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PHYSIENTS WILL ALWAYS OFFER BEST NOVELS || LATEST MOVIES || LIVE STREAMING ALL TIME
GARDEN OF POISON
Better King Than The Ones Before (Chapter 167)
Music Recommendation: Andrea Guerra - Welcome Chris
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Anastasia and Marianne sat beside each other, just a short distance away from the bridge. Their bare feet dangled, immersed in the crystal-clear stream, with the water barely covering their ankles. This was something they did when they were young, and whenever the water level rose and the fish began to stir, they would attempt to catch them.
'Look, look, it's right there!' A faint echo of young Marianne's voice reached the two sisters as they fondly recollected their treasured memories. 'On the other side!'
'It is coming near me!' exclaimed young Anastasia in a hushed voice, as she fiddled with the brown net they had borrowed. She cast the net, and in the process, lost her footing and slipped into the water, creating a splash that rippled around.
'Anna!' Marianne exclaimed in alarm when she saw her sister plunge face-first into the water. She rushed to her side, and quickly lifted her sister back up. 'Are you alright?' she asked with concern, helping her little sister to sit in the water.
Little Anastasia's lips curved into a frown and she mumbled, 'We lost it…' Marianne let out a sigh of relief, seeing that her sister wasn't hurt. She gazed at the water, a sense of disappointment washing over her as they hadn't managed to catch even one fish.
'The fish here are smart. Let us get out of the water,' Marianne suggested, and Anastasia puffed her cheeks before getting to her feet and dragging the net behind her. However, just then, the younger sister saw something shimmering next to her leg and she quickly dived back in.
'Mary, I caught a fish!' Anastasia shouted in excitement, but when she lifted the net out of the water, both girls' eyes widened in horror.
'AHHH!!' The two of them shrieked upon seeing a small white snake thrashing in the net.
The young girls got out of the water after releasing the snake, which continued on its way. Nearby, a young boy, who was slightly older than the elder Flores daughter, heard them scream and saw them both now drenched from head to toe.
'What happened?!' the young boy inquired, his grey eyes watching them with a frown.
'We couldn't catch any fish to cook,' replied Anastasia, whose knee was bleeding from a cut she didn't realise she received.
'Cook?' Gabriel asked in confusion.
'Yes, right there on the fire.' Anna gestured with both hands towards the haphazard-looking set-up, featuring two sticks that looked like a 'Y' shape, waiting to support the fish.
'I have caught a few fish before; I can catch one for you,' Gabriel offered, looking at the two girls before rolling up his pants. After some time, the fish was cooked over the feeble fire.
A smile formed on Anastasia's lips, even though the memories were somewhat hazy and incomplete. It was the emotion evoked by the memory that touched not only her but also her elder sister, who appeared to be at peace. In the distance, a bird perched on a branch sang a sweet melody, blending harmoniously with the rustling leaves and the flowing water.
"Everything feels just as it used to," Marianne murmured with a contented smile. "I wonder if we will be able to catch a fish now."
Anastasia returned the smile and said, "Maybe a couple of them, though we will need to find a net first." She then wrapped her hand around her sister's arm and pulled her close, simply content to have her by her side.
In response to this, Marianne moved closer to her sister, allowing her head to rest against her younger sister's. She confided, "You know, when I realised I was going to die, my greatest concern was about what would become of you after I was gone. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you behind. In those final moments, Maxwell came to help me with tears in his eyes, filled with regret, and I prayed. Prayed so that I could find a way to let you know what had happened."
"You came to the alley." Anastasia remembered Marianne's ghost. "I knew you wouldn't let me down." She knew in her heart that Marianne wouldn't allow her to leave Versailles alone… especially without offering an explanation.
"You are my sister. My other half," Marianne recited what Anastasia had once told her. "I could never let you go alone, not knowing if you would be looked after." However, in the time between her passing and return to life, she noticed just how much her younger sister had matured.
They spent their time together, during which Anastasia recounted the events of the last three to four months to Marianne. Some of the stories caused the elder Flores sister to raise her eyebrows, while others left her covering her mouth in disbelief, as she attentively absorbed the stories detailing how her sister had transitioned from a princess's maid to be the king's future wife. The information even broached the subject of Maxwell's death, and Anastasia noted her sister falling into a contemplative silence, refraining from uttering a word about it.
Anastasia, who had released Marianne's arm, gently clasped her sister's hand, enveloping it with her own. She spoke softly,
"I am sorry that we couldn't save him, Mary. None of us saw it coming. Magnus played his cards too well."
Marianne's gaze softened as she thought of Maxwell, the only one she had truly loved.
"The Mother Queen gave me something." Saying this, Anastasia pulled out the handkerchief she had been carrying with her. She offered it to Marianne, and noticed her sister momentarily freeze when she saw it.
"T—This is mine," Marianne uttered as she took her handkerchief, running her fingertips over the fabric.
