The Price of Betrayal

Three

Chelsea knew she couldn't do it. She had never been much help to her parents, and she had even spent her father's life-saving favor with Talon to cure Bryan's illness.

She couldn't be selfish and drag her parents down with her.

Then she had to...

Chelsea dismissed the servants and discreetly inquired her way to the main hall.

In the main hall.

Bryan had sent the servants away and was dining alone with Ciara.

Ciara stood up to take some soup. When she lifted her head, she saw Chelsea standing in the yard, her face pale.

"Bryan, you don't have to marry Ciara as your official wife. I would be happy to be with you without a name or status."

Ciara said pitifully, placing the soup in front of Bryan.

"But my father worries too much for me. He fears that Ms. Drake, being from a military family, might be too domineering. With her child as leverage, she could bully me if she remains as the crown princess. That's why my father insists that you marry me as the crown princess."

Bryan pulled Ciara's hand toward him, gazing at her with deep affection.

"In my heart, only you are worthy of the position of crown princess. Tell your father that I will welcome you with the status of my wife."

Ciara's eyes shone with joy, but her words were laced with worry.

"Of course, I believe what you said. But my father is concerned that if Ms. Drake refuses, you can inform Mr. Drake, and he will put pressure on her. That won't make things difficult for you."

"It's okay!" Bryan picked up his fork and placed a dish Ciara liked onto her plate, dismissing her concerns.

"The Drake family has served in the military for generations. Their reputation in the army has grown too high, and my father has long been wary of them... Aside from our founding ancestors, have you ever seen a queen come from a military family?"

Bryan's tone was calm, but Chelsea felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She stood there, frozen and unable to move.

She never could have imagined that the Drake family, who had loyally defended the borders, would be viewed with suspicion by the king.

Ciara, having had her fill of Chelsea's misery from the corner of her eye, finally looked up and pretended to have just noticed her.

"When did Ms. Drake here? Don't just stand there. Come join us for a meal."

Bryan quickly turned his head, his sharp gaze fixing on her.

Chelsea met his eyes and hastily suppressed all of her emotions.

"When did you come?" Bryan asked coldly.

"When Your Highness mentioned the royal silk from the palace," Chelsea replied, picking a recent moment, unafraid that Ciara might expose her lie.

Only then did Bryan's icy demeanor soften slightly, and he forced a reluctant smile.

"Since you're here, join us for the meal."

He wasn't sincerely inviting Chelsea to dine, just testing whether she had overheard anything from earlier.

Chelsea carefully navigated the situation, revealing no sign that she had caught on to their conversation.

Seeing Bryan only speaking with Chelsea, Ciara felt annoyed and deliberately handed Chelsea a piece of fish, placing it on her plate.

"Fish is nutritious, and Ms. Drake must be exhausted from carrying the baby. You should eat some."

"Ugh..." Chelsea could not tolerate the smell of fish and immediately retched.

"Chelsea!" Bryan roared. "Even if you dislike Ciara, do you have to go this far?"

"Bryan, I..." Ciara lowered her head pitifully, her voice trembling with a sob.

"Don't be afraid. I'll have them set up a meal in the garden. We'll eat there."

Bryan soothed her gently, but when he turned to Chelsea, his expression was full of disgust.

"You are truly repulsive. From now on, stay in your room and don't come out."

With those words, Chelsea was effectively confined to her room.

Suppressing her nausea, Chelsea called out as Bryan led Ciara away.

"Your Highness grew up in the palace. Don't you know that pregnant women cannot stand the smell of fish?"

Bryan paused.