When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 134

The Queen sat in stunned silence for a long moment before she finally regained her composure.

She understood Jessica’s words perfectly well.

Derek might be brilliant, but he was far too young. As for the King, with his failing health, there name a new heir.

was no guarantee he could wait another ten years to

Jessica hadn’t dared to say it outright–but anyone with ears could hear the treasonous implication between her words.

‘How could she dare say such things?‘ The Queen exhaled slowly, steadying herself, then said at last, “Jessica, has Consort Adele cornered you so badly that you see no other way out?”

Jessica met her gaze without flinching, her voice calm. “In a way, yes. But not entirely. There are always other paths, if one is willing to try

The Queen pressed her lips together, saying nothing for a moment.

‘Seventeen years old–and she’s already this fearless.‘

Then again, it was probably true: Adele had pushed her so hard she had no choice but to fight back.

“I heard,” the Queen said thoughtfully, “that when Waldo went on campaign, he always took you with him–that you served as his strategist?”

Jessica answered evenly, “I was Garbisch’s strategist. Wherever he went, I followed.”

The Queen’s eyes lit up at that. “Are you hinting at something? That Garbisch-”

“Garbisch is loyal only to the people,” Jessica interrupted smoothly.

The Queen didn’t take offense. Instead, she grew thoughtful, tapping a finger lightly against her cup.

“And what,” she asked, “in your eyes, makes a man truly loyal to the people?”

Jessica replied without hesitation, “A wise ruler will always earn Garbisch’s loyalty. He serves not ambition, but virtue.” Her meaning was clear–she would not allow Garbisch to be dragged into the back–alley power struggles of the palace.

Danna opened her mouth to speak, but the Queen waved her off and smiled. “Jessica, there are many things in this world we cannot control,” she said lightly. “But…”

She paused, letting the moment stretch out before continuing, “But rest assured, I am not like Consort Adele. I will not use tricks or force to make you submit. All I hope for is that you’ll be willing to visit me more often–to share coffee, admire the flowers. That alone would bring me great comfort.”

“Thank you for your kindness,” Jessica said with a soft smile.

“Still,” the Queen said, leaning in slightly, “I do have a lingering worry. Jessica, would you help ease my mind?”

Without giving Jessica a chance to refuse, the Queen pressed on, “Derek is still so young, and my life in the palace grows harder by the day. Even Consort Adele, with her son’s military victories, grows increasingly arrogant.”

Lowering her voice, the Queen added, “Jessica, since we’re speaking as family, I’ll be blunt. Right now, I cannot pin my hopes on Derek. Tell me–how should I survive in this palace?”

Jessica answered calmly, “Your Majesty exaggerates. You are the Queen. You share the King’s glory. Words like ‘survival‘ hardly seem fitting for someone in your position. However…”

The Queen’s heart seized up. “However?“/

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Chapter 134