When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 30

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hapter 30

Chapter 30

As night fell, Jessica changed into a simple white gown.

Monica looked a bit puzzled. “My lady, tonight’s a formal palate banquet. The Queen might not be happy with your choice of dress

“Do you think it looks bad?” Jessica asked, smiling.

Monica shook her head. “It looks beautiful, like a fairy descending from the heavens.”

“Then why would the Queen be upset?” Jessica asked as she began walking toward the front courtyard.

Monica hurried to catch up. “The banquet is a grand affair, and everyone will be dressed to impress. If you wear something so simple, you’ll stand out The Queen might think you’re trying to draw attention, or that you’re overthinking things. She doesn’t like anyone trying to be too different.

The women of the harem were always trying to outshine one another, and the Queen especially despised anything that drew too much attention

“It’s fine. The Queen won’t be upset with me tonight.”

When Jessica reached the front courtyard, she saw Garbisch standing by the carriage, looking troubled.

“Jessica, please don’t go to the banquet tonight,” he said, rushing

over as soon as he saw her.

“If I don’t go, it’ll look like I’m afraid of the rumors, hiding away in shame. Wouldn’t that just make the rumors seem true?” Jessica replied, smiling, “But if you go, you’ll face so much criticism. I need to toast the King tonight, and can’t stay by your side. I’m just worried…”

“Don’t worry, Garbisch. I’m not the same girl I used to be, the one who needed protecting.”

Jessica smiled and didn’t say more, stepping into the carriage first.

Garbisch hesitated but reluctantly followed her inside.

The ride to the palace wasn’t long, but the carriage seemed to crawl along, feeling like

it

was

taking forever.

Once they arrived at the palace, Garbisch was immediately swept away by a group of generals, who dragged him off to drink.

At first, Jessica worried about Garbisch, especially given the gossip about his injury. Though

well–known secret.

no one

spoke of it openly, the entire Capitalia knew. It was a

Bad news spread fast, but as she saw Garbisch gradually lighten up, she felt reassured.

Monica, standing at a distance, watched him with concern.

But Jessica reassured her, “Don’t worry. I’ve been researching remedies. He’ll get better in time.”

Monica nodded.

It was painful to see such a good man suffer because of Priscilla.

As they entered the imperial garden, both women immediately felt the weight of curious stares from all directions. Ignoring the looks, they followed the palace maid to their seats.

At first, the crowd was quiet, but soon, hushed whispers began to spread. The topic of conversation quickly turned to Jessica.

“I heard her voice was so loud and vulgar, you could hear it clearly from several tents away. I can’t even imagine what the soldiers must have thought.”

“Look at her–her gown is spotless, but… her figure…”

Chapter 30