Chapter 38 Adelaide frowned . " It's merely idle gossip . Why give such things any thought ? " " You are mistaken , Your Majesty . By now , the rumors have spread throughout the palace , and even beyond the city walls . They claim that while I was at the military camp , I spent every night in Prince Frederick's tent . Worse still , some soldiers swear they heard the shameful sounds I made , " Selena replied steadily . The moment the words left her lips , the room fell silent once more . Faces flushed with embarrassment and shock . Even Adelaide's cheeks colored faintly . Such scandalous talk spoken aloud in public was enough to make anyone blush . Wilfred's gaze remained fixed on Selena , who knelt with perfect posture . Though her frame was delicate , she somehow gave off the presence of a true pillar of strength . Saying words no other lady dared to voice , she spoke clearly and without a trace of shame . Wilfred saw in this young woman the same commanding spirit once held by the great general , her father , the Marquis of Whitgrave ! For a moment , he was deeply moved . " I understand now . These lies are the work of those with ill intent , bent on ruining both Lena and the honor of the Duke of Blackmoor's household , " he said , glancing at Ruth . At that moment , Ruth felt a chill crawl through her limbs , and her face drained of all color . However , if she spoke up to defend herself now , it would only make things worse . " Wisdom stops rumors . From this day forward , if I hear of anyone spreading these falsehoods again , they shall be put to death without mercy ! " the king added as his gaze swept over everyone at the banquet , his voice cold but commanding . Everyone present trembled with fear . Several young ladies in the distance suddenly went weak in the knees and dropped to the ground . Wilfred snorted coldly . A bunch of troublemakers , the lot of them . He turned back and looked at Selena , softening his tone as he said , " Lena and General Campbell have done Aurensia a great service by quelling the rebellion . Tonight , she will remain here and join us all in celebrating the Obsidian Monarch's victory . " Selena met his eyes , struggling to hold back her emotion . She curtsied deeply in thanks . " Thank you , Your Majesty . 11 A tear slowly slipped down her cheek , but she didn't want anyone to see it . Quickly , she raised her hand and wiped it away . She was an orphan without the shelter of parents , and her older brother was ruined . People treated her like a fragile ant that was easily crushed , but she refused to submit . That meant standing tall , no matter how heavy a weight pressed down upon her . When Selena looked up , she caught sight of a cold pair of eyes glinting with something unreadable . Her heart tightening , she inclined her head slightly to Nathaniel in greeting , then made her way to her seat with Sebastian at her side . But still , one person remained on their knees - Frederick Wilfred had not told him to rise , so he didn't dare move for now . Ruth also stood nearby , every muscle tense . As neither the king nor the queen had invited her to join the feast , she didn't have the nerve to go anywhere else . 1/2 Chapter 38 +25 BONUS " Look at those injuries of his . Why aren't you taking him back to tend to his wounds ? " Wilfred said with displeasure , looking at them coldly . Ruth nearly burst into tears . Wilfred was clearly forbidding Frederick from staying to join the celebration . Her son had fallen out of favor with his father . The banquet lasted late into the night . As the king was present , no one dared to leave early . By the time he finally departed , it was nearly midnight . Wilfred had drunk quite a bit tonight . It was clear from his mood that the Obsidian Monarch's return had lifted his spirits . Though the fourth prince wore a mask , the king's behavior suggested he cared little for Nathaniel's appearance or what damage might have been done . Perhaps it was time to reconsider who should hold the title of crown prince . The ministers exchanged varied glances . With the Obsidian Monarch's return , the balance of power in the kingdom seemed to have been completely upended . Late at night , Selena , who was a bit tipsy from having a few extra drinks , was helped into a carriage by Sally . No sooner had the carriage passed through the palace gates than Sally's excitement spilled over . " My lady , you were right . Her Majesty wasn't angry with you tonight . Not only that , but she actually seemed to feel sorry for you ! " However , Sebastian was far less cheerful . He looked at his sister with worry written all over his face . " Lena , the king may not have said it out loud , but he knows exactly what's going on . This time , Lady Ruth won't escape punishment . You've really crossed her for good . 11 Sebastian's warning wasn't without merit . Shortly after Wilfred left the Royal Garden that night , he personally stormed into Ruth's chambers .