Second Chance

“What wonderful news, Your Highness the Crown Princess. How about you prepare a surprise banquet for the return of His Highness the Crown Prince and his entourage?” Sophie suggested happily.

Ah, that's right. In the past, I spent days putting together a surprise banquet for Hayden. Decorating the Crown Prince's palace with flowers with my household budget. Even to the point of inconveniencing the Chef of the Jasmine Palace because I want to learn how to bake a cake myself. At that time I thought I had done something that should be praised by my husband. But now I understand how stupid I was.

The next day, Hayden told me that he finished my cake. But I'm sure, he must have thrown the cake away. The cake I made on my own with his happiness in mind. Dammit. Now that I know my efforts are wasted, I don't have to grind to get his attention anymore. Hmph!

“Surprise banquet? Hmm… that is such a great idea, Sophie. As expected of you”

By my side, Sophie smile tenderly.

'I don't want to plan a surprise party for that bastard again. But if I don't follow my past behavior, I'm afraid that I won't be able to meet my baby. Until I can have my baby, I have to act like I used to act: a stupid girl blinded by love for that jerk. Gosh… if Hayden had the slightest suspicion, he might replace the guy who slept with me! Then maybe my baby won't have blonde hair! I don’t want to. I can't... I don't want another baby besides mine. Haaaa.'

Now I don't have the time and heart to welcome that jerk! I have to prepare a counterattack when Hayden corners me later. First, I have to know how Hayden tricked me into sleeping with another man. I have to make sure that the guy has blonde hair!

Did he use magic by the way? But magic has been extinct since a hundred years ago. Then, did he hypnotize me? Or did he get me drunk until I was hallucinating?

I should have known that first while I plan my escape after I conceived my baby. Yes, I have to run away!

I've never been this quick in making decisions before in life.

“Ouch. Ah, my head hurts again. Merri, can you call a doctor, please? Laura, Sophie, will you help me prepare a surprise banquet for the Crown Prince? I still not recovering enough, I just leave all the ideas and preparations to you two. Is that too much?” I pleaded, they beamed.

"R-really, Your Highness the Crown Princess?" Sophie asked doubtfully, as Laura smiled with satisfaction.

They must be excited.

I sat down. Crossing my arms with a kind smile. "Of course, Sophie. I know that you and Laura are more romantic than me and have experience in preparing a banquet. So the Crown Prince will be more than happy, right?” 

I have realized for a long time already that those two cravings for Hayden's attention. They always wanted my position, or at least, to be Hayden's concubine. But I wasn't that worried before. I was so confident with Hayden's sincerity, which turned out to be bullshit!

'Haha… you can craving his attention all you want, I don’t care.'

After Laura and Sophie left, the family doctor came to see me. The same doctor examined me after I had a fever and fell in the lake. By his side was Merri, always Merri, who was worried about me.

After he prescribed medicine to me, he said goodbye.

“Merri, can you guard my room while I'm away quietly? Make sure no one comes in.”

Merri gape, her eyes trembling in confusion. Merri is so cute, looks like a lost rabbit.

“W-what do you mean, Miss Fuschia? You're still sick, so what are you-”

“Merri, I want to tell you many things. You're the only person I trust in this matter. But it's not the time yet, so please.”

“B-but why do you need to sneak out, Miss? You need to bring a knight in order-”

I brought my lips closer to Merri's ear. "I don't believe them, Merri. I suggest you not trust them much either,” I whispered then Merri gasped. She closes her mouth tightly.

Then she nodded. Her gaze hinted at many questions. But she endured not to ask, maybe for my sake.

“Miss, you didn't go anywhere dangerous, did you? Where are you going?”

'Suppose you know Merri, this place is much more dangerous,'

"For now ... I will only go to the palace library.”

Merri stroked her chest in relief.

'That's right, at this time, I can't go outside  to seek information regarding my condition from the guilds in the capital. So at least, I can find out first in the palace library. Nobody should know I went to the library and made Hayden suspicious.'

“Merri, don't let anyone enter my room, okay? Tell them I need a complete rest. You understand, right?”

“Yes, Miss Fuschia. Please be careful.” Merri almost shed tears but was shocked instead when saw me jumping out the window.

“Miss!”

***

Thanks to the location of my residence which is close to the garden area, I don't have to bother avoiding people. Moreover, the road to the palace library tends to be quiet during the afternoon hours, so my trip was smooth. My movements are also much more agile with the simple dress that I wear.

I like simple clothes the most. But ever since I became Fuschia, I have forced myself to wear heavy, luxurious dresses to go everywhere. Once again, I did it for the sake of maintaining the honor of my husband's name.

“Ehem.” When I arrived at the library corner, two guards were sitting casually playing chess.

The two guards looked at my face, then they looked at each other.

“Yes-Your Highness the Crown Princess??” They stood up spontaneously, stuttering.

“Open the door,”

"Yes, Your Highness. But can you show us the permit badges of the members of the Royal family before entering the library?” Asked the guard with round eyes.

I frown.

“I-it's because the rules are like that, Your Highness the Crown Princess. But, if it’s you, you are allowed to enter without it.” Said the other guard, who was then glanced at by the other guard.

“But-”

"True. My face is the permit itself. Don't tell me, I, a Crown Princess in this Kingdom can’t even enter my family’s library? What do you think will happen if my husband knows? Oh please, I don't want to make a fuss.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“But this is a central library which holding numerous important books regarding Royal Family. We need to follow the rules.” Said the guard sternly.

“What do you think will happen if I, become the rules instead?”

What I learn from my past mistake is, a person needs to be merciless to gain honors from those below you. At least in this world.