"It seems Maxwell had it with him when he died," Anastasia informed her sister. She wished she could convey her condolences and assure Marianne that he was at peace, but she doubted any soul could attain even a semblance of peace once they entered Hell.
Marianne felt her throat tighten as she drew in a shaky breath and held the handkerchief close to her chest. She whispered, "I was hoping to see him again, wondering how he would react upon seeing me. Whether he would be surprised, not expecting that he would be the one to surprise me. But, it makes me happy knowing he had this with him." She continued softly,
"On the day I was fated to meet my end, Max continued to act distant towards me, not sparing me a single word or glance… and it had truly broken my heart. I yearned to talk to him one last time before leaving Versailles. So, I went to look for him, but instead found death waiting for me in his place. I had no idea his soulmate was a farce and that he still loved me…"
Anastasia placed her hand around Marianne's shoulder and said, "You are someone worthy of being loved, Mary. You should be cherished and to be treated well openly, without being kept a secret. You deserve to be acknowledged."
Marianne smiled at her sister, who always offered her the kindest words. She asked, "Is there anything you would like as a wedding gift?" With their departure for Versailles just five days away, she couldn't help but wonder how many more shocked expressions she would encounter.
"Hmm, let me think." Anastasia gave it some thought, before she said, "I only wish to see you happy."
Marianne shook her head and clarified, "You know what I mean."
"I returned to Hawkshead, reunited with our parents, and found you here. I met a man who was destined for me. I don't think there's anything else I could wish for." Anastasia smiled, content with how things were.
Five days later, Dante, the Floreses, and a few others boarded the same ship that Gabriel had arrived on, setting sail for Versailles in anticipation of the upcoming grand wedding.
[Music Recommendation: Harriet Smith and Robert Martin]
By the time the ship reached Versailles, aside from Dante and his men, the majority of the passengers had succumbed to sea sickness. They appeared pale and fatigued, with Gabriel being the exception, appearing less tired than the rest, as if he were used to such voyages. At the same time, he wore a cautious expression distinct from the weariness of the others, as he hadn't anticipated returning to this kingdom again.
"I feel like I have gone through Hell," Mr. Flores muttered to his wife.
"I have the same thought, Hugh. I don't think I want to lay my eyes on water again for quite some time," Mrs. Flores replied, receiving assistance from Marianne, who stood beside her. "I think it would do us good to stay here for a while before we prepare to make our way back. It will provide us with an opportunity to learn more about where Mary and Anna have been all this time."
"Yes, that would be wise. Let us see this place for ourselves," Mr. Flores responded, before straightening his back and puffing out his chest to project an air of composure.
Dante, positioned beside Anastasia, observed her squinting her eyes as if the light in their surroundings was harsh, and noted she looked as tired as the others. He remarked with a hint of amusement, "You survived the voyage."
Frankly, Anastasia had hoped that the Devil would simply snap his fingers and send them back to Versailles in the blink of an eye. However, the Devil was peeved at the fact that Dante had handed the vial containing the pure souls to an angel instead of him and hadn't bothered to assist them with expediting their return.
"Do you eventually get used to it?" Anastasia asked him, taking a deep breath and finding relief in having her feet on the ground. This was the second time she found herself happy to be here.
"After a couple of times." Dante placed his hand on her back and guided her forward.
"Brother Dante, Anna! Welcome back to Versailles!"
Anastasia looked ahead and spotted Aiden and Emily, who were accompanied by Minister Aziel. He offered them a polite bow along with the others.
"Welcome back, Your Highness!" Aziel greeted and said, "The imp informed us of your arrival today, and we have been eagerly anticipating it, as well as that of the others. I trust your stay in Hawkshead and the journey back has been…pleasant?" He couldn't help but notice the weariness on their faces.
However, Aziel's gaze then landed on a woman whom he had personally declared dead. He glanced at the surrounding individuals, wondering whether he was dreaming or if the others could also see the ghost.
"Uh, Lily…" Aiden whispered, catching sight of Marianne standing before them. When Emily followed his gaze, her eyebrows shot up in astonishment.
"It has been," Dante replied to Aziel's question. He noticed Oasis standing to the side, patiently waiting for him, and he was glad to see him. Seeing how his siblings were intently staring at Marianne, he said, "Marianne is alive and in good health. And she's not a ghost." Turning to Aziel, he ordered, "Have the trunks brought to the palace. We will be going ahead."
"Yes, My King." Aziel bowed, and directed the men to fetch the trunks, while the guests mounted their horses.
Anastasia rode with Dante, whereas Mr. Flores sat behind Aziel, while Mrs. Flores hesitatingly glanced back and forth. Emily dismounted her horse and offered the woman a respectful bow.
"Mrs. Flores, you can ride with me." Emily immediately extended her friendship to the woman.
Her eldest daughter had already quietly explained who each person was, which was why Mrs. Flores looked taken aback by the young princess's words. She inquired, "Will it be alright?"
