled. "Who spread such rumors? It might cause me harm!"
All eyes turned simultaneously toward Brenna. Brenna knelt abruptly, "It was my mistake."
Bailey smiled mischievously. "Based on your expression, you look disappointed that I haven't engaged in untoward behavior with anyone. Or perhaps this scene deviates from your expectations, leaving you utterly surprised?"
Brenna looked at Rory with a particularly aggrieved expression. "Your Majesty, I, too, fell for Lilly's words. I did not know what occurred in the backyard. Hence, how could I deliberately frame the queen tonsort?"
3/8
"How weird. If it wasn't intentional framing, why did you bring a group of people here seemingly ready for questioning?" Bailey chuckled.
"I-It's.." Brenna glanced somewhat resentfully at Lilly.
The latter was terrified, crying and prostrating on the ground. "My Lord, please calm down. I didn't lie. There were indeed those sounds in the room just now. Could it be that someone leaked the information, and so..."
Bailey forcefully slammed the cup onto the table. "Audacious! A lowly maid dares to frame King Rory and me. Who ordered you to do so!"
Rory frowned as he looked at Lilly and Brenna with mixed emotions.
Emperor Zachary kicked Lilly hard. "Wretched woman! Who gave you the audacity to slander your master!"
Lilly cried out in protest, pleading her innocence.
Bailey smirked at the scene, seizing the opportunity to bring up the matter of drugging once again.
She reached into her sleeve, preparing to retrieve the concealed cup.
Inside, there remained a small amount of liquid, which, upon investigation, would surely reveal the truth.
To her surprise, Rory caught sight of her discreet actions and forcefully restrained her.
Bailey glared at him, silently questioning his motives.
However, Rory held her firmly, preventing her from any further movement.
It was obvious that he intended to protect Brenna at all costs.
It would be a minor issue if it were merely a misunderstanding caused by a servant's misinterpretation
However, if someone intentionally drugged and plotted harm, it would be a serious crime.
Rory leaned close to Bailey's ear and warned in a low voice.
"If you dare utter a single word regarding the drugging incident, I assure you, you will regret it. Your reputation will be tarnished, and don't blame me for dragging you down with me."
Bailey shot him an angry glance.
Was he willing to defame her for the sake of a scheming woman?
Emperor Zachary snorted. "Ms. Mack, you and your maid have an audacious nerve. Not only did you misunderstand the situation, but you also caused a disturbance involving everyone. Have you considered the reputations of the queen consort and King Rory?"
Rory cast a compassionate glance at Brenna, who seemed frightened and disoriented. With a sense of empathy, he took the initiative to bow respectfully before Emperor Zachary. He said, "Father, this incident arose due to a misunderstanding caused by the maid of my concubine. Ms. Mack has always carried herself with grace and dignity, and she would never make light of the Innocence of myself and queen consort Bailey. This is a private matter within our household, and I do not wish to burden anyone from the royal family. Once we return home, I will address the situation and ensure appropriate consequences, Please, rest assured!"
Bailey looked at him with disappointment, realizing he was again protecting his favored concubine and downplaying the situation.
How utterly absurd.
Despicable actions might even implicate Prince Sidney if this matter was thoroughly investigated.
After all, this incident occurred under his roof, and he bore undeniable responsibility for the tainted wine.
Yet Rory intended to brush it aside for the sake of a woman. This left Bailey leaving speechless!
She couldn't help but feel frustrated. This wasn't the first time!
How long would Rory, this blind fool, continue to support Brenna?
Hmph, she was determined to cause a stir anyway! Bailey suddenly clutched her chest, feigning pain, and shed tears.
"My Lord, my life is filled with misery. Merely playing chess with King Rory has led to rumors that tarnish my reputation. Regardless of their integrity, such gossip wi!! greatly damage my honor."
Rory's gaze turned cold, recognizing her deliberate provocation.
This woman was forcing his hand in front of the Emperor!
Emperor Zachary looked at Rory with deep gaze. "My son, there's no need to wait until after I leave. Speak now and tell us how you plan to handle this."
He had no choice but to say, "This maid has spread false information. She deserves a punishment of thirty strikes!"
"And what about the others?"
Brenna, whose body was going weak, stared anxiously at Rory, evoking pity with her pitiful appearance that would touch anyone's heart.
Rory pursed his lips and knelt, taking the initiative to speak before Emperor Zachary. "Father, I don't believe the concubine should be punished. Even though she rushed here upon hearing the maid's words, it was out of concern for the queen consort's reputation and mine. All of this was to protect the royal family and me. So, if you wish to reprimand someone, let it be me."
"Your Majesty!" Bailey wanted to say something, but Rory cut her off.
"Queen consort Bailey! I understand that you are prone to jealousy, and I also acknowledge that you have felt somewhat neglected within the palace. However, you cannot let personal grievances drive you to such aggressive behavior."
What an act!
Bailey laughed bitterly. "If Your Majesty wishes to defend the concubine in this manner, then I have nothing more to say."
Emperor Zachary stared disapprovingly at Rory. "King Róry, Bailey is your lawful wife, not a mere concubine, hope you understand this. Otherwise, I will be deeply disappointed in you."
Rory respectfully assented, "I shall comply and ensure that I treat the queen consort well from now on, sparing her any further injustice."
Just as he finished speaking, another person hurriedly entered the room. It was the Fifth Prince who had just received the news.
Though not as striking as Rory, Sidney possessed a handsome countenance, undoubtedly making him an attractive man.
He was still dressed in a vibrant red celebratory robe and asked anxiously, "Father, what has happened?"
Despite his expression of concern, he had long harbored deep resentment.
They managed to get away with it again! Bailey cast a cold glance at him.
Sidney had truly lucked out, having an elder brother like Rory, who absolved him entirely of responsibility!
Not wanting to disturb this joyous occasion, Emperor Zachary waved his hand dismissively, saying, "What brings you here? Go attend to your own affairs!"
With that, he swirled his robe and declared, "Very well, it is getting late. Let us return to the palace."
Before departing, Emperor Zachary glanced at Rory again, stating, "My child, remember your words. Do not let your queen consort feel disheartened."
Rory's back tensed up.
Bailey coolly observed as Rory extended his hand to help Brenna up. Unable to endure the situation any longer, she walked out with an air of indifference.
Upon returning to the palace, Vic immediately noticed that something was amiss with their demeanors.
He discreetly pulled Danny aside and asked, "What's going on? Wasn't it a joyous feast today? Did the king and queen consort have another quarrel?"
Bailey couldn't help but sneer. "You might as well ask me instead of Danny! Vic, do you have any Flutanoin? Give me a few."
"Huh? Flutanoin is used to alleviate depression. What's troubling you, Your Majesty?"
"Isn't it obvious? I feel stifled and burdened. I'm nearly driven to madness by your marvelous king!"
She glared at Rory. "It infuriates me to witness people who distort right and wrong, who are inept and shameless!"