Chapter 156: Burning Skin, Stolen Throne
"How is the Princess?" Crown Prince Maximus demanded.
"I’m afraid I don’t know, Your Highness," the maid stammered. "Her condition is worsening, and no one can diagnose the source of the burning on her skin."
"Then fetch the damned doctor! The Princess needs treatment immediately!" the Prince roared.
"He’s currently with the Emperor, Your Highness," the maid explained apologetically. "But we’ve sent a knight to fetch another doctor. As soon as one arrives, the Princess will be treated accordingly."
Just then, the Empress marched into the room, her face contorted with rage. "What is the meaning of this uproar?" she bellowed.
"Can’t you see, Mother? What’s happening?" the Prince countered sarcastically.
"A criminal receives a doctor’s attention, while the Princess, recently returned after an ordeal, languishes neglected? Do you even comprehend the gravity of this situation?" he pressed, his voice dripping with accusation.
"How is this my fault?" the Empress spat. "If the Princess knows she’s under attack, why does she remain here? She should return to where she came from. No one’s stopping her, nor will the world cease should she leave. This wouldn’t even be happening."
The Prince grabbed the Empress’s hand and dragged her out of the room. "Mother, she’s the Princess, the Emperor’s firstborn, and you treat her like she has no right to be here? How can you say such things when she’s the most likely heir to the throne?"
"Firstborn? Who can say?" the Empress smirked. "No one witnessed her birth, no one can account for when it happened or how she left the palace. How can you claim she’s the firstborn, the Princess of this empire?"
"Mother, I suspect your involvement in this," the Prince said, his voice low and dangerous. "I lack proof, but don’t think you’ll get away with it. Just like Father’s crimes are being punished by an unknown hand, so too will yours. You’ll be forced to confess everything that happened that day."
"Maximus! I am your mother! How can you speak to me like that?" she shrieked.