Emily wondered whether Mrs. Flores was concerned about the horse or her as a rider, but she reassured her with a smile, "Yes, you will be perfectly fine riding with me."
The palace men soon assisted Mrs. Flores onto the horse, while Marianne took a seat behind Aiden, who appeared eager to question her about her return to life. As the others mounted their horses, they set off for the palace. The people from Hawkshead were struck by the vastness of the desert extending to the horizon, with only a few sparse trees in view.
"This seems like an entirely different world," Mr. Flores said as he took in the sight.
Aiden sidled up his horse next to Emily's, and he said, "Lily, I have an idea. Want to have some fun?"
Mrs. Flores clutched Emily's waist firmly to ensure she didn't fall off. The princess turned to look at her younger brother and inquired, "What kind of fun?"
"Just play along. Actually, everyone will need to play along; I cannot wait," Aiden snickered mischievously, earning a sidelong glance from Emily.
Oasis galloped across the desert, his hooves continuously kicking up sand and his mane billowing in the wind. Anastasia felt a little queasy, making her wonder if she should have vomited before mounting the horse. As if sensing her discomfort, Dante asked her,
"Would you like me to stop?"
Anastasia shook her head and replied, "No, I am fine." After a brief pause, she asked, "Are faes capable of apparating?"
"Not to my knowledge, but the sky is your limit," Dante replied, guiding her to lean against his chest. Soon, they neared the towering red walls, which loomed high, concealing the kingdom beyond. "Welcome back home."
"Welcome back home." Anastasia smiled as they passed through the entrance gates. The commoners, upon noticing the arrival of the king and the rest of the group, were quick to offer their greetings and bow in respect.
As they approached the palace and drew near the entrance, Anastasia caught sight of the Mother Queen standing alongside King William's two women, accompanied by Prince Victor.
The Mother Queen turned her gaze upwards, and as her hand moved, petals began to fall from the sky, surrounding the area where they stood.
"What is this, Grandmother?" Dante asked as he approached her, and he was soon enveloped in an embrace.
The Mother Queen looked proud and delighted, patting his back affectionately. She remarked, "You have finally returned home, bringing not only my granddaughter but also her family. I believe this calls for a grand welcome," and her smile widened.
Anastasia realised that there was some truth to it—the Mother Queen did indeed dote on Dante a little more than the others. Dante continued to hug his grandmother a while longer before they pulled away, and he expressed, "I missed you, Grandmother."
The Mother Queen pursed her lips, as if her emotions were overflowing, and she said, "I missed you too! You have no idea how frequently I had to summon that grumpy old man, who appears more lifeless than possible."
Dante had heard about it from his imp and planted a kiss on the top of her head, saying, "It is good to see you still alive."
"I have another hundred years left in me; no one can snatch me away. Also, I am not that old," the Mother Queen chuckled before looking at Anastasia. "Come here, dear. I've missed you the most!"
Anastasia smiled at the Mother Queen as she made her way towards the older woman and received a warm squeeze in her embrace. Perhaps the woman was correct, because despite her claims of a backache, her arms possessed remarkable strength.
Soon, introductions were made, and during that time, Anastasia received bows from Lady Sophia and Lady Maya, but nothing more than that. Dante's eyes fell on his youngest brother, who appeared timid and positioned himself behind Lady Sophia.
Dante made his way to where Victor was standing, and the others cleared a path, causing the young prince to become frightened.
The area fell into silence, and the boy didn't raise his gaze, but he managed to offer a deep bow and said with a shaky voice, "Welcome back to the palace, King Dante!"
Many individuals in the palace had been waiting for this moment, questioning what decision Dante would make regarding this young boy, who was the son of the traitorous woman. Though Victor's health had improved, with the poison no longer affecting him, he hadn't been spared from the looks of disgust cast his way. He had overheard whispered conversations in the palace corridors speculating about the possibility of him being executed.
Dante stared at Victor, and he questioned him in a stern tone, "What do you think you are doing?"
The young boy's knees had begun to tremble, and he didn't dare to meet his eldest brother's gaze. Suddenly, when Dante placed his hand on the boy's head, he appeared even more frightened.
"Victor, raise your head," Dante instructed. And when Victor finally managed to comply, he inquired with a frown, "Why are you shaking?"
"I—I fear I will be punished," Victor stuttered.
Dante's voice was calm as he asked, "Have you committed any wrongdoing that makes you believe you deserve to be punished?"
"They say Mother did things…"
"Anything you did has no relation to your mother's actions, Victor. Unless you believe what your mother did was right." And at Dante's words, the young boy rapidly shook his head. "Then you shouldn't hang your head as if you committed a mistake. I am still your older brother, and this is still your family that will protect you."
Tears welled up in Victor's eyes, and he whispered, "Yes."
