Chapter 29 The gossip from inside and outside the palace reached Obsidian Estate almost at once . One of Nathaniel's guards , Cloud York , stormed back into the estate from his walk through the streets , his face burning with anger . " The stories are told so vividly , as if the listeners were right there . Those filthy rumors are far worse for a young lady than if someone stabs her straight through the heart . You didn't hear it yourself , Your Highness . Those spreading the lies don't care one bit about Lady Campbell's honor or wellbeing . Their cruelty is beyond measure , " Cloud ranted . After hearing the details of the rumors , even Nathaniel's usually composed expression darkened . To the world , an unmarried young woman who had lost her virtue at a military camp was no different than a common prostitute . To have the noble granddaughter of the Duke of Blackmoor accused in such a way was a grave insult . " They're using such despicable means just to force Lady Campbell into begging the king to revoke his edict and proceed with the wedding to Prince Frederick . " But no one stops to think about the lifelong stain this will leave on her name . Even if she becomes Prince Frederick's princess consort , she will never be able to hold her head high again , " Cloud said with bitter disgust . To destroy a young lady's reputation to achieve their goals was the lowest form of evil . Nathaniel said nothing . But behind his cold mask , his narrowed eyes gleamed with a chilling sharpness . Liam Jensen , another of Nathaniel's guards , said , " Your Highness , such vile tactics are most likely not the work of Prince Frederick himself . " Cloud was fuming . " But the one who clearly benefits from all this is Prince Frederick . Lady Campbell already secured the king's edict to call off the engagement . Now , with these rumors spreading , her only choices are to marry Prince Frederick or take her own life . " They were truly trying to drive the poor woman to her death ! " Though Prince Frederick is His Highness ' rival , he is at least somewhat honorable . He wouldn't stoop to such heartless cruelty , " Liam pointed out . Cloud snorted coldly . Then , who do you think is behind such cruelty ? " Liam met Nathaniel's gaze and quietly said , " To disgrace Lady Campbell like this serves several purposes . First , it's a warning to show her who truly holds power over her . Second , it lets Prince Frederick vent his anger . " And third , it is a move to take complete control of the Duke of Blackmoor's household . There is only one person in the world clever enough to plan such a scheme for Prince Frederick . " Cloud's eyes brightened . " Lady Ruth ? " Frustration and anger washed over him again . He glanced anxiously at the silent man in black in front of him . " Your Highness , if this continues , Lady Campbell will be forced to marry Prince Frederick . Even if she refuses , it won't matter once the rumors reach the Duke of Blackmoor . He'll drag her to Hawthorne Estate and make her go through with the wedding , by force if necessary ! Doesn't that mean she really can't escape her fate ? " said Cloud . But if she married Frederick that way , Selena would spend her whole life trapped under the constant humiliation of Ruth and Frederick . Her days would be filled with misery and compromise ! Liam looked at Nathaniel , a flicker of unease in his eyes . " Your Highness , do you have a plan to save Lady Campbell ? " None of them understood why Nathaniel had gone to Blackmoor Estate and proposed to Selena . But since he had , then he should at least care about her fate . 1/2 Chapter 20 +25 BONUS After all , the woman he had his heart set on was being forced to wed another . Given Nathaniel's temperament , it was surprising he hadn't acted to take her by force already . He wouldn't just stand by and do nothing , right ? Cloud and Liam waited expectantly for Nathaniel's orders After a moment of silence , the prince casually said , " Do you really think this is a hopeless situation for her ? " Cloud didn't dare answer " She's just a weak woman If no one helps her , it really seems like she has no chance , " Liam said in a low voice . So , it really was hopeless ! But Nathaniel chuckled " She's the woman I have my eye on Do you honestly think she'll simply sit and wait for death ? " BIG SALE 3500 BONUS FREE FOR YOU ! Click to get it