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00:00The night my father lay dying, my husband Leon walked into my room with his widowed sister-in-law, Vivian.
00:07Aaliyah, he said, Vivian has no children. I have to marry her and carry on my late brother's bloodline.
00:14I looked at him, then at the woman hiding behind him with reddened eyes.
00:19So you want me to smile and nod while you marry your brother's widow and have children with her?
00:25Leon frowned.
00:26This is a family obligation, Aaliyah, not a betrayal.
00:28I laughed. Three years ago when his family went bankrupt, it was my fortune that paid their debts.
00:33The only reason he was sitting in the royal court as royal treasurer was because my father had used his
00:38military meritits to open that door for him.
00:40Now my father was dying, and instead of staying by his bedside, Leon had come to inform me that he
00:45was taking a second wife.
00:46Vivian lowered her gaze.
00:48Sister, I only want to leave a child behind for my late husband. I'm not trying to take your place.
00:53I looked at her. Not taking my place? Just taking my husband's bed?
00:57Her face instantly turned pale.
01:00Enough, Aaliyah!
01:02Leon slammed his hand against the table. I met his glare.
01:06What? You plan to give your brother an heir without sharing a bed?
01:11Does a second consort not bear children?
01:15Are you two planning to continue the bloodline through a closed door?
01:20Vivian's face went even wider. Suppressing his anger, Leon said,
01:25I didn't come here to ask for permission. I came to inform you.
01:30Vivian will become my second consort. The decision has already been made.
01:36Did you inform me?
01:37Yes.
01:38I nodded.
01:40Fine. Then let me inform you of something too.
01:44His expression tightened?
01:46My sister, Selina, died with a fiancé.
01:49I paused.
01:51His name is Cain. A frontier knight. The Valen family has no male heir.
01:56I intend to continue my sister's bloodline as well.
01:59Vivian gasped.
02:00Have you lost your mind?
02:02I turned toward her.
02:03If you can do it, why can't I?
02:06I'm a man! I'm fulfilling my responsibility to the family!
02:10Leon barked.
02:11I smiled coldly.
02:12So marrying your brother's widow is a noble duty, but continuing my late sister's line makes me insane?
02:17Your brother's widow deserves sympathy, but my sister's fiancé doesn't?
02:21The main Ashfield line can't be allowed to die out, but the Valen family should simply disappear?
02:26Leon stared at me.
02:28You would actually let Cain touch you?
02:31I raised an eyebrow.
02:33If you're willing to touch Vivian, why shouldn't I let him touch me?
02:38Silence swallowed the room.
02:39Only Vivian's trembling breaths remained.
02:42I handed the Valen family seal to Lucy.
02:45Take this to the castle.
02:47Send word to Cain.
02:49Tell him the Valen family intends to honor the old betrothal.
02:53You're not going anywhere!
02:54Leon lunged forward and grabbed Lucy's arm.
02:57I snatched up a silver goblet and hurled it at his feet.
03:01Wine splashed across his boots.
03:04Leon Ashford.
03:06My voice turned icy.
03:07If you dare stop my people.
03:09I'll march straight into the palace and let the queen see exactly how her precious royal thresher
03:14pressures a high marshal's daughter into surrendering her husband to his widowed sister-in-law.
03:22His hand froze in midair.
03:24I walked over to Vivian and adjusted the pearl clasp on her black dress.
03:29Don't worry.
03:31I'll make sure your wedding as second constant is absolutely magnificent.
03:35Then I looked at Leon.
03:36The same day.
03:37The same night.
03:39You go to her room.
03:40I'll go to Cain's.
03:42For the first time, Leon's face turned white.
03:45The next morning, Vivian arrived sooner than I expected.
03:48I had just finished changing into my riding clothes when she entered my room with two maids.
03:52A ruby brooch glittered on her chest.
03:55Red as a drop of blood.
03:56My mother's ruby.
03:57Part of my dowry.
03:59I stared at it.
04:00Leon gave that to you.
04:01Vivian touched the gemstone and smiled sweetly.
04:04He said black was too plain on me.
04:07The ruby suited me better.
04:09You don't mind.
04:10Do you, sister?
04:11She tilted her head.
04:13Lucy stepped forward furiously.
04:14That belongs to Lady Alia!
04:17Vivian glanced at her.
04:18Alia and I will soon be family.
04:20Surely I can borrow one of her things.
04:22I asked.
04:23Does Leon know that's part of my dowager estate?
04:25Her smile deepened.
04:27Of course he does.
04:28He said what's yours is his and if it's his, he can give it to me.
04:31I walked toward her.
04:32She instinctively took half a step back, though her voice remained defiant.
04:36What are you going to do?
04:36Hit me?
04:37Leon is downstairs!
04:38I reached out and removed the ruby brooch from her dress.
04:41Give it back!
04:42Her expression changed immediately.
04:44Instead, I turned and threw it into the fire.
04:47The ruby vanished into the coals.
04:50Its gold setting blackened instantly.
04:52Vivian screamed.
04:53Are you insane?
04:54Leon gave me that?
04:55No.
04:56I watched the flames.
04:59He stole it and gave it to you.
05:01That's a lie!
05:02He's your husband!
05:03A husband doesn't receive immunity for theft.
05:05She rushed toward the fireplace, only to retreat from the heat as spilled down her cheeks.
05:09Right on cue, the door burst open.
05:11Leon strode inside.
05:13The moment he saw Vivian crying, he pulled her protectively into his arms.
05:17I laughed.
05:18Aaliyah, you're bullying her again?
05:20You got here awfully fast.
05:22How long were you standing outside listening?
05:25His expression stiffened.
05:27Vivian tugged at his sleeve.
05:28Don't blame her.
05:29She's hurting.
05:30If the brooch is ruined, it's ruined.
05:32I'm fine.
05:33I smiled.
05:35The brooch didn't burn your skin.
05:37So what exactly hurts?
05:39Vivian choked on her words.
05:43Leon snapped.
05:44Apologize.
05:45To whom?
05:47To Vivian.
05:48I stared at him.
05:49She stole my property.
05:51I destroyed my own property.
05:53And you want me to apologize?
05:55I gave it to her!
