Two-Faced Princess - Chapter 293

“Ah, Amoreta,” Paris remarked as if something suddenly came to his mind. “You… should take a brief leave from here.”

Amoreta’s eyes widened in surprise. “Excuse me?”

“It’s nothing major. It’s just that things are chaotic in the palace before the coronation. I’ve always believed you’d be better off in a place with fresher air, perhaps to recuperate. It’s safer.”

Paris, who was just a moment ago seemingly at a loss for how to handle her affection, now avoided her gaze. A pang of anxiety swept through Amoreta.

“Where should I go?” she asked, her inner voice praying fervently. She hoped her suspicions were unfounded, that the diamond necklace she wore was just a coincidence, and that Paris wouldn’t mention that dreaded name again.

“I know just the place. It boasts beautiful scenery and expansive hunting grounds.”

Amoreta’s pupils fluttered anxiously. Fortunately, Paris wasn’t looking her way.

“It belongs to a close acquaintance of mine. Everything is prepared for your visit,” he continued. A wave of nausea washed over Amoreta. She felt an overwhelming urge to silence Paris before he could say another word.

“You’ll be hosted by my trusted friend and ally, Duke Gabriel Fortrus.”

Strength seemed to flee from her body. Her head spun, making it hard to grasp his subsequent words. Wrapped in the arms of the ever-smiling crown prince, Amoreta felt as if her heart had splintered into countless shards.

Through the open window, a scar-faced white bat flew in. Despite its grotesque appearance – the distorted face, unseeing eyes, and ragged physique – Apollonia greeted the creature warmly.

“Welcome back, Pan.”

Pan was among Evangeline’s summoned creatures. While not as intelligent as a monkey or as tenacious and swift as a one-eyed crow, it was tame enough for mundane tasks. Evangeline once explained, “If you assign trivial tasks to a monkey, it either grows despondent or starts fabricating tales out of boredom.”

Therefore, Pan mostly ferried a handful of documents between Evangeline and Apollonia, avoiding long journeys.

“It’s a good thing I’ve prepared some treats,” Adrian remarked, bringing over a plate of fruits. With a joyful chirp, Pan began nibbling on an apple slice.

“Despite his luxurious tastes, he picks only the priciest apples. He’s unexpectedly refined, quite the sophisticated character,” Adrian observed the creature, holding a letter that Pan had delivered.

“It’s a response from the queens. They replied quickly.”

Apollonia accepted the three letters from Adrian. Since Evangeline had become fully loyal to her, Apollonia had relied on her to manage correspondence, including letters sent abroad. The method was unclear, but Evangeline facilitated communication with astonishing speed, ensuring responses reached Apollonia promptly.

“Evangeline’s network is becoming intimidating. Does this mean she has informants in the Bieren, Litten, and Bael kingdoms?”

“Yes. She mentioned knowing an informant deep within the Bieren palace for over a decade now. They’ve apparently had numerous offspring in that time.”

“Humans?”

Apollonia shook her head vigorously in response to Adrian’s surprised query. “I didn’t specifically ask, but with two hundred children… either they’re creatures or the informant possesses remarkable… vigor?”

Adrian’s baffled expression prompted Apollonia to focus on the letters. Their contents were largely consistent.

“They’ve acknowledged the invitations — both the formal ones issued in my father’s name and the personal ones I sent.”

Apollonia skimmed through.

“They’ve committed to sending a lavish delegation to the coronation. The delegation will be as large as possible, exactly as I requested…”

She smiled reading the conclusion of each letter.

“They’ll ensure the attendees are disguised as ordinary people, but all will be knights skilled in combat.”

“And the queens themselves?”

Adrian inquired, noting Apollonia’s nostalgic expression when mentioning old comrades.

“I advised them of potential dangers and recommended sending only their husbands. However, Bianca insists she’ll come alongside Ikarut,” Apollonia indicated in one central letter. Adrian chuckled, then sighed.

“Parents of three being so daring… Or perhaps they’re seeking respite from parenting duties? I’ve heard their eldest prince can be quite the handful.”

“Really?”

Apollonia pondered Bianca enjoying time with her three children, a genuine smile gracing her noble face.

“In that case, our plan’s success is paramount.”

“With the King of Bieren around, Bianca will surely be safe.”

The memory of the bear-like man from a few years prior, valiantly saving Bianca from a creature, came to Apollonia’s mind.

“You’re right.”

She collected the three letters in one hand and with the other, she picked up a candlestick. She then used the candle to ignite one corner of a letter. Adrian stepped back, but Apollonia held the letters until they were entirely consumed by flames.

“It used to be said that your inherent trait endangered your life, but now, it seems quite useful,” Adrian quipped, watching the flames dance around Apollonia’s hand.

“Perhaps Apollo was also a god of evidence destruction.”

After ensuring the three letters had fully turned to ash, she gestured towards a stack on a corner of the desk.

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