Chapter 5 Something Terrible Has Happened

• After Emilia returns to her chamber. She sinks into a hot bath, letting the steam rise around her as her thoughts swirl.
• Her maids help her into a fresh gown—different from the one they had laid out earlier.
• Her mind drifts back to her earlier words—to her bold idea of marrying Cornelius Cornelius. It still seems like the best way out. Affection doesn’t matter right now.
• He’s a far better option than living in the palace—married to a man she doesn’t love, surrounded by rival wives.
• The thought of Catherine possibly taking her place strengthens her resolve. She had asked her father for permission to let Catherine marry first, but no suitable suitor ever came. So she remains unmarried.
• “Alice, style my hair into a ponytail. Use the finest jewels,” Emilia instructs.
• “If Father won’t come around quickly, I might as well propose the marriage myself.”
• “My lady, what are you thinking?” June asks, dismayed.
• “Why would you want to marry Master Cornelius?”
• Both of her maids looks at her puzzled.
• Alice adds,
• “Even if marrying the King is dangerous… it’s still better than being the wife of a useless man.”
• They are clearly upset about her choice and would rather die in the palace than to be stuck in the house of someone like Cornelius.
• The shame that comes with that is forever.
• “You two don’t have to worry, I will take care of this properly.” Emilia assures them but they are not convinced
• “Then you are going to let Miss Catherine attend the banquet in your place?” June asks,
• “If Catherine wants to go to the banquet, let her,” Emilia replies with finality.
• The maids fall silent, carefully working on her hair. June fetches silver heels.
• “My lady, what if we met with the King instead? Maybe the agreement can still be canceled,” Alice pleads, making a last resort.
• “Yes, my lady. Marriage is forever and divorce is never allowed. Associating with master Cornelius is going to ruin your position forever.”
• “I know you’re worried, but Cornelius is the better choice. Once we get married, I will set him in place and won’t have to share him with other women,” Emilia answers as June returns.
• “Bring me fine wines, gold, and valuables. Prepare a carriage with twenty servants. We leave in ten minutes.”
• The maids bows resignedly and hurry off to fulfill her orders.
• Later that evening, Emilia reclines in her luxurious carriage, eyes closed, a smile playing on her lips. Her gamble has paid off.
• Cornelius’s family is thrilled to receive her.
• Though it is not customary for a woman to propose her own marriage to the family of the groom, everyone knows that Emilia holds the same power as her father and her words carries much weight.
• The promise to stay married to their son no matter what happens-was enough too — enough to win their hearts.
• They agreed to send an official proposal the next day to the Markham manor. The marriage would happen in three days.
• "June, how much longer until we get home?” Emilia asks.
• “In a few minutes, my lady.”
• Emilia calculates the time, and her family should be back from the palace’s banquet already.
• She’s eager to share the news—though her father will likely protest, he’ll have to accept it.
• The carriage pulls into the estate, and Alice help Emilia get down and they head inside the house but as they approach the front hall, they saw the place in a state of chaos.
• The servants rush about, the main hall is in disarray, and no one notices Emilia’s arrival.
• “Don’t you see the young lady?!” June snaps at a maid who nearly collides with them.
• “S-Sorry, my lady!” the maid gasps, dropping to her knees. Others follow suit.
• “What happened? Why is everywhere like this? Why are you all out here?” Emilia demands.
• She spots Emily among them—without Catherine.
• “My lady… something terrible has happened,” one of the maids whispers.
• Emilia’s brows knit.
• “Where is my father?”
• She questions but everyone keep quiet, looking at each other with whispered silence.
• Alice and June looks at her, alarmed.
• “Let’s go inside.”
• They rush into the hall and a few servants, including Emily follows them but the space is empty.
• A servant finally speaks,
• “Everyone is in Madam Sophia’s quarters.”
• Emilia leads the way, her heart pounding. Inside, the air is heavy with dread. Louis meets her first.
• The rest of the family, sitting with worries etched on their faces also turn towards her.
• “Mother collapsed. She’s just woken up.”
• “Collapsed?” Emilia echoes.
• “Why?”
• Her eyes searches everyone in the room but Catherine wasn’t there.
• “Father… he’s in trouble,” Louis says.
• “There was an accusation at the banquet. Someone claimed he’s been sheltering rebels—planning to help them overthrow the King.” he explains.
• “Rebels? What nonsense! Who accused him?” Emilia yells
• Sophia stirs, whispering Emilia’s name. Emilia hurries to her bedside, clutching her frail hand for the first time in years.
• Everyone else also turns to Sophia, relieved.
• “Emilia… you have to do something to save your father,” Sophia gasps.
• “Save him? He’s innocent!” Emilia protests, but Sophia’s weary eyes silence her.
• “The truth will be confirmed soon and he will be proven innocent.” Emilia assures but Sophia shakes her head in tears.
• “They brought evidence. The King’s guards found the people your father hired—people he gave shelter to. Turns out they’re not just homeless… they’re escaped rebels from the last uprising and followers of Jurua.”