05:57You stole my belongings.
05:58To buy someone's affection and you're proud enough to raise your voice about it?
06:02His face darkened.
06:04Don't forget.
06:06You're still my wife.
06:08I met his graze.
06:09And don't forget.
06:11You're still sitting in the royal court because of the Valon family.
06:15That left him speechless.
06:17Leaning against his chest, Vivian whispered softly.
06:20Leon, let it go.
06:22Aaliyah is suffering.
06:23I don't mind a little hardship.
06:25Once I give you a child, she'll understand I'm not here to take anything from her.
06:32I looked at her.
06:33You're absolutely right.
06:35Her eyes brightened.
06:37You're not here to take what's mine.
06:39I smiled.
06:39You're here to pick up what I've already thrown away.
06:42The fragile expression nearly cracked off her face.
06:45Leon stepped forward angrily.
06:47Your words are becoming unbearable.
06:50Then stop listening.
06:52You.
06:53Footsteps echoed from the doorway.
06:55The old Valon steward entered with two officials from the royal Chandris.
06:59Leon frowned.
07:01What are they doing here?
07:02I picked up a document from the desk and handed it over.
07:05Seal all of my Dowie estate.
07:08Starting today, any member of the Ashurd family who spends a single gold coin must record the purpose and obtain
07:15a royal seal.
07:16The officials bowed.
07:17Yes, my lady.
07:18Leon exploded.
07:19You bring outsiders in to investigate my household?
07:22Your household?
07:22I laughed.
07:23The bread you eat, the wine you drink, the necklaces you buy for Vivian.
07:26How much of that wasn't squeezed out of my dowry?
07:28If I don't investigate, should I just wait for you to sell me too?
07:31Sister, if people hear about this, Leon will be humiliated.
07:35Vivian spoke softly.
07:36When Leon announced he was marrying you as his second Kansangort last night, he didn't seem worried about humiliating me.
07:42I only want a child.
07:44Tears instantly welled in her eyes again.
07:46What a coincidence.
07:48I smiled.
07:49So do I.
07:51Leon snapped his head toward me.
07:53One of the officials produced a parchment scroll.
07:57The Valen family has submitted a formal petition to the crown.
08:02Sir Cain will enter the Valen family through a house marriage pact as the fiancée of the late Lady Selina.
08:07Any children born from the Yhoun will inherit the Valen name.
08:11Sir Cain will arrive in Silvercrest in three days.
08:13If neither party objects, the ceremony may be held seven days from now.
08:17Seven days?
08:18But that's the same day Leon and I...
08:22Exactly.
08:23The same day I took the parchment.
08:26You did this on purpose.
08:30Yes.
08:31I smiled pleasantly.
08:33If your wedding chamber is going to be lively, mine shouldn't be lonely.
08:36He stared at me.
08:38For the first time, genuine panic flickered in his eyes.
08:41Alia.
08:43You can't humiliate me like this.
08:45I stepped close and straightened his collar.
08:48You taught me this lesson yourself, Leon.
08:50If you can invoke ancient tradition to continue your brother's bloodline,
08:53then I can continue the Valen bloodline legacy for my sister.
08:56Our reasons are identical.
08:58If you think this is humiliation, then perhaps you should ask yourself who started it.
09:03The next seven days passed quickly.
09:05White Lapertary covered Ashcrest Manor.
09:07They claimed the ceremony was about continuing a dead man's bloodline,
09:09so there would be no red decorations and no musicians.
09:12Yet Vivian's silver-white gown to cross the floor behind her glittered in her hair.
09:16She looked far less like a grieving widow and far more like a woman eager to become a bride again.
09:21When I came downstairs,
09:23she was already holding Leon's arm and accepting congratulations from relatives.
09:31The moment they saw me,
09:33conversations dropped to whispers.
09:36Vivian approached with a smile.
09:39Sister,
09:40You're going to Valen Keep today, too?
09:43Yes.
09:44How fortunate.
09:47Her smile widened.
09:49I thought you might stay and watch at Leon and me complete our ceremony.
09:55I looked at Leon.
09:57You want me to watch?
09:59His throat tightened.
10:00He seemed ready to say something cruel.
10:03Then he noticed the dark crimson gown I wore and the silver dagger at my waist.
10:08In the end, he only said coldly,
10:11You can still stop this.
10:14Stop?
10:14I laughed.
10:15And stay to watch the two of you disappear into a bedroom?
10:19We're only doing this for the family.
10:21Vivian spoke gently.
10:23So am I.
10:24The smile faded from her face.
10:27Leon lowered his voice.
10:29Aaliyah.
10:30This is your last chance.
10:32Stay.
10:33Apologize to Vivian.
10:35And I'll let the matter go.
10:36I stared at him.
10:37Let what go?
10:38The fact that I didn't kneel and beg?
10:40The fact that I didn't cry enough to satisfy you?
10:43Or the fact that I found another path for myself?
10:46His voice darkened.
10:48You weren't like this before.
10:51Before?
10:53I smiled.
10:56Before, I was blind.
11:00Vivian sucked in a sharp breath.
11:03Leon's face turned black with fury.
11:05I walked past them.
11:07His voice followed me.
11:09If you climb into Cain's bed tonight,
11:11don't ever expect me to touch you again!
11:13I stopped.
11:14Then I looked back and smiled.
11:16That's the nicest thing you've said all day.
11:21The chapel at Valenkeep blazed with candlelight
11:24far brighter than anything at Ashworth Manor.
11:26My father sat in a high-backed chair.
11:29Illness had drained the color from his face,
11:31but his eyes remained as sharp as an old sword.
11:34Do you really have no regrets?
11:37My mother squeezed my hand.
11:39I smiled faintly.
11:41I do.
11:43She looked at me quietly.
11:46I regret marrying Leon.
11:49Her eyes reddened, but she said nothing.
11:52The chapel doors opened.
11:54Cain walked in.
11:55He was taller than I remembered.
11:58Broad shoulders.
11:59A powerful frame.
12:00Even the dark form militarily couldn't soften the edge
12:03that came from years on the frontier.