"I am your brother before I am a king," Dante declared, letting the others know that he wouldn't tolerate anyone badmouthing his family.
Just because his father hadn't been man enough or king enough to protect him when he was young, that didn't mean he would allow his siblings to endure the same mistreatment. Dante asked, "Do you understand?"
Victor resembled a lost puppy as he nodded and replied, "Yes, Brother Dante."
"I told you it was going to work out fine, didn't I?" the Mother Queen remarked with a smile, having had complete confidence in Dante.
Anastasia smiled as she observed the Blackthorn family reunion, but upon turning around, she noticed her sister was not there. But it wasn't just her, as Aiden was also nowhere to be seen, making her wonder if they had already made their way inside the palace.
__________
GARDEN OF POISON
Wedding invitations (Chapter 168)
The youngest princess of the Blackthorn family refrained from joining the rest of her family in welcoming the king and his future wife-to-be. She was irritated by the way things had unravelled since Maxwell's death. Even though she wanted to voice her thoughts, she now found herself unable to do so.
Not because she lacked the capability, but rather because she didn't want a repeat of the incident that had befallen her hand previously.
"Princess Niyasa." One of her maids appeared before her, offering her a respectful bow. "Lady Anastasia has arrived with King Dante and her family."
"Great," Niyasa muttered under her breath. "As if one wasn't enough, now I have to sit with others like her at the table. Leave me; I need some time to think."
If it had been any other commoner besides Anastasia, who had turned out to be her brother's soulmate, perhaps she would have been more accepting. However, Niyasa didn't like this particular commoner, who had fooled and mocked her intelligence. From her perspective, there were only two choices: either to accept her presence or relocate far from this place. For the sake of her own sanity, it was clear to her which option she should pick.
Niyasa was strolling down the corridor when she abruptly froze in her tracks, her eyes fixed on a figure gliding past the corridor's end—someone who was supposed to be dead.
"T—This can't be true…" Niyasa stammered and she shook her head in denial.
However, a sense of suspicion crept in, and her eyes narrowed as she exclaimed, "Aiden!"
Niyasa stomped through the corridor in search of her younger brother, who enjoyed playing tricks on her. Upon encountering a servant, she demanded, "Where is Aiden?"
The servant noticed the princess's angry gaze, but then also noticed the presence of the prince.
Niyasa turned on seeing the servant looking behind her, and there stood Aiden, wearing a mischievous smile. She gritted her teeth and advanced towards him, snapping with a hint of arrogance, "Do you really think you can scare me with your cheap abilities, Aiden? Grow up," she added, rolling her eyes.
Aiden maintained an innocent expression and replied, "What are you talking about?"
"Don't act as if I don't know." Niyasa's eyes narrowed and she retorted, "Taking on the appearance of a dead woman who has been gone for months. You might as well perform your tricks in front of Anastasia and her family. They will find it more entertaining than I do."
"I've only just arrived from the dock, and I'm meeting you just now," Aiden replied, adding, "Come and meet Brother Dante and the others."
"I have no interest in it, and you can't force me into something I don't want any part of. I am being honest with my feelings, so it would be best if you left me alone. Or you can continue to stand here, and I will leave." Niyasa swiftly turned on her heel and took not more than two steps forward when she felt her heart leap into her throat.
There stood Marianne, appearing just as she did when she was a courtesan, though without any ornaments. As she stood beside a window, the wind tousled her hair, leaving Niyasa incapable of uttering a single word.
"Why are you making those choking sounds, Niyasa?" Aiden inquired, coming to stand next to her.
"D—Do you see tha—at?" Niyasa stammered, her voice trembling as she observed Marianne turning to look at her. Startled, she jumped and clung to her brother's side. "Ai—Aiden! Over there!"
Aiden turned his gaze in the direction indicated by his sister's outstretched finger. He gave her a confused look and responded, "The wall?"
"No! 'Her'," she hissed, her widened blue eyes filled with horror. She had seen the woman's dead body, and she had been incinerated in the dungeon months ago.
"Her?" Aiden continued to act oblivious and asked, "You aren't referring to the window as if it were a female, are you?"
Niyasa struggled to understand what was going on and felt like she was on the verge of losing her mind. She had initially believed that Aiden was the one assuming the appearance of the deceased woman, but it appeared to be her ghost! She whispered, "Aiden, she's standing right there. Max's co—concubine."
Aiden waved his hand dismissively and remarked, "Nice joke, Niyasa, but if you are trying to scare me right now, I would say good luck with that. I am going now, Sister." He began to walk in the opposite direction.
For a moment, Niyasa contemplated whether she should go and check on the ghost herself to confirm if she was being deceived. With that thought in mind, she took a step towards the woman. However, the instant the ghost began to walk towards her, she swiftly pivoted and ran in the other direction.
"There's a ghost in the palace! A ghost!" Niyasa cried out in a state of panic, raising an alarm among the servants. Meanwhile, Marianne followed her partway before vanishing from sight.
