“Her mind could not withstand the great shock, and the repercussions then spread to her body. With the fever at this level, it’s likely that…”

Renee had been gravely ill for several months. Even the palace physicians had once shaken their heads while she burned with a high fever, advising that they prepare for the worst. However, knowing what kind of maid Renee was to Anita, Cedric pressured the physicians not to give his wife any more bad news.

“Thank you so much. For saving Renee.” “Hoo…”

Thanks to Cedric, Renee was able to focus entirely on her treatment and even had a dedicated palace physician. Due to Anita’s health, however, Renee had to leave the Crown Prince’s Palace and receive treatment in a secluded part of the Imperial Palace until she had fully recovered.

“Don’t talk nonsense! What if the fever is contagious and affects you and the child?”

“But, I just want to see her for a moment…”

“If any harm comes to my child, I will drag that maid, your attendant, from her bed and behead her immediately.”

“…..”

“If you cross me on this matter again, I will simply banish your maid from the country. Be warned. You know what would happen to her if she went back to Callithea. So don’t speak such nonsense again.”

Concerned for Renee, Anita pleaded with Cedric several times to meet her. However, Cedric coldly dismissed his wife’s pleas to visit the sick. Not only that, but when Anita, who was generally quite obedient, persisted, he resorted to words bordering on threats to silence her.

Even afterwards, Anita thought of ways to see Renee, but, as she was completely under Cedric’s control, it was impossible. Fortunately, a couple of passing maids, perhaps having received a hint from someone, relayed news of Renee; otherwise, Anita would have worried even more about her, on top of worrying about her lonely niece.

For this reason, after embracing Renee upon her return and weeping for a long time, Anita did not let her out of her sight for a single moment. Renee also volunteered to perform menial tasks typically carried out by low-ranking palace attendants, staying by Anita’s side the entire time.

“It’s hot, so please drink slowly. Shall I cool it down a bit more?”

“No, it’s fine, Renee.”

Today was no different. Anita had been with Renee since the morning and was having lunch served by her when she suddenly noticed the visible bones in the maid’s arm through her clothes, at which point she put down her spoon.

“It’s more important for you to eat well, Renee. I know you suffered during your illness, but your appearance is upsetting.”

Renee had always been slender, but her face had a soft, round look thanks to the slight fullness of her cheeks. However, she was now half her former size, having clearly endured hardship over the past few months. Her gaunt frame, sharp jawline and clear eyes gave her a sensitive yet sharp appearance.

“Please don’t worry about me. Take care of yourself. With the baby in your belly, it’s not good for you to be losing weight like this.”

Not only that, but Renee’s entire demeanor had changed significantly. There was a dullness in her eyes, seen only in those who have suffered a great tragedy. Furthermore, when she occasionally looked out of the window, her face was expressionless, as if her soul had departed.

‘Of course. I’m not the only one who has lost family members. Renee, too…’

The hand that picked up the spoon for her was still gentle, but the former vivacity had gone. Although she had the composed air of a palace maid, Anita felt a strong sense of guilt and, at the same time, a sense of kinship towards the changed Renee. So, despite the lump in her throat making it hard to swallow, Anita forced herself to finish her meal quickly when Renee urged her to.

“Are you finished eating?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll have some tea brought in. Please wait just a moment.”

Renee gathered the empty dishes onto a tray, stepped outside, and returned shortly afterwards with a steaming pot of tea. As Anita emptied her cup, the heavy silence between them lingered. Renee seemed lost in thought, her expression unreadable. Anita, sensing the tension, hesitated before opening her mouth to speak.

“Your Highness.”

But Renee was the first to break the silence. After pouring Anita another cup of tea, she lifted her head, her eyes steady and clear.

“Given how dire things have become, I’ll be honest with you.”

“Go on, Renee. Whatever it is, I’ll listen.”

“Then please lie down first.”

With Anita’s permission, Renee guided her mistress back to bed. When Anita gestured for her to sit nearby, Renee obeyed without protest.

“You can’t stay here forever.”

Sitting at the edge of the bed, Renee cast a quick glance towards the door before lowering her voice. Her words caused Anita’s expression to harden immediately.

“You know it, too, don’t you? You may still be addressed as ‘Your Highness’, but your husband is now the Emperor.”

“….”

“Your Highness.”

Since her return, Renee had rarely used that title. But now she spoke it deliberately, as though to remind Anita of her status.

“Your Highness and His Majesty were lawfully wed. But look at you now.”

“…”

“His Majesty has moved his residence to the Palace of Glory. He has donned the crown and now stands before all, revered and celebrated.”