12:05The northern winds had darkened his skin,
12:06but his features remained clean and straightforward,
12:09free of the perfume-soaked arrogance
12:10common among noblemen.
12:13Lady Alia.
12:14He stopped before me and dropped to one knee.
12:17I shook my head.
12:22After tonight, you'll need a different title.
12:25He looked up.
12:28If this is only about revenge, I can leave right now.
12:31The money the Valen family spent treating your sister,
12:34I'll repay every coin.
12:37You don't have to sacrifice yourself.
12:40My father's expression immediately dartened.
12:43Boy!
12:44His voice rang through the chapel.
12:49Are you saying my daughter isn't good enough for you?
12:52I wouldn't dare.
12:53Cain immediately lowered his head.
12:56My mother asked.
12:59Then why wouldn't you agree?
13:01He paused for a moment.
13:02She just came out of a bad marriage.
13:05I'm afraid I'd become another force pushing her.
13:08My chest softened suddenly.
13:11Leon had forced me to comply.
13:15Vivian had forced me to yield.
13:17Everyone else asked if I would be reasonable.
13:20Only Cain asked if I was willing.
13:22I stepped closer to him.
13:25Cain,
13:26I want you to do three things.
13:29Go ahead.
13:30First,
13:31any future child carries the Valen name.
13:35Agreed.
13:37Second,
13:38you won't touch my dour estate.
13:39You won't claim my castle.
13:41And you won't use my name to oppress anyone.
13:44Agreed.
13:45Third,
13:46if one day you no longer respect me,
13:48you leave the Valen family on your own.
13:50He looked up,
13:51a smile in his eyes.
13:53That's acceptable too.
13:54I extended my hand.
13:57And you?
13:59What do you want?
14:00Cain held my hand without rising immediately.
14:04I want a fair place.
14:06Not a tool for revenge against Leon.
14:09Not a lowly knight kept by a noble woman.
14:11He spoke slowly.
14:13I can shed blood for the Valen family and give you a child.
14:17But when you look at me,
14:18I want you to see Cain,
14:19not the opposite of Leon.
14:22I studied him for a long moment.
14:24Then I said,
14:26Deal.
14:26When the officials read the marriage contract,
14:28I heard the bells toll outside.
14:30At the same moment,
14:31Ashcroft Manor was probably sending Leon and Vivian to their room.
14:35Ridiculous.
14:36He thought it was my execution.
14:38Yet standing here,
14:39I suddenly felt free,
14:40as if stepping out of a cage.
14:44After the ceremony,
14:45Cain escorted me back to my room.
14:48The moment the door closed,
14:49he let go of my hand and stepped three spes back.
14:53Tonight I sleep in the outer room.
14:58I asked,
15:00You don't want to complete the marriage pact?
15:02His ears tinged red,
15:04but his voice was steady.
15:05I do.
15:07But not when you're sulking.
15:09I stepped closer.
15:11And if I'm not sulk,
15:13he met my gaze,
15:14his breath catching slightly.
15:16I reached up and unvastened his collar.
15:18Cain,
15:18for three years a man has disgust me
15:20under the guise of being my husband.
15:21Tonight,
15:22I want to remember a different kind of man.
15:24His voice was low and hoarse.
15:26Are you certain?
15:26Before I kissed him,
15:27I whispered,
15:28Certain.
15:29At dawn,
15:30Lucy knocked on the door.
15:31Madam,
15:32Lord Leon has arrived.
15:34I had just opened my eyes.
15:36Cain was already sitting
15:37up,
15:38reaching for his sword.
15:40I held his hand.
15:41No rush.
15:42Lucy's voice trembled with excitement.
15:44He asked if you really let Cain into your room.
15:47I looked at the kiss marks on my neck in the mirror
15:49and smiled.
15:50Tell him yes,
15:50and tell him Cain behaved well.
15:53A brief silence followed.
15:54Then Lucy's voice,
15:55trembling with joy,
15:56replied,
15:57Yes, madam.
15:58When Leon charged into the Valen Hall,
16:00his face was paler than the snow of the Frostwields.
16:03He brought over a dozen Ashford guards,
16:06looking as if he was coming to catch a thief or seize someone.
16:09I sat at the long table with hot wine,
16:12Cain at my side,
16:13the scratches I left on him last night,
16:15faintly visible beneath his collar.
16:18Leon noticed immediately,
16:21his gaze wild with fury.
16:24Did you really sleep with him?
16:27He demanded.
16:29I set down my cup.
16:33You slept with Vivian last night,
16:35didn't you?
16:35That was for the family.
16:36He shouted.
16:38So was I.
16:40You didn't.
16:41Then tell me,
16:43where exactly did I not?
16:45You are my wife.
16:46He panted angrily.
16:47Vivian is your brother's wife too.
16:50Brian is dead.
16:53Selina is dead too.
16:54He was at a loss for words,
16:55his face turning green.
16:57Vivian followed.
16:57Her eyes swollen,
16:58but her hands clutched Leon's sleeve tightly.
17:00Alia,
17:01how can you hurt Leon like this?
17:02He was uneasy all night.
17:04Even I-
17:04She suddenly stopped,
17:05realizing she had almost revealed too much.
17:07I smiled.
17:08Even you couldn't serve him properly?
17:10Some in the hall lowered their heads to stifle laughter.
17:13Vivian's face flushed instantly.
17:14Leon roared.
17:15Silence!
17:18I can't.
17:20I said,
17:21standing up.
17:22Yesterday,
17:23when you went into her room,
17:25you didn't make her silent.
17:26Why should I be silent in my own house today?
17:30Come back with me.
17:31He raised his voice.
17:33Back for what?
17:35To kneel in your family chapel
17:37and hear your mother scold me
17:38for not being dutiful?
17:40Or to watch you and Vivian
17:42act out your deep affections before me again?
17:45As long as you cancel the marriage pact with Cain,
17:48I can pretend last night never happened.
17:52Cain's hand rested on the sword hilt.
17:54I reached out to stop him.
17:56Leon,
17:58your words are interesting.
18:00You slept with Vivian?
18:01I'm supposed to endure it?
18:04I sleep with Cain,
18:06and you want to pretend it didn't happen?
