CHAPTER 5
Jul 11, 2025
Evangeline’s eyes fluttered open to the sharp scent of medicinal herbs and burning candles.
She groaned softly, trying to sit up in the unfamiliar bed, when a gentle voice cut through the fog in her mind.
“Easy now, Your Highness,” a young woman said, stepping closer. She wore a servant’s simple brown dress, her kind eyes filled with concern.
Evangeline rubbed her temples, throat raw and voice hoarse. “What happened to me?”
“You collapsed in the palace courtyard, Your Highness. Prince Sebastian and Lady Cordelia brought you to Master Aldrich’s manor,” the servant explained, adjusting the pillows behind Evangeline’s back.
Evangeline’s chest tightened with familiar pain. “Where are they now?”
The servant hesitated, looking uncomfortable. “They left shortly after bringing you inside, Your Highness.”
Of course they did. Evangeline swallowed the bitter taste rising in her throat, abandonment settling deep in her bones.
Sebastian couldn’t even wait for her to wake up. He’d left her here like unwanted luggage while he tended to his pregnant mistress.
The door opened with a soft creak, and Master Aldrich entered with his warm smile. Candlelight danced across his silver hair as he approached the bed.
“Your Highness, you’re awake. That’s encouraging. How do you feel?”
“Like I’ve been trampled by horses,” she muttered, sinking back into the embroidered pillows.
He chuckled softly. “I did warn you about avoiding stress, didn’t I?”
“You did,” she admitted, her tone weary.
His expression grew serious as he moved to check her pulse, weathered fingers gentle against her wrist. “You must take better care of yourself, especially during these crucial early months. Your delicate condition—”
She cut him off sharply, urgency rising in her voice. “Did you tell him?”
Master Aldrich frowned, pausing his examination. “Tell whom, Your Highness?”
“Sebastian,” she clarified, her pulse quickening with panic. “Did you tell him about my condition? About the twins?”
Understanding dawned on the physician’s face, and he shook his head slowly. “No, Your Highness. I haven’t spoken to Prince Sebastian about your pregnancy.”
Relief washed over her like cool water, and she exhaled deeply, shoulders sagging. “Good. You mustn’t tell him.”
Master Aldrich raised a silver eyebrow, his tone cautious. “Your Highness, surely you don’t mean that. He’s your husband, and these children—”
“These children are mine,” she snapped, voice gaining strength and authority. “He made it perfectly clear he wants no offspring from our union. I won’t burden him with something he never wanted.”
The physician opened his mouth to protest, but she raised a trembling hand to silence him.
“They’re my responsibility now,” she continued, voice hardening with determination. “Let him build his legacy with Lady Cordelia and her child. My twins will never need anything from him or the crown.”
Master Aldrich studied her carefully, clearly torn between medical duty and royal loyalty. “But Your Highness, these babies are legitimate heirs to the throne. You can’t simply—”
“I can,” she interrupted, emerald eyes blazing with resolve. “And I will. He chose to dissolve our marriage and follow his heart. Now I’m making my choice. Promise me you won’t tell him. Or anyone at court.”
The elderly physician hesitated, then released a heavy sigh that seemed to carry years of wisdom. “If that’s truly your wish, Your Highness, you have my word.”
“It is.” She nodded firmly, her decision crystallizing.
Master Aldrich cleared his throat, returning to professional concern. “You should stay here for observation. Your body isn’t ready for travel.”
Evangeline shook her head, determination blazing as she pushed back the covers. “I won’t stay here another moment.”
“Your Highness—”
“I’m no longer the Crown Princess,” she cut him off, her tone allowing no argument. “The annulment is signed. I’m leaving this kingdom tonight, and I expect complete discretion about my condition.”
Master Aldrich stared at her, recognizing the unmistakable authority bred into her bones. “As you command, Your Highness.”
Evangeline reached for her traveling boots, which someone had placed beside the bed.
Her hands trembled as she forced herself to stand, body still weak from the evening’s trials. The room spun briefly, but she gripped the bedpost and steadied herself through sheer will.
Her resolve burned bright, but her body remained fragile from shock and emotional turmoil. She took a deep breath, gathering strength for the journey ahead.
She had nowhere to go, no court allies who’d risk the crown’s anger by sheltering a discarded princess. But somehow, she’d forge a new path for herself and her unborn children.
Just as she stepped toward the door, hand reaching for the iron handle, it swung open with dramatic force.
Standing in the doorway, imposing and magnificent in his royal bearing, was King Edward—Sebastian’s father and ruler of the realm.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
Summary & Review: Comrade