Niyasa finally found her mother entertaining the guests, and there, at the side, stood Marianne. The sight nearly gave her a heart attack, her voice catching in her throat. Lady Maya, noticing her daughter's reaction, offered a brief smile and said,
"This is my daughter, Niyasa. The youngest princess of the Blackthorn family." Frowning at her daughter, she questioned her in a hushed tone, "What are you doing, Niyasa?"
"There is a ghost amongst us!" Niyasa shrieked, her eyes wide, and those who were already aware of the situation stared at her. The princess continued, "She has been following me from my room, Mother! She—"
"Good evening, Princess Niyasa." Marianne greeted the young princess with a polite bow. As she raised her head to meet Niyasa's eyes, she added, "It is good to see you again." This left the princess dumbstruck.
"King Dante brought Marianne back to life," Lady Maya interjected before her daughter would embarrass herself further.
Lady Sophia and Lady Maya had begun to adjust their attitudes and behaviours to foster better relations with each other, knowing full well what Dante was capable of should they try anything that might displease him.
"What?" Niyasa whispered, her eyebrows raised. "He brought her back?"
"Yes," Lady Sophia affirmed, and then turned to Mr. Gilbert. "Norrix, would you kindly escort the women to their rooms? I will go discuss something with the king."
With that, they left the room, leaving Lady Maya and Niyasa behind. Niyasa inquired, "How can anyone bring a dead person back to life?!"
"Apparently, from what your grandmother said, Dante is an archdemon, and he must possess abilities to perform such a feat," Lady Maya informed her daughter before adding, "I need you to behave, Niyasa. And don't do anything that might be poorly received."
Niyasa remained confused, and she asked, "Why didn't he bring back Maxwell? Marianne is Anastasia's sister, but Maxwell is our brother. His own blood brother."
Lady Maya pursed her lips, her heart yearning for her son's return to life. The pain of losing him was immeasurable, particularly because he was her first child who hadn't died like the rest. She expressed,
"It is a form of punishment, Niyasa. A lot of the time, what you send out into the universe is what returns to you..."
"That is not fair, Mother," Niyasa objected, shaking her head. "Everyone in the palace speaks of how they wish things could improve, so why not fix it? Brother Dante could have brought Max back."
Lady Maya found herself at a loss for words, for she had been grieving for her departed son since his passing. She explained, "Noor had intercepted Lucretia's letter, and the Vizier had confiscated it before the news could reach Dante..." However, she remembered that she had also played a part by refusing to permit Lucretia to be buried on the palace grounds. "No one understands the depths of this sorrow..."
"Mother, is there no way to make it right? Maybe we can ask for help—"
"Don't. There has been too much damage, and I am tired now," Lady Maya interjected, taking a brief pause before saying, "I want to rest, Niyasa. Please don't cause any trouble."
Observing her mother walk out of the room, Niyasa furrowed her brow. Among the women of the palace, animosity ran deep, as Lady Sophia disliked Lady Maya, and Lady Maya had always disliked Lady Lucretia.
In the stillness of the night, Anastasia stood on the balcony, gazing at the towering walls that safeguarded the kingdom—the very walls that had once occupied her thoughts for years as she contemplated how to pass through them to escape. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching from behind her, and before long, Dante's arms enveloped her from behind.
"Did everyone settle into their rooms?" she asked him and heard him hum in response.
Dante kissed her cheek and replied, "Yes, they did. You should be resting, especially since you were feeling a little sick this morning."
"I thought I would stay up and wait for you." Anastasia placed her hands on his. "Marianne's presence left everyone breathless today." Marianne had given the courtesans, who had now turned into maids, quite a fright, which also included Madame Minerva.
"I heard a bit about that from Aiden," Dante responded with a smile, his gaze fixed on the kingdom spread out before them. "Grandmother has warned everyone not to speak about Marianne's previous time here. This way, your parents won't need to learn the full extent of what happened to her."
"I should express my gratitude to her for that," Anastasia said and felt Dante kiss the crook of her neck before he whispered,
"I know a way that will earn Grandmother's gratitude." His lips teasingly brushed against her skin, bringing a wide smile to her lips. His hand gently settled on her stomach before he said, "I cannot wait to build a family with you. Our very own family."
Anastasia knew their children would be loved and protected, and cared for by their loving grandparents, uncles, and aunts. She imagined their future together with him and inquired, "Did you see the rose? It is blooming with many more roses, and the bush has begun to spread throughout the garden."
"The curse has finally been lifted." Dante nodded and released her from his embrace. "Things are returning to the way they were meant to be."
"Not quite yet," Anastasia murmured, meeting Dante's gaze, and she said, "The land is still covered in sand and needs a touch of greenery." With that, she brought her hands together, conjuring a white sphere of light intertwined with delicate threads between her palms. It grew bigger within her grasp, and when she directed her hands towards the kingdom, the light disappeared and radiated outwards like a wave, passing through the towering walls that extended as far as their gaze could reach.
