Novel Square
Chapter 300
Chapter 300
Matthew was ready to politely decline for Lucy, but she responded to the maid with a warm smile, "I got it. Tell my sister I'll be right there."
Lucy knew her parents' greatest wish was for her to bond with Charlotte as true sisters.
With her parents treating her so kindly, refusing an invitation from Charlotte herself just did not seem right.
"Of course, Second Princess."
The maid nodded and backed out of the room, leaving Matthew to eye Lucy with a hint of disapproval. "Lucy, why on earth did you say yes? What if Charlotte's planning something sinister in her own quarters?"
Matthew's concern creased his forehead. He was not one to cry wolf without reason. He had a habit of expecting the worst in people.
Lucy shook her head, a gentle smile on her face. "Oh, Matthew, you're worrying too much. We're in the royal palace, for heaven's sake. Charlotte wouldn't dare tarnish her image with our folks watching.
"And let's be honest, we're only guessing her intentions. She invited me for tea, nothing more. It'd be downright impolite to refuse."
Lucy's words were meant to soothe, but Matthew's worry lingered. She pressed on, "Look, if it'll ease your mind, just mail the letter and then swing by to pick me up, okay?"
She tugged at his arm playfully, and with a heavy sigh, Matthew gave in. "Alright. Then, wait for me. I'll be back before you know it." "Promise!" Lucy beamed, nodding eagerly. Matthew handed her the envelope, ruffled her hair affectionately, and strode off.
Lucy did not waste a moment, making a beeline for Charlotte's place.
The maid had just reached Charlotte, panting slightly from the rush.
"You're finally back? What took you so long? Did she agree to come?"
Charlotte's voice was composed, her attention only half-removed from her tea. The maid hurriedly explained, "I ran into the butler's wife on the way, but yes, the princess said she'd be right over."
The maid had done her job well enough to avoid Charlotte's ire. With a casual flick of her wrist, Charlotte granted her leave. "Good, you're dismissed."
"Yes, Princess Charlotte."
The maid could not believe her luck and made a beeline for the door. Just as she was about to step out, Charlotte's voice stopped hendead in her tracks. Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.
"Hold on, the butler's wife... Did she go and drop something off for Lucy again? What was it this time?"
Charlotte's question began with a hint of suspicion but quickly turned into a pointed demand for the truth.
Feeling a knot in her stomach, the maid braced herself and answered, "It was only some clothes, Princess. There's no need to worry." Only clothes?! That was hardly believable. Charlotte felt a surge of jealousy boiling up inside her every time Juliana sent Lucy gifts. "That's enough, leave my sight!"
Charlotte's voice pierced the air like a knife. The maid, scared out of her wits, scurried away.
How could the king and queen be so unfair, showering the despicable Lucy with all sorts of treasures?
They were at it again today. Were
Ine
they trying to hand over the entire palace to that vile woman? Charlotte seethed internally. Yet, in reality, Arthur and Juliana had lavished Charlotte with gifts throughout her life The gifts were no less grand than those given to Lucy
The difference was that Charlotte's gifts were spread out over the year, not presented in one grand gesture like Lucy's.
However, Charlotte could not see past her own resentment, which seemed to have no end.
She felt that her parents favored Lucy over her, and no matter what they did for her, she was convinced it was true.
Her heart was a tangle of bitterness that she had not yet expressed when Lucy herself appeared. "Charlotte, I've arrived. I got held up a bit on the way. You must have been waiting for ages, right?"