Affection out of Time

While I languished in Cold Palace, I was pinned down and suffered insults.

However, Soren Osborn cradled his beloved concubine and sneered coldly as he spoke to me.

"Cecilia, since you relish playing the victim, an early demise would suit you."

Consuming poison, I met my end within those frigid walls.

Later, he knelt on the ground, clasping my ashes, pleading for my spirit not to depart.

1

In the third year of my being sent to the Northwest, Soren's army set fire to the camp there.

Soren sat calmly on the horse with the firelight shining on his slender figure, making him appear even more youthful and spirited.

My nose twitched, but I couldn't shed a single tear.

After my parents perished on the battlefield, I was taken in by an elderly general.

When Soren saw me for the first time, he said, "If you're not comfortable in the general's residence, join me in the palace as my study companion. By my side, you'll find greater freedom."

Because of these words, I had been by his side for the past ten years.

But I hadn't seen him for three years.

Soren coldly glanced at me, who was kneeling on the ground like a dog.

My forehead was bleeding from being bumped, and my clothes were tattered and emitting a foul smell.

He was unmoved.

In the past, Soren was not like this.

He used to bring pastries to me, subtly suggesting to the head maid of my palace that she should go easy on me so I could join him earlier for playtime.

But now, I was no longer the person Soren could put aside his status as the crown prince to protect.

I had killed Martha Joyce, the woman Soren loved the most.

Three years ago.

It was the year when Soren loved Martha the most.

Ottaland's soldiers were defeated in the Northwest, losing three cities and retreating in defeat.

Unexpectedly, I discovered evidence of Martha's collusion with the Northwest hidden under her bed.

When Soren returned from the Northwest, he received the news that Martha had already been beheaded.

Frida Joyce, Martha's sister, told him, "Cecilia was jealous of your affection for Martha.

"She forged the letter that led to Martha's wrongful accusation and execution."

Soren didn't believe it until that night when he carefully compared the handwriting under the lamp.

The handwriting was clearly identical to mine.

That day, Soren did not listen to my explanation anymore.

After I was punished with kneeling and fasting for three days, he sent me to the Northwest.

"Cecilia, do you hate Martha that much? Do you know I was about to ask my father to let me marry her? You've always been unlucky, so you had to ruin my happiness?"

That day, his eyes were bloodshot.

He looked as if he wanted to kill me right in front of Martha's grave.

Later, tears in her eyes, Frida grabbed hold of Soren.

"Martha has passed away, and we have to move forward. Don't blame Cecilia."

Reluctantly, Soren let go of me.

He personally put me on the carriage heading to the Northwest.

I couldn't understand what the barbarians said to Soren when they came to pick...