A brief silence ensued before the sand began vanishing, seemingly swept and drawn into the ground, while the terrain started to transform into mud. Tiny green shoots started to emerge from the rejuvenated soil, with grass spreading and a few trees sporadically sprouting here and there.
Before Anastasia could exert more of her power, she started to feel weak and swayed, only to be caught by Dante's supportive embrace.
"Don't push yourself," Dante advised her gently. "There's plenty of time to fix it; you don't have to do it all in a single day."
Anastasia nodded and said, "I didn't know it was going to exert that much of my strength." Her brown eyes now held filaments of green in them, and she admired the transformation before her. Although the grass and forest didn't stretch endlessly, it was sufficient for people to enjoy a taste of forest life. They stood there, enjoying the breeze together, before returning inside the room.
Days passed by, and everyone was consumed by preparations for the upcoming wedding. Renowned tailors were hard at work crafting the attire for the royal family, while invitations had been sent out to all those of significance and acquaintances of the Kingdom of Versailles.
The news had also reached the commoners of both Versailles and the neighbouring kingdoms. Though some were unhappy about Dante assuming the throne due to him being perceived as cursed, many were enthusiastic about the prospect of positive change and improvements under his rule. They were excited that a commoner, a former maid, no less, was about to be married to King Dante Blackthorn.
Several days ago, the residents of Versailles found themselves shocked to witness the sudden appearance of trees and grass, causing many of them to question if it were a mere dream. No one knew what had happened, but they guessed it was King Dante's doing.
A few days before the wedding, the Mother Queen sat in her private room, accompanied by her minister, Emily, and Migdre, who had been assigned to assist her. She said,
"Double check it, Aziel. This wedding is going to be magnificent, unlike anything anyone has ever seen before."
"I believe we have addressed all the invitations, My Queen," Aziel stated, glancing up from the parchment in his hands. "Except for perhaps the last one, though I am uncertain how important it is. The individuals from the underworld."
"Right, we forgot about Viktor," the Mother Queen acknowledged with a nod.
Migdre's eyes snapped to the old woman playing with fire. It seemed she might not have to wait much longer, as she would be frying soon at the rate she was going.
"Grandmother, you aren't seriously considering inviting the Devil into the living realm, are you?" Emily's eyebrows shot up. She had been present in the room when her grandmother attempted to summon the Devil, only to find a dead rat inside the vessel.
"It is important to build connections, Emily. You will soon learn that this world revolves around having people you can use," the Mother Queen chuckled softly while the imp stared at the crazy earthling. Use? The Devil would use her instead, it thought to itself. "Future connections."
Emily and Aziel exchanged uncertain glances, questioning the decision to invite someone known for causing disruption and commanding numerous demons. They watched as her grandmother walked over to her desk and picked up her quill. She then hastily wrote something before folding the paper and applying a dash of perfume to it.
No, her grandmother wasn't eyeing the Devil as a potential prospect, or maybe she was, Emily thought to herself. Her grandmother was too wise, and she appeared to be trying to gain the Devil's favour by buttering him up.
Folding the letter and inserting it into the invitation, the Mother Queen handed it to the imp and ordered, "Deliver this to him. Go on."
Though Migdre vanished and reappeared in Hell, it looked positively nervous, second-guessing whether it should have gone to its master first. But Master Dante was busy with Lady Anastasia, and it didn't want to be glared at again by interrupting.
The imp made its way towards the Devil's tower, feeling its boney hands growing sweaty, and it wiped them against its clothes. Upon entering the long hall, it eventually reached the spacious room where Viktor leisurely sat in a relaxed manner.
"What is Dante's imp doing here?" questioned one of the demons in the Devil's Hall.
Viktor's eyes lazily shifted to the imp, which seemed on the verge of fainting under his gaze. The imp promptly bowed, presenting the envelope with its head lowered and squeaked out,
"Hail the Devil!"
The Devil stared at the envelope. He had severed all means of communication to avoid being disturbed, yet here it was. His eyes narrowed at the foul odour emanating from the envelope that was starting to give him a headache.
"What does it say?" Viktor inquired without bothering to open and read it himself. Migdre, who had never spoken to the Devil, appeared nervous.
"It is from Ginger Blackthorn. It is about Master Dante's wedding." The imp quickly opened the letter, its eyes scanning through the contents, and it paled as it stammered, "It, uh says, you don't have to attend it..."
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GARDEN OF POISON
Something already borrowed (Chapter 166)
Music Recommendation: Canon in D Major- Johanna P
—
The most-awaited wedding day in Versailles and other kingdoms had finally arrived. This special day belonged to King Dante Blackthorn and his soon-to-be wife, Anastasia Flores.
