Neil swallowed his saliva. "Aurelia, when you put the ring on me when I was drunk last time, I found it to be just the right size. I've never worn a ring that fits so well before!""Huh?" Aurelia felt increasingly strange."Then you took it back again, and my finger felt empty and uncomfortable!"Aurelia was rendered speechless."Aurelia, can you bear to see me so uncomfortable?"Although Aurelia did not understand what Neil was saying, she had never seen the award-winning actor as anxious since she had known him. Despite that, he was so patient with every word he spoke to her, speaking softly and gently, even in a humble tone.It was not like him at all.Suddenly, Aurelia remembered hearing that a type of of witchcraft in Southeast Aciatic could change people's personalities and control their thoughts. She was shocked and blurted, "Uncle, have you been cursed by someone?"...Alexander stood at one side of the garden. The west palace was already remote, and the garden was eve
One month later, it was the day of the trial.Since the royal family was involved, the trial attracted a lot of attention.Although Rowan was sitting in the dock, he appeared calm and collected, as if he were in charge of the trial.Martin and Carmella sat in the audience seats.When they heard the charges the prosecution listed, a barely noticeable smile flickered across Carmella's face. On the other hand, Martin remained expressionless, but there was anger in his deep eyes as he tightly clasped his hands together."Your Majesty..." Carmella gently took hold of his hands.Martin's fingertips jolted slightly, but he did not push her away. Carmella was surprised as Martin had avoided any physical contact with her, even reducing their intimate moments, for years because of Helene's incident. Whenever he touched her, it was like he was touching something filthy. They had even started sleeping separately in the past two years.Martin's action just now brought joy to Carmella's heart
Carmella's lips trembled slightly. She could not say anything to meet Martin's gaze, feeling guilty."It's... nothing." Carmella forced a chortle. "Your Majesty, the trial's been going on for too long. You must be tired. Let me help you get back to rest first...""I want to hear the truth!" Martin roared, "Who were you looking for?"Carmella froze and turned her gaze to Joy."What's going on here?" She gritted each word. "Joy, what are you trying to do?"Joy replied indifferently, "Your Majesty, I could only find these two people based on the clues you gave me.""You..." A strange smile crossed Joy's lips. "Your Majesty, you told me that one of them is a drug addict and the other's involved in prostitution. The ones I found fit the description you gave me perfectly!""You're talking nonsense!" Carmella glared at her furiously. "I gave you other information too!""You personally handed the little princess to people like these back then, didn't you?""Joy!" Carmella's heart ra
"Go look for these two people with Suzanne and bring them back to Southeast Aciatic... Then make them memorize this testimonial."When the time comes, Rowan Irwin will be charged with conspiring with Aurelia's parents to murder a member of the royal family, and they'll all be sentenced to prison!""Your Majesty, can we really use these two people?""Hmph! The man's an addict, give him some Fentanyl… As for the woman, give her some money first. As long as she sees the money, she'll do whatever we say!"...There was a commotion in the courtroom.Carmella's eyes went wide open, and her face was completely drained of color as if she had seen a ghost."Fentanyl?" Some foreign journalists began to inquire in a low voice, "What's that?""That's a kind of drug!" Every word Rowan uttered was forceful. "Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that's similar to the opium poppy but much, much more potent. This drug is highly toxic and can be addictive. An overdose can happen easily within a short ti
Carmella had a thin layer of sweat on the tip of her nose. She leaned on the railing of the gallery, feeling weak and struggling to keep herself from collapsing. She lifted her hand and tried to adjust the crooked crown on her head but accidentally caught her hair and knocked her crown off. A large gemstone fell out with a clatter."Carmella..." Martin looked at her coldly. "Why did you do this?""Your Majesty, I...""Why did you do it?!" Martin lost his patience and grabbed her throat!Carmella widened her eyes. The fear of death made her stiff, and even her breathing stopped.Alexander stopped Martin and advised him in a low voice, "Uncle, this is a court. You must not act impulsively!"Martin slowly let go, but his teeth kept chattering, and his face was contorted with anger.Rowan said calmly, "Your Majesty, there may only be one reason why the queen did this..."As he spoke, he took out a DNA test report. "Your Majesty, are you afraid of this?"Carmella looked up, her exp
The moonlight was like frost as it enveloped the majestic imperial palace in a layer of frigidity. The dew that fell on the steps gave off a touch of chill.Carmella stood in the center of the hall with her eyes cast down. Her expressionless face was stiff with a determined indifference.It was all over, and talking about it was futile.The only thing she cared about was Martin. If Martin did not trust her, was repulsed by her, and loathed her, then her world would lose all its radiance.Carmella spoke softly after a long silence. "Your Majesty, are you hungry?"I remember you used to like the raspberry cake I make. Shall I make some for you now?""You don't have to bother." Martin's voice was hoarse as he slowly turned around. "You probably don't know that I don't like that kind of overly sweet stuff... It's you who always thought you knew best!"Carmella's eyes dimmed, and she clenched her hands tightly.Martin looked at her, his commanding expression jolting her."You alway
Martin's eyes flickered, but he did not respond after a long time.The moment Carmella fell to the floor, his heart was momentarily gripped. It felt like a ripple, though, spreading out in circles and leaving no trace afterward.In spite of it, they were husband and wife. He was not a heartless beast without feelings.Carmella's pitiful state brought back flashes of the good times she had had with him in his mind."Get a doctor to treat the queen's wound first."Noah was surprised but complied with a nod nonetheless.Carmella was soon treated, and the bleeding from her head stopped. She was then taken back to her palace for rest, but it was heavily guarded, and she could not move around freely anymore.Noah looked at Martin. The old king looked tired. His eyes lacked luster and brimmed with endless self-blame and despair instead.Noah bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, once Her Majesty's health improves, officials from the judiciary department will come to take her away. There are
It was late at night when all was quiet.Someone appeared in the west palace.Martin did not let anyone accompany him as he walked slowly into the palace alone. He came to Helene's bedside and touched her dry chestnut-colored hair. Aurelia also had hair of the same color.He took a deep breath, feeling the urge to cry rising in his throat. Time really flew by. The siblings who used to pick seashells by the beach were now both in middle age. Everything had changed, yet everything remained the same.Helene was sleeping soundly, holding onto the small pillow even in her dreams. Martin tried to move it, but it was held too tightly, and he could not take it away. He smiled gently, tears shining in his eyes."I know you all think I should give the throne to Aurelia, don't you?"The light in Martin's eyes gradually returned. There were now hints of sincerity and nonchalance. He spoke to himself at Helene's bedside."I really didn't expect Aurelia to be your daughter and my niece."My