18:11What do you control every bed in the world?
18:15Leon gritted his teeth.
18:17I'm a man.
18:18You are worthless.
18:19I enunciated slowly.
18:20He lunged forward,
18:21and the guards moved with him.
18:22In the next moment,
18:23every valent knight drew his sword.
18:25My father,
18:25supported by the steward,
18:27emerged from the side door.
18:28Sickened,
18:28his voice nonetheless
18:29commanded everyone to halt.
18:31John Ashford,
18:31you bring soldiers into my castle.
18:33Is this treason,
18:34or are you looking for death?
18:35High Marshal,
18:35I only came to retrieve my wife.
18:37Leon's face changed,
18:39and he immediately bowed his head.
18:41Didn't you already bring back
18:43your brother's widow?
18:44My father snurred.
18:46What,
18:46is the Ashford bed too small
18:48to contain your greed?
18:50Vivian's face went pale.
18:51My mother helped my father sit,
18:53her eyes sweeping over Leon,
18:54just in time.
18:55The royal physician is here too.
18:57We want to know,
18:58after three years without children,
19:00if it really isn't my daughter's fault.
19:02Leon's expression stiffened.
19:04What do you mean?
19:05It means my daughter is healthy.
19:07She can ride,
19:09shoot a bow,
19:11manage a castle.
19:12If three years of childlessness occurred,
19:15it's likely your fault,
19:16not hers.
19:17Mother replied evenly,
19:18You dare humiliate me?
19:20A heavy silence fell over the hall.
19:22Leon's face flushed from white to red,
19:23then blue.
19:24Mother smiled.
19:25Humiliate?
19:26When you forced my daughter
19:27to yield to her widowed sister-in-law,
19:28didn't you feel humiliated?
19:30Now you hear the truth,
19:31and you can't bear it?
19:33Leon is healthy.
19:35Vivian quickly added.
19:37I looked at her.
19:39How do you know?
19:40Did you test him secretly?
19:45Vivian was speechless.
19:47Leon shouted,
19:48Enough!
19:49Bring the physician!
19:51If there's nothing wrong with me,
19:54Aliyah must cancel the marriage with Cain,
19:57and return with me
19:58to the Ashford family!
20:00Mother didn't blink.
20:05And if you do have a problem?
20:07He gritted his teeth.
20:12I'll sign the legal separation order.
20:15I said,
20:17Not enough.
20:18I want a formal dissolution.
20:20Old Dower State returned.
20:22No Ashford may use the Valen name again.
20:25And Vivian shall not receive
20:27a single silver coin from me.
20:29Leon glared at me.
20:30You truly intend to leave me?
20:32Yes.
20:33Paine flickered in his eyes,
20:35as if realizing I wasn't just being petty.
20:38But it was too late.
20:39The royal physicians arrived swiftly.
20:42Leon initially stood straight,
20:43trying to prove something.
20:45The first physician finished the examination
20:47without a word.
20:48The second looked uneasy.
20:50The third set down his medical box
20:52and bowed to my father.
20:54Lord Ashford suffered a high fever in childhood,
20:57damaging his foundations.
20:58If he is to father children,
21:00it will be extremely difficult.
21:03Vivian's face turned pale.
21:05Leon shot to his feet.
21:06Impossible!
21:07Three years without a child,
21:09not because my daughter cannot,
21:11but because you cannot.
21:12Mother said coldly,
21:14Shut up!
21:16I stepped in front of him.
21:21After all the effort you put in
21:22with Vivian last night,
21:24it seems it was all for nothing.
21:28Leon raised his hand,
21:29as if to strike me.
21:31Paine grabbed his wrist,
21:32pressing him down to the floor.
21:35Show respect to Lady Valon.
21:39Leon's eyes were red with humiliation.
21:43I crouched and stared at him.
21:46Sign the legal separation order.
21:49No.
21:50Sign the decree of dissolution.
21:52Otherwise,
21:53I will take all three physicians
21:55to the royal court
21:56and show every noble
21:58that Lord Ashford married a widow
22:00not to inherit,
22:01but to prove he still has
22:03the strength of a man.
22:04His breaths came like broken bellows.
22:07Finally,
22:08he signed,
22:09hands trembling.
22:10I took the document
22:11and handed it to the officials
22:12for sealing.
22:13Vivian suddenly leapt forward.
22:15Leon, don't sign!
22:16If you do,
22:18what will we do?
22:19Leon threw her off.
22:21Silence!
22:23I watched them bicker like dogs
22:25and felt an unprecedented calm.
22:33Before leaving the hall,
22:35Leon turned to me.
22:37Alia,
22:38you will regret this.
22:40What can Cain give you?
22:44He's just a lowly knight.
22:46I linked my arm with Cain's.
22:48What he gave me last night
22:50is already more than
22:51what you have given me
22:51in three years.
22:54Leon's face was utterly shattered.
22:56The news spread
22:57and Silvercrest was abuzz
22:59for three full days.
23:00Some scolded me
23:01for being unorthodox,
23:02having a husband
23:03while taking a betrothed man
23:04to continue my late sister's bloodline.
23:06Others scolded Leon
23:07for being shameless,
23:08marrying his widowed sister-in-law
23:10and unable to tolerate me
23:11doing the same.
23:12And some quietly inquired
23:13about Cain,
23:14wondering what skill
23:15allowed Miss Valen
23:16to abandon her former husband
23:18in a single night.
23:20When Lucy related
23:21the rumors from the street,
23:23she laughed so hard
23:24she could barely stand.
23:27Madam,
23:29people say Lord Leon
23:30is surely furious.
23:32He's not furious.
23:34I said,
23:35flipping through account books.
23:37He's just near bankruptcy.
23:39After sealing the Dower estate,
23:42the Ashford family's
23:43financial gaps
23:44became evident
23:45faster than I imagined.
23:46They used my gold coins
23:48for household expenses,
23:49my jewels to gift Vivian,
23:51even forged my signature
23:53trying to mortgage
23:54Valen properties
23:54in Silvercrest.
23:56The day I delivered
23:57the evidence
23:57to the royal chancery,
23:59Leon came again.
