Chapter 37
Everyone was on their knees as soon as they saw Prince Michael, but not Henry, who only bowed his head,
After all, the emperor himself had decreed that he bent the knee to no one else.
As for Lilian, Michael caught her before she could kneel, his large hand so warm that it was almost scalding.
And while he did, he could clearly feel her body shaking.
Even Michael did not expect her to be shaking this much–and she had stayed calm even as Rupert struck her so violently!
While Lilian had no idea why the prince returned so quickly after leaving with the head priest, she was still grateful that he showed up now.
She actually could not stand straight since Rupert struck her with every intention to kill, and she would have collapsed if the prince never showed up.
“Thank you,” she said so softly that no one else could hear.
Michael could hear her clearly nonetheless, and they were needles that plunged into his heart, igniting his wrath.
Wheeling and glaring at Rupert right then, he bellowed, “You really are a bold one, Mr. Lestrade! Torturing my woman at a place of worship?! It seems that the marquis‘ household has no respect for me, let alone my father!”
Suddenly accused of treason, Rupert promptly dropped down, prostrating himself. “No, I would never dare disrespect the throne!”
“You don’t?! You had the balls to do this to a woman right outside a sacred place! Is there anything you wouldn’t dare do?”
Snoring, Michael then called out, “Men! Hit him so hard that he’s never getting back up!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The prince’s valets promptly acknowledged their orders.
While some leapt up, holding Rupert down, others rushed to grab every broomstick within reach, clobbering him viciously on the back!
The audible thuds left the crowd flinching in fear, but that was when a dainty figure threw herself selflessly over Rupert’s back. “Don’t hit my brother! Hit me if you want!”
It was Evelyn.
Her sudden intrusion left the valet confused, unsure if they should continue
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As for Lilian, she merely watched for a moment before quietly turning away.
There were times when she was earnestly impressed–Evelyn always knew the perfect timing to intervene, protecting Rupert and everyone else in the marquis‘ household.
That was why her silence three years ago only made Lilian even more spiteful.
Michael quietly glanced downward at Lilian in tum, his heart clenching when she saw her pale lips shaking.
Hence, he steeled himself and growled, “Lady Lestrade, I shall grant your request since you asked so nicely. Continue!”
Having received their orders, the valets raised their broomsticks once more, when three voices shouted at the same time.
“Stop!“”
“No!”
“Wait!”
It was Rupert, who had already shielded Evelyn in his arms, as well as the Stark siblings. They were no longer silent, with tears welling up in Emma’s eyes as if this hurt her more than Lilian’s slap. “Please, Your Highness. None of this has anything to do with Lady Lestrade- please do not involve the innocents.”
Michael did not even look her way, merely chuckling in disdain. “Who do you think you are, mouthing off before me?”
“Forgive my sister’s lack of manners.”
Henry strode up just then, bowing his head.
However, his tone was neutral, as if he was the prince’s equal.
Still, there was a brief flicker of gloom in his eyes as he glanced at Lilian leaning against the prince, and growled, “But Your Highness should be more careful out this. If His Majesty catches word, I’m afraid…”
Prince Michael raised a brow. “Are you threatening me?”
He feared his father, but not even the emperor could do a thing if someone dared to trample on his dignity!