The entire kingdom had already commenced their jubilant celebration with music and revelry as the guests arrived at the palace in their carriages. They disembarked one after another, and as the servants carried their trunks from the rear of the palace, those in charge ushered the guests inside and guided them to their respective rooms.
"Did you see the forest outside the kingdom walls?" inquired one of the guests of another. "There wasn't a single tree in sight out there before."
"It's King Dante, haven't you heard about how he defeated all the Elder Ministers? He's one of the most powerful men around now," replied the guest as they walked beside each other, greeted by delightful music that didn't drown out the ongoing conversations taking place in the corridors. "I always knew he would be a great man one day."
As some of the guests made themselves comfortable in their rooms, others were already dressed and took the liberty to stroll through the corridors to admire the palace's architecture.
"Wasn't this side of the palace off-limits? Yet people are going in there?" asked one of the women before she and her partner proceeded down the corridor that led to the forbidden garden.
"It said that the plants in this garden are poisonous, and Lady Evin fell sick for an entire month after being pricked by one. She remained unconscious for many days," someone else said.
"Is this the same woman who was supposed to be the former king's soulmate?"
"It seems that was nothing but a sham! How scandalous to even consider attempting such a thing! I am amazed Lady Maya didn't get beheaded for that," another woman snickered, well aware of the haughtiness she had exhibited.
"Perhaps she could still face consequences for trying—Oh, Princess Emily! Don't you look lovely!" the guest exclaimed upon spotting the first princess in the garden.
"Thank you, Mr. Colt. Greetings to you as well," Emily responded with a polite smile, but then their attention was drawn to a basket and a knife that she carried in her hands.
"Would you like some assistance?" a gentleman offered, but Emily declined with a shake of her head.
"I will be fine." Emily approached the Blackthorn plant, which had bloomed with numerous buds and roses. The flower was no longer black but had transformed into a rich shade of purple. As she moved to cut it, a few people in the vicinity gasped and issued a warning,
"Princess Emily, isn't that plant poisonous? You should step back immediately!"
Emily carefully snipped one of the roses that had just begun to bloom, and it was exactly what she had been looking for. She confidently stated, "It is no longer poisonous," and proceeded to cut three more of them before stepping back into the corridor. Just before she left, she offered a friendly smile and added, "Also, our king doesn't tolerate disparaging remarks about our family. So I kindly request that you be mindful with your words."
Saying that, Emily carried the flowers to the floor above, holding the front of her aqua blue dress with one hand while carrying the flowers in another. She knocked on the door, which was promptly opened by Mrs. Flores.
"Is she ready?" Emily inquired, stepping inside the room and closing the door behind her.
"Almost," Mrs. Flores replied, turning around and walking back to the others. "I hope we aren't late."
"There's plenty of time. I heard from Aiden that Brother Dante is still getting ready, and even if we are a bit late, it should be fine," Emily reassured, while waiting for Anastasia, who was currently donning the wedding gown behind a wooden divider. Also present in the room was Lady Maya, having arrived a few minutes earlier.
"Where is the Mother Queen?" Lady Maya inquired of Emily.
"She and Mother are with Brother Dante," Emily replied. "She mentioned something about too many people here and not enough there."
"That's because the possibility of getting ejected from that room is higher than from here," Lady Maya murmured with a straight face, making the princess smile.
Marianne and Theresa were the first to step away from the divider.
"She's ready!" Marianne announced, her voice filled with excitement. The room quietened, save for the sound of Anastasia's soft footsteps as she made her way around the divider, while the rest held their breath at the sight of her.
Anastasia's stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation as she stood before them in her off-white wedding gown. The gown featured a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves. The bodice of the gown was adorned with delicate pearls intricately embroidered in floral patterns that gradually extended from the waistline. Beneath the gown, numerous layers of the skirt created a stunning cascading effect.
Her dark hair was loosely combed to the side and gathered into a bun, leaving a few strands to frame her temples. The upper rims of her eyes were darkened with kohl to give them depth and fullness.
"I have such beautiful daughters!" Mrs. Flores exclaimed, her hands rising to cover her mouth in delight, and her eyes welled up with tears. And they were, both before her, safe and sound.
Emily gently stroked Mrs. Flores's back, wearing a warm smile on her lips. She complimented, "You look stunning, Anna. Brother Dante is a lucky man to have you." And she meant it, as Anastasia had brought balance to her brother's life and opened up his heart again.
"I believe he's well aware of it," Lady Maya remarked, offering a nod to Anastasia. She continued, "Anastasia, you were able to achieve something no one else could over all these years. I genuinely hope you achieve your long-awaited goal—breaking the cycle and helping families heal."
Anastasia smiled in response to the woman's words and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Lady Maya, and everyone."
Over the past few days, Anastasia observed a curious development. Her mother had bonded faster with Lady Maya than with Lady Sophia, and it was possibly because Lady Maya had once been in her position in the past, without a maternal figure to rely on.
