When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 172

“Why does everyone, even you, think this way?” Jessica said, feeling thirsty. She glanced at Monica, hinting at her for a drink.

Monica promptly handed her a cup of

coffee.

“That’s because I’ve watched you grow up since you said Garbisch.

child, Jessica. As your big brother, I can see your feelings for Prince Waldo as clear as day

Garbisch sighed inwardly, ‘For most people, once they’ve fallen for someone, it’s not easy to let go. Though Jessica is no ordinary woman, she’s still human. She has feelings, too.‘

“Garbisch, you don’t know me,” Jessica said.

It wasn’t the first time Jessica had said this, but this time, she was determined to give him a proper explanation.

She said, “Before Priscilla appeared, I’d never seriously considered what consequences marrying Prince Waldo might bring. Her arrival made me see my situation.

“I refuse to share a husband with any other woman. So, from now on, I’ll steer clear of Prince Waldo and never let myself get trapped in this again.”

“But you and Prince Waldo…” Garbisch hesitated.

“Perhaps it’s more like a sense of gratitude,” Jessica said, taking a sip of coffee before setting down her cup with a wistful sigh.

“Garbisch,” she asked, “do you still remember that terrible fire I went through when I was eight?”

“Of course I remember,” Garbisch said. “I’ve always regretted not being there with you. If I had been, I would never have let you get hurt.” Every time they mentioned that incident, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.

‘Thankfully, Prince Waldo saved her,‘ Garbisch thought.

Jessica smiled softly and said, “I’ll never forget the comforting sense of security I felt when he carried me out of the fire. I told him, ‘When I grow up, I’ll marry you.‘ That promise has always stayed with me.”

“But now, he’s the one who wronged you first!” Garbisch still seethed with resentment.

“But I’ll always remember that feeling of safety when he lifted me into his arms,” Jessica said softly.

“Jessica…” Garbisch didn’t know what to say.

“What I mean is, I won’t be with Prince Waldo, nor will I be with any other man,” she said. “So I petitioned the King for a decree. I want to become a female general.”

“What?” Garbisch exclaimed, jolting to his feet, his face pale with alarm. “Jessica. Don’t you understand? You’re still an unmarried woman. You can’t be a general. If you do, you’ll never be able to marry a man.”

There was no rule saying a female general couldn’t marry, but everyone knew the battlefield was a general’s domain, so no family would want their son to marry a female general.

‘She is cutting off all her future marriage prospects entirely,‘ Garbisch thought anxiously.

“No, I must go to the palace and beg His Majesty to revoke the decree before it’s issued!” With that, Garbisch turned to leave.

Jessica quickly caught up and grabbed his sleeve. “Garbisch, can’t you see? I had you volunteer as reinforcements precisely to show everyone that I was born to be a warrior general and my capabilities are second to no man’s.”

“Jessica…” Garbisch said softly.