Chapter 345: The Marchioness’s New Groom (I)
To Primrose’s relief, Hazelle seemed truly happy. The soldier told her that Hazelle spent hours wandering the lively streets, watching people, and smiling more than Primrose had ever seen before. Ever since she had tasted freedom, Hazelle often returned home late at night, reluctant to let the day end.
Primrose didn’t have the heart to stop her. She knew too well that a bird kept too long in a cage would always long to fly in the open sky. As long as Hazelle was safe, that was all that mattered.
"Your Majesty, I’ve heard about your pregnancy," Raven said, her tone calm. "Congratulations."
Primrose had actually wanted to keep it a secret at first, but her husband panicked and couldn’t stop blabbering about his wife being pregnant. At first, only a few soldiers and maids had overheard him, but within less than half an hour, the entire palace was buzzing with the news.
She couldn’t help but be a little impressed at how quickly these beasts could spread gossip.
"Thank you, Lady Raven." Primrose smiled gently before stepping closer. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Tell me ... can you see the future of my child?"
Raven let out a heavy sigh. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," she whispered softly. "But as you know, your future has become unclear because so many things have changed. Because of that, I can’t promise that I’ll be able to see much more."
Primrose lowered her head at those words. "Oh ... I understand."
She didn’t want to press further, but Raven suddenly spoke again. "But don’t worry, Your Majesty. My vision may be blurry, but I can always see His Majesty’s silhouette beside you." She paused, her voice calm yet certain. "I believe that even in your darkest times, your marriage will never fall apart again."
Primrose lifted her eyes, her chest tightening with both relief and emotion. The weight she carried did not disappear, but Raven’s words lit a small flame of comfort in her heart.
"I wish I could stay with you longer," Raven said softly. "But as you know, I am now the Marchioness of Moonshadow, and many duties are waiting for me there. My son is probably buried in work already, having to take my place for the time being."
Primrose nodded with understanding. "I know, Lady Raven." A gentle smile touched her lips. "I have no reason to hold you here any longer. But if you ever wish to visit again, the palace doors will always be open for you."
"The same goes for you, Your Majesty," Raven replied. "My home will always welcome you. Just don’t forget to bring plenty of winter cloaks when you come."
Primrose let out a soft chuckle before finally stretching out her arms to hug Raven. The marchioness, who was usually greeted only by coldness, was startled when she suddenly felt the warmth of the queen’s embrace.
"Stay safe, Lady Raven," Primrose whispered. "I’m truly glad your life has turned out better in this timeline."
For a moment, Raven froze, her lips parting as if she had forgotten how to respond. Then, slowly, she returned the embrace, her hands resting gently against Primrose’s back. "And I am glad to see you living without sorrow, Your Majesty."
When they finally pulled apart, Raven gave a small nod and motioned for her guard to carry her luggage.
Before leaving, Salem stepped closer, took her hand, and pressed a gentle kiss against it. "I will come to see you later, Raven," he said quietly.
Primrose blinked, her brows knitting together. Had she missed something? It felt like a whole Chapter of their story had gone by without her noticing. She would never have guessed they’d grown this close, and Salem, of all people, the man who once claimed he disliked women, was now looking at Raven with such open affection.
What on earth was happening here?
[Now, now, people will believe the story of the marchioness who found a far better husband than the rotten one she had before,] Salem mused with a sly thought. [Raven and I will finally be able to swim in her late husband’s fortune!]
Primrose held her breath for a moment, finally realizing that they had been showing affection in front of others on purpose. It was nothing more than a performance, something they could use as a weapon to gain sympathy from the people.
Since everyone had already sympathized with Raven from the beginning, they would probably feel relieved when she eventually announced that she had found a man who could make her feel love again.
Wait—did this mean they were actually planning to marry?!
Before she could untangle that thought, Raven had already stepped into her carriage and left the palace grounds, leaving Primrose alone with Salem at her side.
"Your Majesty," Salem said smoothly, flashing her a polite smile. "Would you like to have tea with me?"
[I know you’re listening to my thoughts,] his voice brushed against her mind. [If you’re that curious, I don’t mind sharing the tea with you.]
Primrose nearly choked on her own breath. She had almost forgotten that both Salem and Raven already knew about her hidden ability.
After calming her heart, she cleared her throat and turned toward Solene. "I’ll take a walk with Sir Vesper for a while," she said firmly. "Please keep some distance from me."
Solene hesitated for a moment, her lips pressed together in worry, but she bowed her head. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Once Solene stepped back, Primrose and Salem made their way out of the palace, strolling through the front garden where the flowers were already starting to wither.
Primrose stole a glance at Salem beside her and only then noticed that tonight he was dressed differently, maybe less flamboyant than usual. His coat was a deep maroon, matched with dark brown trousers. It wasn’t plain, but compared to his usual bright style, it felt unusually subdued.
It looked unnatural on a man who usually preferred bright clothing.
"Raven and I are getting married," Salem said suddenly, without the slightest hesitation.
"What?!" Primrose nearly jumped. She had suspected it earlier, but hearing it come so casually from his lips still shocked her. She grabbed his arm and tugged him toward a quieter corner of the garden. "Didn’t you say you didn’t like women?"
"Oh, I love being around women, Your Majesty." Salem smiled as he gave a careless shrug. "Just not in a sexual way."