A disgraced daughter

Queen Verlina was informed of Dahlia's illness by a servant. Her face remained impassive as she processed the news.

"Did the royal physician not check her?" asked Verlina.

"Your Majesty, I heard that Prince Sullivan didn't call anyone," the servant replied.

The statement made Queen Verlina smile.

"Order the royal physician not to check on her. If he goes against my wish, he will be removed from his rank!" Queen Verlina announced firmly.

The servant bowed deeply and hurried away to carry out her command. Her personal attendant, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward with a concerned expression.

"Your Majesty, Princess Dahlia is the Duke's daughter. Don't you think this could affect the King's relationship with the Duke?" the attendant asked cautiously.

Queen Verlina turned her icy gaze toward the attendant. "The Duke will never find out what his daughter is undergoing. Moreover, he has not contacted her since the incident on the wedding day. It seems Dahlia is no longer a dear daughter of the Ermacora family," she stated coldly.

The attendant hesitated before responding. "But Your Majesty, what if someone else informs the Duke? The repercussions could be severe."

Queen Verlina's lips curved into a mirthless smile. "The Duke is no longer proud of the daughter who has brought shame to his name. As long as we control the flow of information, he will remain unaware. And even if he were to find out, he would be unlikely to act on behalf of a disgraced daughter."

The attendant nodded, still uneasy but not daring to question the Queen further. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

Queen Verlina waved her hand dismissively, signaling the end of the discussion. The attendant bowed and left the room, leaving the Queen to her thoughts.

"It's strange Sullivan isn't taking care of her. I thought he would be thankful to her because she's the reason he now got a rank," Queen Verlina murmured and contemplated what he must be thinking.

~~~~~

Crown Prince Daedric was coming from the barracks when he heard the gossips from the servants, who were sweeping the ground. His feet slowly came to halt as he realized those palace servants were talking about Dahlia.

"It is what everyone expected. Prince Sullivan is not a nice man. He is already ill-treating his wife," the first one said.

"But it's the princess's fault for choosing an illegitimate prince with no name over the Crown Prince. Everyone knows how much Prince Sullivan hates the Crown Prince. And because the Crown Prince still loves Princess Dahlia, he can get affected easily," the second one explained.

"You are right. But at least a husband should care for his wife when she's sick," the first one stated. "Poor Princess Dahlia! I heard she has been shivering in fever since the last night, but Prince Sullivan didn't even bother to look at her. She's the Duke's daughter, but the treatment she's getting is the worst." The two servants sighed and moved forward to take the basket to put the dry leaves in them.

Daedric fists tightened, but could he even go to Dahlia and check if everything was fine with her? Even if he would, the changed Dahlia would send him away.

'But you love her, Daedric. You have to find the reason why she chose Sullivan over you. You can't neglect her health. You promised you would take care of her even if she would be far from you,' Daedric's inner voice spoke to him.

Making up his mind, Daedric went to check on Dahlia. Upon reaching there and finding the rooms empty, he wondered if she might be sleeping in the same bedroom as Sullivan. The thought of her being with the man who caused her so much distress gnawed at him.

"Your Grace!" came a startled exclamation. Dahlia's personal attendant, Nylie, hurriedly bowed as she approached him.

Daedric turned around to face her, his expression stern yet anxious. "How is Dahlia?" he asked.

"She is resting in her room," Nylie replied, her eyes reflecting her own concern for the princess.

"Has any physician checked on her?" Daedric's tone grew sharper, more demanding.

Nylie shook her head, looking even more troubled. "I went earlier to fetch the physician, but he didn't come. He said he was too busy attending to other matters."

Daedric's jaw tightened with anger. "Go and tell him that the Crown Prince is awaiting him here. If he doesn't come immediately, there will be consequences," he instructed, his voice leaving no room for disobedience.

Nylie nodded quickly and hurried off to carry out his orders. Daedric stood there for a moment, the weight of his emotions pressing heavily on him. He couldn't stand the thought of Dahlia suffering, especially knowing that Sullivan was the cause of her pain.

Determined to ensure her well-being, he made his way to her room, hoping that his presence might offer her some comfort until the physician arrived.

However, to his surprise, Sullivan's room was empty. He furrowed his brows in confusion and concern, then headed to the other room, noticing its door was slightly ajar.

He pushed the door open and took a step inside. His heart ached at the sight of Dahlia lying in bed, all alone, with no attendants by her side. Because she had married a prince with no status, she had to endure such neglect and hardship.

Daedric made his way to the bed and gazed at Dahlia, her eyes closed and her face pale. Gently, he placed his hand on her forehead and felt the intense heat. She was burning up with fever.

"Dahlia," he whispered softly, his voice filled with worry. The sight of her in such a state pained him deeply. Her once vibrant spirit was now reduced to this fragile form, and it tore at his heart.

"I'm going to punish him for doing this to you," Daedric muttered under his breath, anger flaring within him. He carefully sat by her side, placing her hands outside the thick duvet to cool her down. As he adjusted the covers, he heard a faint voice, barely more than a whisper.

"Don't leave us. Please."

Daedric leaned down, straining to hear her weak words. "Don't leave us, Dad," she murmured, her voice fragile and filled with longing.

The Crown Prince frowned, confusion etched across his face as he looked at her. "Now, who is this Dad?" he mumbled to himself, trying to make sense of her delirious plea.

He gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "You'll be fine soon," Daedric stated, squeezing Dahlia's hand.