Chapter 151: The Malicious Gossip
Anna’s hurried steps carried her further down the hallway, the echoes of words and laughter from the ladies-in-waiting reverberating in her mind. Overwhelmed by their cruel remarks, she longed to escape their hurtful presence.
The palace walls seemed to close in on her, suffocating her spirit and compelling her to seek solace elsewhere. Determined to find a respite from the turmoil, she hurried toward a door that led outside, yearning for a breath of fresh air.
Stepping out, Anna found herself in an isolated yard, a hidden sanctuary from the disturbance. She walked along the cobblestone path, seeking refuge from the scorching morning sun.
Eventually, she discovered a majestic tree, its branches stretching protectively overhead. Seeking shade beneath its leafy canopy, she sat down, clutching her shawl tightly around her shoulders.
The gentle autumn breeze caressed and gently tousled her long, auburn hair. Her face filled with profound sadness as she dwelled on Sarah and her companions’ hurtful words.
She had never anticipated their malicious intentions, and words cut deep into her heart. The memory of the queen’s statement about Kyren having numerous admirers haunted her thoughts.
She had only seen a few of them, leaving her to wonder about the extent of her husband’s fan base. Now, the reality of being the wife of the grand duke became painfully clear to her. The position came with challenges, as Kyren’s countless admirers would not simply fade away upon learning of their marriage.
Was the betrothal between Kyren and Sarah indeed true?
Why had Kyren never revealed this to her?
And what about his intentions in marrying her?
The sudden reversal of the grand duke, who had vowed celibacy three years prior, was it solely to save her life?