24:00This time,
24:01he brought no guards,
24:03only exhaustion
24:03and anger.
24:05Aaliyah,
24:06must you wipe them
24:07out completely?
24:08I sat in the study,
24:09not letting him
24:10take a seat.
24:11A thief claiming
24:12the victim is merciless,
24:13that's novel.
24:14His voice low.
24:20That money was taken
24:21by my mother,
24:22I didn't know-
24:22The ruby brooch
24:23you gave Vivian,
24:23was that your mother
24:24slipping it into your hands too?
24:26He remained silent.
24:28I sneered.
24:30Don't push women forward
24:32whenever trouble comes.
24:36Your treatment of Vivian,
24:38your mother,
24:39and me,
24:40is all the same.
24:41Leon stepped closer,
24:42his expression
24:43softening suddenly.
24:45Aaliyah,
24:45must it come to this?
24:47We've had good times too.
24:49My fingers paused.
24:51He said,
24:52You forgot
24:52when we first married,
24:53you promised to stand
24:54by me in the royal court.
24:57I haven't forgotten.
24:59I looked at him,
25:00nor have I forgotten
25:01that once you stood firm
25:02the first thing you did
25:03was push me
25:04under Vivian's feet.
25:06His eyes reddened slightly.
25:08I was just annoyed
25:09by her crying.
25:12No.
25:13I said.
25:15You enjoyed her need for you
25:17and you enjoyed hurting me.
25:19Leon stiffened.
25:20I continued.
25:21You wanted to see me jealous,
25:23see me bow,
25:24prove that the High Marshal's daughter
25:26could go mad for you,
25:27but you didn't expect
25:28I would truly not want you.
25:32I never wanted to lose you.
25:34You just never wanted
25:35to lose my utility.
25:37Suddenly,
25:37hurried footsteps
25:38came from the door.
25:39Lucy pushed it open,
25:40face grim.
25:41Madam,
25:41Vivian is outside
25:42the royal court,
25:43crying that you forced Leon
25:44to sign the decree
25:45of Disilucious
25:46and claiming you and Cain
25:47already had an affair.
25:48Leon's face changed.
25:50I looked at him.
25:51Did you teach her?
25:53No.
25:55Then you should be thankful
25:56she bites faster than you.
25:58I stood.
25:59Prepare the carriage.
26:00We leave for the royal court.
26:02Leon urged.
26:03Aaliyah,
26:04this could have been
26:04handled privately.
26:05I smiled.
26:07I gave you a chance
26:08for private decency.
26:10You refused.
26:11Now face public disgrace.
26:13Outside the royal court,
26:14a crowd had gathered.
26:15Vivian knelt on the steps,
26:17crying in helpless sorrow.
26:19I only wanted to leave
26:20a child for Brian,
26:21but Aaliyah won't allow me.
26:23She seduced Cain first,
26:25forced Leon to annul
26:26the marriage,
26:26and now wants
26:27the Ashfield family's wealth.
26:29Some sympathized with her.
26:30Others watched the spectacle.
26:32I stepped down
26:33from the carriage,
26:34and the crowd
26:34instinctively parted.
26:36I lifted my chin
26:37toward Vivian.
26:38The moment she saw me,
26:39her sobbing grew louder.
26:40Please, Aaliyah,
26:42just let me go.
26:43I have nothing left.
26:46I walked up to her.
26:47The pearl necklace
26:48around your neck
26:49was still listed
26:49in my Dowd Estate
26:50inventory yesterday.
26:52My eyes swept over the pearls.
26:53If you think you have nothing,
26:55is it because stolen property
26:56doesn't count as property?
26:57The crowd immediately
26:58erupted into whispers.
26:59Vivian's face went pale.
27:02Leon gave it to me.
27:06Excellent.
27:07I turned to the
27:08royal chancery official.
27:10Record that.
27:12Vivian has admitted
27:13to receiving
27:13stolen marital property.
27:15Panic flashed
27:16across her face.
27:17That's not what I meant.
27:18I crouched down
27:19and gripped her chin,
27:20forcing her to meet my eyes.
27:21Vivian,
27:22don't you love crying?
27:23Then cry inside
27:24the royal court.
27:25Cry until the queen
27:26hears every detail.
27:28Tell her how you
27:28and Leon stole my property.
27:30Tell her how continuing
27:31your late husband's bloodline
27:33was supposedly sacred.
27:34And tell her why.
27:36When I chose to continue
27:38my late sister's bloodline,
27:39you suddenly called me
27:41unfaithful.
27:42Her voice trembled.
27:43You can't do this to me.
27:45I smiled.
27:48When you wore my ruby,
27:50did you ever wonder
27:50whether I could?
27:52Leon strode forward.
27:54Enough, Aaliyah!
27:56Cain stepped between us.
27:57The two men locked eyes,
27:59neither moved.
28:00Leon stared at him.
28:03Feeling proud of yourself now?
28:05Cain's voice was calm.
28:07More composed than you,
28:08at least.
28:09You only got where you are
28:11because of a woman.
28:13Before Cain could answer,
28:15I laughed.
28:16That's right.
28:17He rose because of me.
28:19But he signed the contract.
28:21He followed the rules.
28:22He respected me.
28:26You rose because of me too.
28:28Then you stole my money,
28:30slept with your sister-in-law,
28:31and traded my reputation
28:32for your own gain.
28:34I smiled coldly.
28:35Even when you depend on a woman,
28:36you somehow managed
28:37to do he it disgracefully.
28:39A collective gasp swept
28:40through the crowd.
28:41Leon looked as if
28:41he had been slapped.
28:42The gates of the royal court opened.
28:44A silver guard stepped forward.
28:45Her Majesty requests your presence.
28:47For the first time all day,
28:48Vivian stopped crying.
28:50She started shaking instead.
28:52Inside the royal court,
28:53Queen Isabella sat upon
28:54the silver throne of Silvercrest.
28:56She reviewed the account books,
28:58then the decree of dissolution.
29:00Then she looked at Leon.
29:01Lord Ashford,
29:02what do you have to say for yourself?
29:06Leon knelt immediately.
29:08Your Majesty,
29:09I acted foolishly,
29:10but I never intended
29:12to steal any marital property.