“..…”

“You should be at his side too, receiving the same honor and splendor. You should reside in the Palace of Radiance, wear the Empress’s crown, and be addressed as Your Majesty.”

“..…”

“So petition His Majesty. Ask him to hold a coronation for the Empress. Demand what is rightfully yours.”

How could Anita not know? She was painfully aware of her humiliation and of how she had been left to wither away in quiet neglect. But she felt powerless. What could she possibly do? And even if she tried, would it make a difference? Her heart, long drained of expectation, was filled only with resignation. Whenever the faint spark of resolve flickered within her, she smothered it before it could take shape.

“If you must, then do it, even if it means falling to your knees.”

“…..”

“It may be difficult for now because of your condition, but you must at least secure His Majesty’s promise to hold the coronation after the baby is born. Only then will you be able to claim the authority that rightfully belongs to you.”

Her words struck Anita’s fragile calm without mercy, piercing straight through it. Although every word was true, Anita found herself unable to refute them.

“Your Highness.”

Perhaps it was frustration that hardened Renee’s expression. She spoke again, her tone sharper and colder than Anita had ever heard before.

“Things are not as they once were. It was difficult before, but now you must act if you wish to survive.”

“…..”

“And more than that. You must do it so that the child in your womb may at least live in peace.”

‘The child.’

For a moment, Anita felt a chill run down her spine. There was nothing unusual about what Renee had said, yet her words pressed against Anita like invisible hands closing around her throat. Why did Renee’s voice unsettle her so deeply? Why did something about her presence feel so wrong?

As Anita unconsciously turned her body away, Renee bit her lower lip and released it. Her face was still pale and composed, and her eyes were as cold as ever.

“You haven’t forgotten… have you?”

“…”

“In Callithea, Lady Isabelle still remains.”

“…”

“His Majesty met a terrible end, a tragedy beyond words. The Dowager Empress, the Empress, the Crown Prince… none of them are by the princess’s side anymore.”

“…”

“That is why you, Your Highness, must protect His Majesty’s only surviving daughter.”

Anita clenched her hands into fists beneath the blanket. The fabric strained under her grip, her knuckles turning white. Renee was right — painfully so. One of her most important duties was to protect her niece, Isabelle, the last hope for Callithea.

“By any means necessary, it is the duty of any human being to do so.”

When she heard the words, ‘The duty of any human being’, Anita’s shoulders gave a faint tremor. It felt as though a sharp blade had been driven straight through her heart. She slowly bowed her head, the motion heavy with resignation.

Seeing the answer he was looking for, Renee fixed his gaze on Anita’s rounded belly. Then she reached out and clasped Anita’s hand tightly between both of hers. Her tone hardened, resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

“For Callithea. For House Hardyde. No matter what you have to sacrifice, you must see it through. Do you understand?”

··· ✦ ···

‘It’s true, but how could Reneé—’

Spotting a familiar silhouette in the distance, Anita turned around. Renee was following closely behind her, keeping her head lowered and refusing to meet her mistress’s gaze.

“Renee, how did you find out His Majesty’s route? Did you do something dangerous?”

“Shh! His Majesty is looking this way.”

Since his coronation and move to the Palace of Glory, Cedric had not once sought out Anita, who still lived in the Crown Prince’s Palace. Because of this, rumors that she had been abandoned were growing increasingly convincing.

In order to plead for mercy, you must first be seen. Anita had asked the head maid and Dian to arrange an audience with the emperor, but had not received a reply after more than four days.

Should she pretend to be ill and summon the court physician? This had crossed her mind when Renee whispered a plan in her ear. With the physician’s permission, Anita was allowed one short walk each day, and Renee suggested they use this opportunity to cross paths with Cedric.

However, Anita’s path never crossed with Cedric’s. She had no way of knowing where or when he might appear. Yet somehow, Renee had discovered his movements in a matter of days and altered Anita’s route just enough to make a meeting possible.

Anita worried. Renee didn’t have the wealth or connections to bribe anyone, had she taken a dangerous risk to make this happen? But before she could ask him any more questions, someone was striding quickly towards them, forcing her to put her concerns to one side.

“Your Majesty, I—”

“What is the meaning of this?”

It was Cedric. The moment he saw her, he quickened his pace and his expression darkened. He looked as though he was about to scold her outright, but when he saw her pale face and her hand resting protectively over her rounded belly, he bit his lower lip instead.

After glancing around quickly, he led her towards the nearest shaded spot. Though his grip was firm, it was not harsh. Despite the tension in her body, Anita let him guide her to a long couch, sinking into it without protest.