Emily then said, "The most important part of your day," as she held up the purple roses. "Why don't you take a seat right here, Anna?" And Anastasia did just that.
She sat in front of a long mirror, which reflected the woman she had turned into today. Gazing at her reflection, she caught a glimpse of her former self, clad in the plain and dull attire of a maid, with her hands covered with calluses, bearing the scars of hard labour. Her eyes then shifted to her hands, which rested on her lap, now resembling the ones she had secretly envied in the past.
It had been a long journey, transitioning from maid to queen-to-be, shifting from wanting to leave the palace to wanting to remain within its confines, and from being separated from her family to reuniting with them and gaining new family members along the way.
"Such beautiful roses," Mrs. Flores murmured as Emily secured three of them in Anastasia's hair. She added, "You don't have any flowers in your hair, Emily."
"I must have forgotten about it. I will get one later when we go downstairs or have someone fetch one for me," Emily responded, while she adjusted Anastasia's delicate veil.
"I know how to remedy that," Mrs. Flores said, pulling out one of the flowers from her own hair. She suggested, "Let's have you coordinate with me."
Anastasia smiled at her mother, who had built rapport with the family, except for one member. Marianne suddenly remembered something and remarked, "We still need something borrowed."
"Maybe a handkerchief?" Theresa proposed, dressed in silk like the rest of them.
"How about a piece of jewellery, like a necklace or earrings?" Lady Maya suggested, echoing the sentiment of the others.
With everyone suggesting this and that, Anastasia interrupted them by stating, "I'm actually already wearing something borrowed." Receiving quizzical glances from those in the room, she lifted her wedding gown to reveal her anklets. "They belong to Lady Lucretia."
Someone knocked on the door, and Aiden entered, about to ask, "Is—Oh, wow, Anna, you look like a treasure!"
Anastasia felt herself turning into mush from all the compliments and attention she was receiving from everyone. She asked him, "Is Dante ready?"
"I would say he is ready, assuming Grandmother finally decides on how his hair should be styled. I am surprised none of us have lost our hair with the amount of time she's spent combing it," Aiden remarked with a thoughtful expression.
On the other side of the palace, Lady Sophia tried to maintain her composure, mirroring Dante's display of patience, while the Mother Queen held a comb in one hand, fully engrossed in diligently styling and adjusting her grandson's hair with great concentration.
"This is a work of art," the Mother Queen murmured before pulling away and smiling. "I think you are ready."
Lady Sophia let out a sigh, and Dante smiled, seeing how ecstatic his grandmother appeared. He doubted she had been getting much sleep over the past few days, as she had been meticulously organising every aspect of the event, even though there were others assigned to handle it. He himself had been keeping an eye on the preparations as well.
Dante rose from the chair his grandmother had made him sit on and adjusted his midnight blue shirt adorned with golden embroidery. Over it, he had worn a darker coat, embellished with matching designs at the lapel and near the cuffs of the sleeves.
"There is one last thing," Lady Sophia said, opening the box in her hand to reveal a thin gold chain. Taking it in her hands, she positioned herself in front of him and fastened it around his neck. She added, "Your mother wished for you to wear it, if and when you married."
Dante's eyes widened slightly, and he reached out to touch the chain that now rested around his neck. He murmured, "Thank you, Lady Sophia."
"Lucretia was always a thoughtful person, planning ahead of time for all possible scenarios," the Mother Queen remarked and added, "She also set aside some things for you, just in case you were ever expelled from the palace. Seriously, though, with me here, it wasn't going to happen, and I had to reassure her of that."
Dante smiled at his grandmother's words. He missed his mother the most, but he didn't doubt the decision he had made in choosing to bring back Marianne instead of his mother. He was certain that his mother had already given her blessings for his choice, and he hoped she was as much at peace as he was now.
Back in Anastasia's room, the women had offered her their well-wishes before departing one by one, leaving her alone with her thoughts and eager anticipation of marrying Dante. After five minutes had passed, her father entered the room, wearing an expression of complete pride.
"My lovely, beautiful daughter, you've grown so much, and now you are getting married," Mr. Flores said to Anastasia. He gently hugged her.
"Mary and I have a handsome papa and a beautiful mama," Anastasia responded, closing her eyes as if she could capture the memory and store it in a vial as a memento.
"How are you feeling, Anna?" Her father asked her.
"I was nervous, but I am feeling calmer now," Anastasia replied, and her father nodded.
"Of course, there's nothing to be worried about. Dante and you love each other. You were meant for each other." Mr. Flores smiled at his youngest daughter, even though he felt a pang of sadness in his heart. The thought of giving her away weighed on his mind, but he understood that this was a natural progression, and it was time for her to establish her own family.
"Lady Anastasia, it is time." Mr. Gilbert came to inform them.
Anastasia took a deep breath, slipping her hand around her father's arm, and together, they finally left the room.
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