29:14The Queen raised an eyebrow.
29:16And marrying your brother's widow
29:18as a second concord
29:19was also foolishness?
29:21Leon lowered his head.
29:23It was for the continuation
29:25of the family.
29:26The Queen nodded.
29:27Lady Alia Vallon
29:29entered a house marriage pact
29:31to continue
29:32her late sister's bloodline.
29:35That was also
29:36for family continuation.
29:39Why, then,
29:41did you accuse her?
29:43Leon opened his mouth.
29:44Nothing came out.
29:46The Queen's gaze
29:47shifted to Vivian.
29:48You claimed Lady Alia
29:50and Sir Cain
29:51were involved
29:51before their marriage.
29:53Do you have evidence?
29:54Vivian burst into tears.
29:57No woman would allow him
29:59into her bedchamber
30:00for no reason.
30:02I laughed.
30:04Then why did you allow
30:06Leon into yours?
30:10Vivian froze.
30:11A trace of frost
30:12appeared in the Queen's eyes.
30:14At that moment,
30:15a royal physician
30:16hurried into the chamber.
30:18He bowed deeply.
30:19Your Majesty,
30:19per your command,
30:20I have completed
30:21an examination
30:22of Lady Vivian.
30:23She is pregnant.
30:26Leon immediately looked up.
30:29Vivian's face
30:29drained of all color.
30:31The physician continued.
30:32The entire court
30:33exploded into chaos.
30:35Leon stared in disbelief.
30:36Then Joy flooded
30:37his features.
30:38Your Previan,
30:38you're carrying my child?
30:39Vivian's lips trembled.
30:41She said nothing.
30:42I watched the physician's
30:43expression
30:43and already knew the answer.
30:45How far along?
30:46At least three months.
30:47The joy on Leon's face
30:49frozen.
30:49Three months ago,
30:50Leon had been inspecting
30:51the southern territories
30:51on royal orders.
30:52He had spent 40 consecutive days
30:54away from Silverbrust.
30:55Vivian collapsed onto the floor.
30:56I slowly turned towards Leon.
30:58Congratulations,
30:58you worked so hard
30:59to give your brother an heir.
31:01It turns out the child
31:02isn't even yours.
31:02It was as if someone
31:04had stripped Leon naked
31:05in front of the entire kingdom.
31:07He lunged at Vivian.
31:08Whose is it?
31:10Tell me!
31:11It's Ryan's!
31:12It's your birth brother's
31:14post-Homrian child!
31:16I raised an eyebrow.
31:17Then why were you afraid
31:18to say so earlier?
31:20Because nobody
31:22would believe me!
31:25Bring in the witness.
31:27The queen's voice
31:28cut through the room.
31:30The doors opened again.
31:32A woman in a gray cloak
31:34entered.
31:35The moment she removed
31:36her mask,
31:37someone behind me
31:38gasped.
31:39Selina.
31:40My sister.
31:42The sister I believe dead.
31:44Standing alive
31:45in the center
31:46of the royal court.
31:47My fingers tightened.
31:48I said nothing.
31:51She looked at me.
31:52There was apology in eyes
31:54and the familiar sharpness
31:56I remembered.
31:58Later, sister.
32:00I'll explain later.
32:01Then she turned
32:02towards the throne
32:03and dropped to one knee.
32:05Selina Valen,
32:06crown agent
32:07of the Silver Ravens.
32:09Assigned to investigate
32:10the illegal sale
32:11of frontier war maps
32:12by the Ashford family.
32:14Brian Ashford
32:15did not die of illness.
32:16He was poisoned.
32:17Leon froze completely.
32:20Vivian shrieked.
32:21She's a fake!
32:22Selina died years ago!
32:26Selina looked at her calmly.
32:29Of course you'd prefer that.
32:31Because if I were alive,
32:33I could prove your secret
32:35corresponding with Marcus,
32:37the smuggler operating
32:38along the Frostmarch.
32:39And I could prove Brian
32:41met with me
32:42before he died.
32:44The Queen raised her hand.
32:46The Silver Guard
32:47presented letters,
32:49account books,
32:50poison vials,
32:51and jewelry secretes.
32:52One by one,
32:54Selina read through them.
32:55When Leon and Vivian
32:57began their affair,
32:58when Vivian started
32:59carrying messages
33:00for Marcus,
33:01when Brian discovered
33:03the stolen military maps,
33:04and who handed him
33:06wine on the night
33:07he died,
33:08with every revelation,
33:10Leon's face
33:10grew grainer.
33:12At last,
33:13Vivian broke.
33:13She pointed at Leon.
33:15It was him!
33:16He said marrying
33:18Aaliyah
33:18was only for the
33:19Valen family's
33:20influence
33:21and money!
33:24He said once
33:26the old High Marshal
33:27died,
33:27everything would
33:28belong to him!
33:29When Brian became
33:30suspicious,
33:31Leon told me
33:32to keep him
33:33under control!
33:34You were the one
33:35working with Marcus!
33:38Vivian screamed back.
33:40You took more money
33:41than I did!
33:42You said no matter
33:43how pitiful Vivian was,
33:45she'd never be worth
33:47as much
33:48as Aaliyah's dowry!
33:50The Royal Court
33:51fell silent,
33:52I stood there,
33:54and suddenly
33:54nothing hurt anymore.
33:56Perhaps pain
33:56becomes weightless
33:57once it reaches
33:58its limit.
33:59Realizing he was
34:00finished,
34:01Leon crawled
34:02towards me.
34:05Aaliyah,
34:06please,
34:07save me.
34:09I cared about you.
34:11I really did.
34:13She deceived me.
34:14I only wanted
34:15to prove myself.
34:16I looked down
34:17at him.
34:18If you wanted
34:19to prove yourself,
34:20you should have
34:20done it on the
34:21battlefield.
34:21or in the
34:22royal court,
34:23or through
34:24your own
34:25abilities.
34:26Why crawl
34:27into women's beds,
34:29steal women's money,
34:31and step on
34:32women's dignity?
34:33Tears streamed
34:34down his face.
34:37I was wrong.
34:39I shook my head.
34:40No.
