The Grand Duchess Escape

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Deception and Betrayal

Asella blinked her eyes slowly. The delicate craftsmanship of the familiar ceiling caught her attention.

She slowly turned her head, which remained motionless. The sky outside the window was unusually red.

“You’re awake.”

Asella jolted up at the sudden voice. At the same time, the room went dark in an instant. It was sunset. The sun, having produced its last brilliant flame, had completely set.

“How’s your body feeling?”

A small light flickered from a lantern on the wall, casting a glow on the room. Asella thought it would be better if the light were off. Then she wouldn’t have to see his face.

“I kind of expected that.”

“…”

“That news must have come as quite a shock to you.”

Asella bit her lip tightly. The grim reality she had to face once again made her head spin. She clutched the bedsheet with both hands, barely supporting herself.

Chartus’ treason and demise. What her dream had shown was only a part of the dreadful future. But it was too late, and events had already unfolded. Now she didn’t know what to do.

‘Mariel….’

Even amidst her clouded consciousness, Asella struggled to keep her mind focused.

‘I have to protect Mariel.’

Mariel was in immediate danger. If the family were implicated in treason, most of the direct relatives would be executed.

If they had no claim to the throne or were very young, they would be spared. However, that wasn’t a good thing at all as they were forced to become slaves until their death, living a miserable life.

Although she was staying in the Grand Duchy with her, Mariel was a direct descendant of Chartus.

‘But… how can I do it?’

There was no way. The realization piercing through her mind was despairing.

She couldn’t save Mariel. She couldn’t keep her alive.

The overwhelming pressure seemed to crush her entire body, making it difficult to breathe. Her mind became a jumble of horrific images of what was to come.

She could no longer maintain her composure. All she could think was that it was all over. Her breathing became increasingly rapid, and her gasps for air grew rough.

“Asella.”

Meanwhile, Calix approached her closely. Before Asella could even move away, his hand touched her cheek.

She trembled like a captured bird.

“Asella, look at me.”

But she didn’t want to look at him. Since she had already come to the conclusion that neither she nor Mariel would survive, she didn’t want to entertain any thoughts anymore.

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