Chapter 12: House Arrest

As the afternoon drew to a close, Leo Grant signaled that time was up, and they had to return to the palace.

As Ethan prepared to leave, Cecilia escorted him to the gate, her eyes filled with tears:

"Your Highness, take care. Imperial Consort Victoria would be very proud to see you like this."

Ethan smiled gratefully and took out a small box from his luggage, handing it to Cecilia:

"This is a small gift to thank you for your loyalty to my mother. Please accept it."

Cecilia, moved, accepted the box with trembling hands:

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Ethan looked at Cecilia, nodded in farewell:

"Take care, you cannot stay here long."

Then he mounted his horse and quickly returned to the palace.

Cecilia watched Ethan’s figure until he disappeared from sight. She returned to her house and opened the exquisite wooden box. Inside was a precious jade bracelet and enough gold bars to live comfortably for the rest of her life anywhere. With the instinct of an experienced palace maid, she underst