34:42Wrong is a mistake.
34:44You were cruel.
34:46He reached for my skirt.
34:48Kane stepped in front of him.
34:49I did not retreat.
34:51Instead,
34:52I bowed to the Queen.
34:53Your Majesty,
34:54I request the complete
34:56termination of all
34:57marital ties with
34:58Leon Ashfield,
34:59the recovery of all
35:00marital property,
35:01and restoration of the
35:03Valen family's honor.
35:04As for treason
35:05and murder,
35:06I ask only that
35:07the law take its course.
35:10The Queen studied me
35:11for a long moment.
35:13Then she nodded.
35:16Granted.
35:19Aaliyah!
35:20Do you really not
35:21love me anymore?
35:22Leon collapsed.
35:23As I turned to leave,
35:24he shouted after me.
35:26I paused,
35:27only for a moment.
35:28Then I answered,
35:29I loved you once.
35:31It remains the least
35:32honorable thing
35:33I have ever done.
35:34The night before
35:35final judgment,
35:36Leon escaped.
35:37When the news arrived,
35:38I was sitting beside
35:39my father's bed.
35:40He had grown very weak.
35:42After hearing the report,
35:43he asked only one question.
35:44Are the castle gates secured?
35:47They are.
35:48Kane answered.
35:50I'll protect her.
35:52Father looked at him.
35:54Don't just say it.
35:56Kane lowered his head.
36:00I'll protect her
36:01with my life.
36:05Who asked for your life?
36:07I want you alive
36:08while protecting me.
36:10I frowned.
36:11To my surprise,
36:13father laughed.
36:15Good.
36:16That sounds like my daughter.
36:18Snow fell heavily that night.
36:20Near midnight,
36:22an arrow suddenly shattered
36:23through the window
36:24and buried itself
36:25the bookshelf behind him.
36:26Cain moved
36:27at the same instant.
36:29He tackled me
36:30to the floor.
36:32The next arrow
36:33grazed his shoulder.
36:36Blood immediately
36:38soaked through his shirt.
36:40I reached for the wound.
36:45Don't move.
36:47Footsteps echoed
36:47in the corridor.
36:48Then came Leon's voice.
36:50Aliyah!
36:51Aliyah!
36:52Come out!
36:54I gripped my dagger.
36:57You're impossible
36:58to get rid of.
36:59The door crashed open.
37:01Leon stood there
37:02with several hired blades.
37:03His hair was disheveled.
37:05His eyes bloodshot.
37:06Nothing remained
37:07of the nobleman.
37:08Only the desperation
37:09of a gambler
37:09who had lost everything.
37:11Come with me.
37:12If you beg the queen
37:13for mercy,
37:14I can still survive.
37:16I laughed coldly.
37:18Whether you survive
37:19has nothing to do with me.
37:21You can't be this heartless.
37:23We were married
37:24for three years.
37:25Exactly.
37:27Three years
37:27was more than enough
37:28to learn how disgusting
37:29you are.
37:30You're doing this
37:31because of Cain?
37:32His face twisted.
37:33What is he?
37:33Nothing more than a man
37:34who picked up a woman
37:35I threw away.
37:36Cain stepped forward
37:37with his sword.
37:37I stopped him.
37:38Then I looked directly
37:39at Leon.
37:40No.
37:40You've got it backwards.
37:41I threw you away.
37:42And that gave him
37:43the chance to stand
37:44beside me.
37:46With a roar,
37:47Leon charged.
37:49Steel clashed
37:50against steel.
37:51Sparks flew.
37:53I did not retreat.
37:55Instead,
37:55I seized the alarm rope
37:57hanging from the wall
37:58and pulled with all my strength.
38:00The bell thundered
38:01through all of Valenki.
38:02Guests, knights,
38:03royal silver guards,
38:05everyone woke.
38:06Torches flared
38:06throughout the castle
38:07and every one of them
38:08saw Leon Ashfield
38:09breaking into my castle
38:10at night,
38:11sword in hand,
38:11demanding my help.
38:13Cain kicked away his weapon
38:14and forced him to his knees.
38:15Leon Tueyfei looked up,
38:17then suddenly began to cry.
38:19A'Lillia,
38:20I was wrong.
38:21Come back.
38:21If you return,
38:23I'll abandon Vivian.
38:24I'll abandon
38:25the second Concord arrangement.
38:27We can start over.
38:28The corridor fell silent.
38:30He still thought
38:30he had a chance.
38:31I walked toward him
38:33and looked down.
38:34Leon,
38:34I'm pregnant.
38:36He froze.
38:37Completely.
38:38Cain's head snapped
38:39toward me.
38:40Shock.
38:41Joy.
38:42and cautious hope.
38:45I nodded gently.
38:46The physician confirmed it
38:47this afternoon.
38:48Cain's eyes reddened.
38:49He said nothing,
38:50but the hand holding
38:51his sword trembled.
38:53Leon stared my stomach
38:54like a madman.
38:55Impossible.
38:56We tried for three years.
38:57I smiled,
38:58which proves the problem
38:59was never me.
39:00Why him?
39:01How could he do in one night
39:02what I couldn't do
39:03in three years?
39:03No!
39:04I leaned close
39:04and whispered into his ear.
39:06Because he treated me
39:07like a person.
39:08You treated me like a tool.
39:10Even heaven found you filthy.
39:11As Leon was dragged away,
39:13he continued shouting my name.
39:14The sound grew
39:15finter and finter
39:16until it felt like a nightmare
39:18from another lifetime.
39:19My father passed away
39:20three days after the first snowfall.
39:21Before the end,
39:22Queen Isabella
39:23personally came to Valen keep.
39:24She removed her silver crown
39:26and bowed beside his bed.
39:27The kingdom owes
39:28the Valen family
39:28more than it can repay.
39:29Father could no longer
39:30speak clearly.
39:31I held his hand.
39:33Father,
39:34I'm carrying a child.
39:35The physician says
39:36everything is healthy.
39:37His eyes brightened.
39:39The queen placed
39:40a silver wilt beside the bed.
39:42Whether the child
39:42is a boy or a girl,
39:43they shall inherit
39:44the Valen title and lands.
