Chapter 169: Chapter 20. Revenge

Camille Fernandez was in better spirits than ever.

She stayed in her chambers — she settled in her favorite armchair by the window and drank her tea. A rare variety of mahogany leaves. Outside there was the sound of the wind and birdsong, and the scent of fresh flowers from the imperial garden made her forget about everything in the world.

The day was truly wonderful.

Camille was dressed in a delicate pink dress with ruffles and light makeup on her face. Her golden hair spread out in a waterfall down her back. Anyone who saw her today said that the crown princess was as beautiful as a rose.

Bringing a cup of tea to her lips, the girl covered her eyes. It would be nice to enjoy this atmosphere for the rest of the evening.

However, not everything could go so smoothly. Something was bound to happen and disturb her.

And so it happened this time. In the middle of the day, rushing footsteps were heard in the corridor of the imperial palace.

They did not stop until the man stopped right at the door of the princess' chambers. The servant had barely had time to signal her arrival when the door was almost swung open by force.

— The Archduchess Ashford had arrived…!

This word, however, was a bit of an understatement. More like «broke in.»

Camilla opened her eyes and smiled. Lady Ashford was standing at the end of the room opposite her and surprisingly remained ice-cold calm. When the girl stepped inside she immediately shut the door behind her.

But this did not alarm the princess.

— Ah, Your Grace…! — she grinned, «You were in such a hurry to see me. Did you wish to thank me?

— …

Leriane Ashford was silent, walking slowly toward her.

— Tell me, did you like my present?

Camilla continued to scoff, while the expression on the Archduchess' face trembled. But in the next moment it became impenetrable again.

— You see, I very much wanted to express my sincerity to you. I hope Her Grace will appreciate my good intentions.

Leriana stopped a foot away from her chair. Then the corners of her lips stretched into an icy smile.

— Of course. How could I disregard Your Highness's kindness?

Camilla smiled.

— I'm glad to hear it…

— Besides, I have also prepared a present for you in return,» she continued casually, «I hope you will also appreciate it.

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The crown princess was surprised but didn't even have time to say anything. Because the next second Lady Ashford suddenly grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the floor.

Camilla was hurt and looked up stunned.

— WHAT ARE YOU…!

Leriane Ashford was standing right above her, looking up and down.

The girl faltered halfway through the word. The Archduchess kicked her in the stomach. Camilla's pupils dilated in shock.

— It must have felt good to torture my maid.

Another blow to the same spot. Camille tasted blood in her mouth.

— Please don't consider it impertinent. My gift is going to be a little difficult to deliver…

Punch.

— As a future queen, you must be close to the people. I'm going to help you feel their suffering.

Punch.

The crown princess didn't even find the strength to resist. It was so sudden: all she had to do was lie on the floor and writhing in pain. In her mind, she cursed the Archduchess a thousand times already.

Her whole body… Her whole body would be in ugly bruises later!

«NO! MY FACE…!»

The girl strove with all her might to cover it.

It could have ended very badly. For with each blow it became obvious: the Archduchess was not going to stop. Camilla could not even call for help.

But luckily, someone heard the noise from her room.

— What's going on in there!

At this point, Rachel was just about to put on Camille, but she suspected something wasn't right. Without wasting a minute she rushed to the rescue.

The girl forcefully knocked down the door locked by the Archduchess. And when she saw the scene before her eyes — the expression on her face was impossible to read. The queen was speechless from shock.

Reacting at lightning speed, Rachel intercepted Leriane's hand, which was about to strike again. Her fingers gripped her wrist in a deadly grip.

— YOU…! — Rachel couldn't even find the words,» Are you out of your mind…?!

When she saw Rachel, the girl wasn't the least bit frightened. With the same cold expression, she lowered her raised hand and said:

— Your Majesty, allow me to report.

Rachel was out of her mind with rage.

— You still dare to say something now?!

Seeing Camilla's condition, the girl was stunned. She helped her up and immediately ordered a physician to be called.

— Be patient… You will soon feel better.

— Y-Your Majesty,» Camilla spoke hoarsely, «she… She…

She pointed a finger at Lady Ashford, trembling with anger and fear. Rachel intercepted it.

— She'll get what she deserves. «Don't worry,» she promised, gritting her teeth.

The hastily-arrived physicians took the princess to the infirmary. Camilla was in a terrible state. Rachel and Leriana were left alone in the room.

Now Rachel was in no condition to even respond normally.

— Do you… Do you have any idea what you've done? — only asked.

— I wanted to punish the murderer of my friend,» the Archduchess replied, «I don't think I did anything wrong.

— «Girlfriends?» — She repeated disbelievingly, «You mean that damned maid!

Leriana didn't answer anything.

— Damn it…! — Rachel clenched her teeth,» How dare you attack a princess just because of some servant?

— «Just?» — the Archduchess coolly clarified.

— She was a servant of the imperial palace. Camilla could do what she wanted with her. What right do you have to interfere?!

Leriana could not stand it and grinned bitterly.

— So that's it… Do other people's lives mean nothing to you?

Rachel raised an eyebrow.

— You…!

— It seems that your fiancee is the only person you care about.

The Archduchess Ashford had already done enough to secure her own death sentence. And yet she continued to behave so insolently… Rachel really did think she was out of her mind.

— It's your own fault for ruining your life for such a petty reason.

— «A trifling?» — repeated the girl,» «Do you think the life of a commoner means nothing?

— Exactly,» she answered without hesitation, «Except to an idiot like you.

Leriane sensed that the last of her patience was running out. She couldn't go on like this anymore.

There was nothing left to lose anyway.

The next moment, the Archduchess slapped her as hard as she could.

— Then our relationship with you is nothing, either.