The Rightful Queen

Chapter 16 – His Interrogation

She has no idea how much trouble she’s in. She merely thought that her absence would cause a mild inconvenience to them. That was it. She’s surprised by the number of people that was looking for her. Aside from her uncle’s servants, several others she couldn’t recognize have been looking for her. When she spotted her uncle and Cristina, she frowned. They were glaring at her and she could feel the hate and anger directed at her as she approached. She paused mid-step when she recognized the presence near them. She averted her gaze when she realized he’s also looking at her. What’s going on? Why are they all together? Is he also waiting for her?

She bit her lip. What kind of trouble is she in?

When she got closer, she bowed to her uncle.

“I’m sorry, sir. I got lost in the garden.”

It’s clear he’s reining in his anger.

“That’s not important right now. There’s a matter the prince would like to confirm with you.”

Laura couldn’t help glancing at the royalty. Why is he here? Had he chosen Cristina already? Is it really her fate to become one of his consorts? The thought alone made her feel dejected.

Seeing her this way, Samuel couldn’t help feeling sorry for her.

“What matter?”

Before her uncle could reply, the prince already spoke.

“It’s a sensitive matter. If I may request your presence at a private room? My servant would be with us, so your uncle wouldn’t worry.”

Laura pursed her lips. Would her uncle even worry about her?

“Uncle?” As her guardian, she still sought his permission. Though, really… she’d been eighteen for a few months now. She’s of age and she could leave his household if she so wishes. But she doubts her uncle would give her the inheritance her parents left.

“Go with the prince. You better explain to him well. Don’t embarrass the family.”

From his words, she could tell he has experienced something unpleasant. Explain well? What should she explain? His tone carries a certain edge to it. It’s like he’s threatening her that if she messes up, she would surely face punishment.

Her confused expression was very noticeable. Samuel walked away and expected her to follow. She did, but she kept looking back. Cristina was definitely sneering at her. She understands that look very well.

Laura followed the prince and a couple of servants with him. He opened a door and entered a room. His stance showed that they’re about to talk seriously.

When he faced her after she entered the room, she quickly curtsied.

“I apologize for not greeting you properly earlier, my lord. My name is Laura, of Thistle.”

He frowned at her omission of the honorific, but decided not to comment on it.

“I have something to ask of you.” He glanced at his servants. They would keep their mouth shut, that’s for sure. He’d talked to them days earlier, exacting their loyalty and support.

“What is it, my lord?” Please, anything. As long as it’s not about becoming one of his consorts. She’s anxious inside. She doesn’t want him to have an interest in her. But the way he’s looking at her…

The prince brought out the ribbon and showed it to her.

“Is this yours?”

Laura frowned and took a closer look. Isn’t it the ribbon the boy from the market gave her? He said it’s from the man she met days earlier.

“Yes, it’s mine.”

“Really?”

His question made her nervous. Why is he asking questions about a useless thing?

“Yes.” She replied again.

“How did it become yours? Did you buy it? Did you make it?” He purposely omitted the correct answer. He wanted to hear it directly from her.

“Someone gave it to me, your highness.” She tilted her head and stared at the ribbon in his hand. What’s up with it?

“By any chance, are you familiar with this item, my lord?” She asked after a while.

Samuel pursed his lips. He expected her to give him a lengthy explanation, not a brief answer. Should he really lead her on to continue?

He doesn’t know but though Laura remembers talking to him during the latter part of that other life she’d lived, that incident where he told her to shut up is firmly engraved in her memory. She doesn’t want to bother him with more words so she answered him briefly.

“Who gave it to you? Tell me everything. From the very beginning.” He doesn’t want to waste his time. Still, he doesn’t want to dismiss her quickly.

Did she really get lost in the garden? Is that why he hadn’t seen her as early as last time? How are things different than before? This is something he couldn’t understand. Has his return affected the lives of others to this extent? That shouldn’t be the case, right?

Laura stared at him, despite her desire not to leave any impression on him. Well, she could just tell him.

As she opened her mouth to speak, the prince took a deep breath and readied himself. Is she the one or not?

“A boy from the market handed it to me. He said a man instructed him to give it to me.”

