Chapter 39
When Lilian woke up, she was already in Consort Darling’s pavilion.
Prince Michael had carried her there right away.
Seeing the grandly decorated chamber, Lilian finally remembered that she had fainted even before Michael carried her to the carriage.
Her heart sinking, she struggled to her feet as if in reflex, only for Consort Darling to enter just then.
Seeing that Lilian was up, she hurried over. “No, you must lie down and refrain from moving around. You have yet to heal.”
However, Lilian was not going to lie back down when she had already sat up.
Consort Darling had to stop her before she would bow to her, sighing, “Honestly, child, why are you worried over such taxing formalities when you’re so thoroughly hurt?”
She beckoned at a maid, who brought a bowl of medicinal broth.
It was the consort who scooped a spoonful, blowing on it before holding it out to Lilian. “It’s from the imperial pharmacy—it’s great for injuries. Come, drink it while it’s hot.”
Lilian was shocked. “I can do it myself…”
But as she held out her hands to take the bowl, Consort Darling took it out of her reach. ” You’re still hurt–you can’t do anything on your own. Be good now.”
Her voice was as gentle as spring, and Lilian’s heart could melt right then.
With that, she gave up on resisting and opened her mouth obediently.
She gulped the bitter medicine, remembering how the marquise used to do the same for her when she was sick as a child.
It was really no different, the way both women blew on it in case it was too hot…
While it was no more than a distant memory, tears welled up in Lilian’s eyes.
Noticing it right away, Consort Darling quickly asked, “What’s wrong? Do your injuries hurt, or is the medicine too bitter?”
Even the consort thought her heart could break when she saw Lilian’s injuries–Rupert had really gone too far!
Nonetheless, Lilian shook her head and stayed silent.
The medicine was not that bitter, and her injuries did not hurt that much.
But for some reason, she remembered a memory from the distant past.
1/2
Chapter 39
At the time, she still had a family, who had been good to her spoiling her, loving her.
Now, there were only strangers around her, bearing the faces of her former family, hurting her, never understanding her…
She remembered the wounds behind her back that the madame of the washhouse would never be capable of inflicting even with all her strength
But even with so many people watching, Rupert did it anyway.
Hah!
And he kept telling her repeatedly that he was her brother? Her brother would never do that to
her.
The faint smile on her face seemed more bitter than the medicine Consort Darling gave her. “I need to thank Prince Michael for saving me today
However, Consort Darling suddenly scowled at the mention of the prince.
Before Lilian could ask further, Clarence–Consort Darling’s head maid–came running. “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but the emperor is going to flog Prince Michael!”
Though Lilian was shocked, Consort Darling merely snorted. “So be it. It’s his fault for having no sense of proportion, beating up the marquis‘ son.”
Lilian quickly realized that the emperor was going to punish the prince because of her.
And considering that Rupert was still being struck even as Michael carried her away, he had to be hurt grievously.
Perhaps seeing that Lilian was not saying a word, Consort Darling then added, “He shouldn’t have gone that far even if he wants to get even for Lily’s sake!”
No matter how foolish Lilian was, she understood what Consort Darling meant just then.
“This was entirely my fault,” she said right then, “so I should be the one to explain that to the emperor.”
As she finished, she got out of bed.
