Chapter 21
Priscilla’s voice became sharper with anger. “What did you say? Are you already tired of me? You-”
“Shut up!” Her words grated on Waldo’s nerves, almost to the point of physical disgust.
He had liked her straightforwardness, but she couldn’t be this reckless and thoughtless.
He said, “When you’re with me, I let you act out. But when it comes to my mother, can’t you just
tone it down a little? Is that really too much to ask?
“Priscilla, you complain that I don’t protect you, but all you do is yell at me and throw tantrums. What have you ever done for me?”
He really didn’t understand. He wondered, ‘I am a noble prince, high above everyone else why do
At first, it was new and even fun, being scolded and all. But now, he found it frustrating. Whyve to take this from her?‘
“Think about it,” he added, his voice cold.
With that, he swept his sleeve dramatically and walked away.
I allowing myself to be treated like this?”
Behind him, Priscilla’s angry shouting echoed. His frustration grew, and he quickened his pace, walking off in a hurry.
When he entered the study, Hughie quickly followed him inside. “Your Highness, all twelve cities in the Northern Border have been recaptured.
“Prince Leon has come back victorious, and the King will surely reward him generously. This time, Prince Leon will definitely rise to prominence.”
“With that ruined face of his, even if Father likes him, there’s no way he’ll make him the ruler,” Waldo replied coldly. “How can someone whose face is disfigured ever be a king?”
He thought if Leon became the king, it would ruin Novigrad’s dignity with that grotesque face of his.
“Many skilled doctors among the common folk could help treat Prince Leon’s face,” Hughie suggested cautiously. “Your Highness, I think you should listen to Consort Adele and go make peace with Ms. Yates. It’s time to settle this.”
Hughie knew it wasn’t his place to interfere in Waldo’s personal affairs, but the situation had become critical. Waiting any longer was no longer an option.
“The Yates family controls 100,000 Yates family troops. If they join forces with Prince Leon, it would be disastrous for Your Highness,” Hughie continued, his tone growing more serious. “And… not to mention…” He trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.
Waldo’s mood was already foul, and he snapped, “If you have something to say, just say it! Stop beating around the bush.”
Hughie took a deep breath and finally spoke up. “Besides, when it comes to looks, grace, and… well, everything else, Ms. Yates far outshines Miss Mcbride in every way.”
“What has gotten into all of you? Why is everyone suddenly praising Jessica?” Waldo asked, growing more irritated. “She’s too calculating. This time, she used the annulment as a way to force me into submission. How can someone like her compare to Priscilla?”
Hughie, undeterred, pressed on. “But Your Highness, what does Priscilla have to offer? She’s angry all the time, and even we, her subordinates, can’t
stand it.
“Her looks aren’t even anything special; you can find women like her on every street corner. What exactly is so special about her?”
“You don’t understand what’s good about Priscilla!” Waldo sighed deeply, feeling helpless.
Since he was a child, no one had ever treated him the way Priscilla did. Everyone else had been obedient and careful with him, but Priscilla had a boldness and honesty that no one else had.
Chapter 21
“Forget it,” Waldo muttered. “I’ve seen enough of Jessica’s tricks. If she insists on making me bend, I’ll go to the Yates family in a few days when thes cooled off, and talk to her then.”
Hughie’s eyes lit up. “I’ll prepare the gifts right away, Your Highness. I’ll accompany you to the Yates family.”
Waldo waved him off, his mood still heavy.
But as he thought it over, he realized that if Jessica had gone to such lengths to make him bow to her, it meant she must be desperate to make things right. She probably missed him but couldn’t bring herself to ask for his forgiveness.
He wondered where she was hiding now, secretly wiping away her tears in some corner.
A true man knew when to bend and when to stand firm. If he co
head for the sake of peace.
I put
an
end to this drama before Prince Leon returned, he wouldn’t mind lowering his
So, two days later, on a quiet morning, Waldo, with Hughie by his side, went to the Yates family with gifts in hard. The servants informed him that Jessica was in the back garden.
When Waldo arrived, he saw Jessica sitting under a tree in the distance. Her posture looked forlorn, almost desolate.
His heart softened. He remembered all the little moments between them over the years.
He thought, ‘Jessica has been so lonely these past days. I am not a heartless person–how can I not feel for her?‘