He tilted his head, somewhat placing her tone. In her agitated state, she does sound like the woman he met at the market. He waited for her to continue, but that was it. Don’t women usually chatter? Why is she so quiet? Why can’t she speak in long sentences?

He recalled their first conversation. She was definitely talkative that time, explaining her desire to have a man like her father.

Well, he’s stumped. He was reminded that he has selected her despite her wishes to be treasured by a man who would only love one woman.

Does she still feel the same? What would she think if he chooses her as his queen? Would she resent him? Or would she change her mind and accept it?

“And the man who gave it to the boy, who is he?” Here, he’s fishing for information.

Her expression became complicated and she shook her head.

“I don’t know who he is.” As soon as she said it, her gaze flew to the prince. She gaped at him, her mouth hanging open.

“It was you…” She looked him over, donned in royal clothing. The man she met a few days ago was wearing casual clothes. Not exactly the type commoners use, but they were simple threads.

She gulped and waited for him to say something. Was it really him?

The prince remained silent as they stared at each other. Yes, she should’ve been able to recall his face. Unlike her, he wasn’t wearing any face covering at the time.

But if it was her, why didn’t she recall it last time? They danced. They talked. She didn’t say anything.

Or is it because they’re in private? With so many people around, she must have not been able to focus on him and how he looked. Over time, she probably forgot about their meeting at the market. Right now, her attention was solely on him.

He lightly shook his head. Is he already convinced that she’s that person? Well… yes.

“If you were that woman, can you tell me why you told me to let the thief go? He committed a crime. I should’ve sent him to prison.”

Her expression darkened. Is he really set on jailing that poor man?

“Didn’t I already tell you, my lord? Life is difficult for those who have no inherited wealth, especially the commoners.”

“How do you know when you were born a noble lady? What were you doing in the market anyway?” He wanted to scrutinize her, make sure she’s really the one he’s looking for. He won’t rush things this time. He would take all the time he needed to be absolutely sure.

Laura bit her lip. Why is he asking so many questions? What does he care?

“How does it concern you, your highness?” She sounded a little exasperated.

He raised an eyebrow at that. Normally, no one dares to ask him questions. Only the elders and the head of families do, but in rare circumstances. And they always phrase their questions in a polite manner. Not crudely direct as hers.

“How does it not concern me? You’re my subject. A noble lady, doing things that commoners do. You’re doing things against tradition. If you continue like that and others see, won’t the commoners expect other nobles to act just like you?”

She closed her mouth. She never thought of it from that perspective.

“I’m only one person. Besides, those commoners in the market do not know that I am a noble.” This is her reason and Samuel now understands the situation better. It’s not much, but at least she’s telling him about it.

“But why pretend you’re a commoner? Why interact with them? Why didn’t you simply send your own maid to buy things for you?”

Here, Laura took a deep breath and stared at him. There seems to be something different about him. But she can’t be sure, after all, she didn’t have much interaction with him in that other life. Is he always this inquisitive?

“I didn’t pretend to be a commoner…”

“You were acting like one. I don’t believe you didn’t think they would misunderstand. Of course, they would assume you’re just like them if you don’t tell them. What is your reason?”

He’s persistent, isn’t he? It oddly feels like he’s shutting her off when he cuts her sentence. It made her feel dejected again. He noticed her expression and wondered what she could be thinking to show such an emotion. Is his interrogation wearing her off?

“I like interacting with them. I prefer their company and their stories. Nobles… forgive my words, but nobles normally boast about themselves to other nobles. They don’t want to be overshadowed when it comes to wealth, achievements and contributions. It’s a different kind of competition which seemed unhealthy to me. Commoners, on the other hand, are very appreciative people. Content. Happy with what their hard work provides. Satisfied with the people they love. Family.” Laura finally dared to stare straight at him as she continued.

“I’ve told you that life is truly difficult there, but they have perseverance. They can endure hardships. For the people they love, they would give their everything. That man, he said he did it for his children, didn’t he? Before a man decides to do such a thing, you must understand that the situation must be so dire and helpless that they would actually consider doing it.” Her expression changed. To be honest, she’d been worried about the man as well. With how he’s asking now…

“You didn’t send him to prison, did you?” She really wanted to know. She hadn't caught his words earlier saying he should've.