Chapter 4: Exiled With the Fallen Prince

A few days later, a royal decree arrived, stripping William of his title.

I didn't really get what "stripping" meant.

"From now on, he's not the Crown Prince," Mrs. Dorsey explained, her face worried.

"Then who is he?"

"He's William."

He was always William.

That day, I waited in his study for hours before they finally brought him in.

His clothes were bloodied, and I was so frightened I didn't know what to do.

After the maids changed him, everyone left.

"Why are you crying?" William, lying on the bed, turned to me.

I sniffled. "Does it hurt?"

His lashes trembled, his eyes deep and stormy.

"Don't you know what day it is?" He pulled me close, his hand at my neck. "Don't you understand what your father wanted by marrying you to me?"

I hesitated, then nodded.

"I do." My voice was soft and shaky through my tears. "I was the one who told Dad I liked you."

His eyes trembled, and he let go of me gently.

I lay on his chest and asked the question I'd wanted to ask on our wedding night:

"Is it because I'm stupid that you didn't want to marry me?"

William didn't answer.

When I looked up again, he was asleep.

I pouted and quietly lay beside him.

"They said I can't call you Your Highness anymore," I whispered. "Can I just call you William now?"

He didn't answer, but his lashes flickered.

"Since you're quiet, I'll take it as a yes."

I giggled to myself until I fell asleep.

When I woke, there was a commotion outside.

Beside me, William was still sleeping.

I tiptoed out and found several unfamiliar palace staff at the door.

"Who are you?" I asked, letting Mrs. Dorsey fix my hair.

The lead servant gave a crooked smile. "We're from His Majesty. By royal order, William is exiled to the northern frontier. He leaves at once."

He looked at me. "The Governor has served the state well. You're his daughter; as long as William writes a separation letter, you may return safely home."

I blinked.

"What's a separation letter?" I asked Mrs. Dorsey.

She looked troubled and whispered, "It means ending your marriage."

I didn't want that.

But before I could speak, William appeared behind me.

He wore only a white undershirt, his face as pale as fresh snow.

I ran to him but forgot Mrs. Dorsey was fixing my hair. She yanked, and tears sprang to my eyes.

"William, since you're hurt, you may leave by carriage," the servant said, voice high.

William ignored him, looking only at my messy hair.

Maybe he thought I was clumsy.

Remembering what Mrs. Dorsey said, I grabbed his sleeve and shook my head. "William, don't separate from me."

He stared at me a long time, then pulled his robe free.

"Do you know where the northern frontier is?" he asked.

I looked at Mrs. Dorsey, who knelt before him.

"She's always been frail. Please, let her stay."

"Mrs. Dorsey!" I was shocked.

She'd always been at my side. Before Mom died, she told me to listen to Mrs. Dorsey.

But now she wanted William to send me away.

"Miss." Mrs. Dorsey hugged me, her eyes red. "Your father wants to protect you. Just listen, this once."

I didn't understand.

People always say husband and wife are one, and now they wanted us apart.

I looked up at William, who gave a cold laugh and turned away.

"If that's what the Governor wants, I won't fight it."

William wrote the letter of separation.

I couldn't read all of it; I just knew his handwriting was beautiful, just like him. It made my heart ache.

"Miss..." Mrs. Dorsey saw me staring at the letter and looked heartbroken.

I tucked it away and turned to her. "I'm hungry. Can you make your sweet rice pudding?"

She paused, then nodded. "All right, I'll make it right now."

As soon as she left, I hurried into the inner hall, stuffed my favorite things into my cloak, and slipped out the back window.

The carriage for William was already waiting at the palace gate.

By the time I squeezed into the carriage, my knees felt like jelly.

I curled up in the corner, hiding under a thin blanket.

I waited a long time before footsteps sounded and someone climbed in.

I held my breath, but William found me anyway.

He lifted the blanket, raising an eyebrow when he saw me.

"How did you know I was here?" I whispered.

He glanced around, a little amused. "You tell me."

I didn't know. I thought I'd hidden well. William must just be clever.

I tugged his sleeve. "Don't send me away, okay?"

He looked down at me.

"I'm obedient, and I haven't been sick in a long time. What Mrs. Dorsey said isn't true." I scooted closer to him. "Take me with you, please?"

He glanced at my overstuffed clothes, a faint smile in his eyes.

"Go to the frontier?"

I nodded.

"You know you'll never have fancy pastries or pretty dresses again?"

I didn't know that. But pastries weren't as important as William.

"That's fine. I won't eat them anymore."

He gently lifted my chin, his gaze growing more intense. "Your father won't want that."

I blinked, my eyes burning.

"I lied. Dad doesn't really like me. After Mom died, he barely saw me. He thinks I'm stupid; he likes my clever sister."

I sniffled. "Do you like my clever sister? Is that why you want to leave me?"

His hand slid along my jaw, a faint, almost teasing smile at his lips.

"Not necessarily." His voice was soft, oddly comforting.

I didn't get it.

Before I could ask, a man's voice called from outside.

"Sir, what's that noise inside?"

I quickly covered my mouth, shaking my head at William.

He lifted the curtain, glanced at the tall palace walls, and said, "Nothing. Let's go."

He dropped the curtain and turned back to me, his eyes unreadable and deep.

He said quietly, "Since you chose to come with me, don't regret it later."