39:46The Valen line will not end
39:48for lack of a male heir.
39:49Father looked at me.
39:50A faint smile
39:51touched his lips.
39:52He spoke only one word.
39:54Good.
39:56After his passing,
39:58I wore black mourning clothes
39:59and stood before the castle gates,
40:00receiving every visitor
40:01who came to pay respects.
40:04Some looked at my stomach.
40:06Some at Cain.
40:08Some at Selina,
40:10now openly serving
40:11once more as a crown agent.
40:14But no one dared whisper
40:15that I lacked virtue.
40:17Because Leon's sentence
40:18arrived the very same day,
40:20murdering his brother,
40:22selling frontier war maps,
40:24stealing marital property,
40:27defrauding the daughter
40:28of a high marshal.
40:30For these crimes,
40:31he was stripped of office
40:32and family honors,
40:34then exiled to Frosttown Mines
40:36for life.
40:39Never again would he return
40:41to Silvercrest.
40:42Vivian was sent to a condent
40:44until the birth of her child.
40:46Afterward,
40:47the crown would verify
40:48the child's bloodline legacy.
40:51The jewelry,
40:52gowns,
40:53pearls,
40:54and perfume she had stolen
40:55were all seized
40:56to repay debts.
40:58The Ashford family
40:59lost most of its lands.
41:01Only a leaking old manor remained.
41:04When Lucy finished
41:06reading the reports aloud,
41:07she asked,
41:10Are you happy, madam?
41:12I looked at the silver candles
41:13burning before
41:14my father's memorial.
41:17Happy is too small a word.
41:20Then what is it?
41:23Satisfying.
41:24Months later,
41:26I gave birth to a daughter.
41:28Her cries rang through Valenkeep
41:30as though she intended
41:31to wake the entire castle.
41:33The queen personally
41:35gave her a name.
41:36Liana Valen.
41:38Future Duchess of Valen.
41:40He looked down at his daughter.
41:42His voice was softer
41:43than I had ever heard.
41:50Swords aren't this small.
41:54Selina stood nearby
41:56and touched the baby's hand.
41:58Liana immediately grabbed her finger.
42:00Selina smirked.
42:01Strong grip.
42:02I'll teach her the dagger one day.
42:04Too early.
42:05Kane said immediately.
42:06I glanced at him.
42:08Didn't you say you learn quickly?
42:10He considered for a moment,
42:12then answered seriously.
42:14Then I'll start by learning
42:16how to be a father
42:17who never disappoints his daughter.
42:19I looked at him.
42:20And for the first time
42:21in a very long time,
42:22I felt completely at peace.
42:24Leon had spoken
42:24many beautiful words.
42:26Kane rarely did.
42:27Instead,
42:27every time he approached me,
42:28he first asked whether
42:29I wanted him there.
42:30Every time he stood beside me,
42:31he first made sure I needed him.
42:33Every time he drew his sword,
42:35it was not to prove
42:36he was stronger than me.
42:38It was to make sure
42:39I could stand more firmly
42:41on my own.
42:42That was worth more
42:44than any vow.
42:45On Lyanna's one-month celebration,
42:47the queen hosted a grand banquet
42:50at Valen Keep.
42:52The silver lion banner
42:53flew proudly across the walls
42:55once more.
42:56The nobles congratulated me.
42:58They called me Countess Valen.
43:01They called my daughter
43:02the future ruler of the frontier.
43:04I knew some of them
43:06still disapproved.
43:07They disliked seeing a woman
43:09preserve her house.
43:10They disliked seeing a baby girl
43:12inherit a title.
43:13They disliked seeing
43:15a frontier knight
43:16become the man of House Valen.
43:18But all they could do
43:20was smile.
43:21Leon had already tested
43:23what happened otherwise.
43:24Anyone who treated me
43:25like a weakness
43:26would be the first thing I broke.
43:32Near the end of the banquet,
43:33the queen handed me
43:34a sealed message.
43:36The northern rebels have learned
43:37that the violin heir
43:38has been born.
43:40They've already begun moving.
43:41I opened the letter.
43:43A single sentence
43:43was written inside.
43:44Kill the infant girl
43:45and the Valen Bannon
43:46will fall on its own.
43:48Kane's hand settled
43:48on his sword.
43:49Selina smiled,
43:50fearless as ever.
43:51I tossed the message
43:52into the candle flame
43:53and watched it burn to ash.
43:54The queen studied me.
43:56Are you afraid?
43:59I looked toward my daughter
44:00sleeping peacefully
44:01in her cradle.
44:02Her tiny fist was clenched
44:04as if she already
44:05held her own destiny.
44:07I smiled.
44:09They've misunderstood
44:10one thing.
44:11And what is that?
44:13I lifted my eyes
44:14to the Silver Lion Banner
44:15flying outside the window.
44:17The Valen Banner
44:18was never carried
44:19by men alone.
44:20A winter gale
44:20swept across the castle walls.
44:23The Silver Lion Banner
44:24snapped proudly
44:25against the snow-filled sky.
44:27Once,
44:27I believed marriage
44:28was where a woman belonged.
44:29Then Leon taught me
44:30something else.
44:31When your home rots
44:32from the inside
44:32you don't stay and die with it.
44:33You set it on fire yourself.
44:35Once,
44:35I believed that
44:36after my father was gone
44:37I would be the only one
44:38left carrying
44:38Lad Valen on my shoulders.
44:40Later,
44:40I realized I still had my sister.
44:42I had my daughter.
44:43I had a man
44:44willing to stand beside me
44:45without trying to eclipse me.
44:47And most importantly,
44:48I had myself.
44:50I bent down
44:50and kissed Liana's forehead.
44:54Sleep well,
44:55my little duchess.
44:56She shifted slightly
44:57in her sleep.
44:58I wrapped my fingers
44:58over her tiny hand
44:59and smiled at the storm
45:00beyond the window.
45:01A new war
45:02was already coming.
45:03This time I would not fight
45:04to preserve my family
45:05for any man.
45:06I would fight for myself,
45:07for my daughter,
45:08for the name Valen.
45:09And this time
45:09I would ride into
45:10the battle personally.
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