Fabians feelings that poured in the darkness touched Evelyns heart.

His sincerity and his willingness to lower his self-esteem struck Evelyns heart like an ice blade.

If it were an easy problem, it wouldnt have happened in the first place.

Evelyn

Evelyn shook her head slowly at his low call. Then, Fabians black eyes were perplexed with disappointment.

I cant Evelyn said, breathing out.

Fabian took his hand off her cheek in a daze. But his black eyes kept staring at Evelyn. Even though he said he would cover everything, Fabian felt bitter when she rejected him.

Theres any other reason you havent told me? No was there a reason in the first place? Fabian said with painful voice, to console himself.

I never hurt you, but whats keeping us so apart? Why do you hate me so much that you hid my child and raised him alone?

Evelyns heart ached, she closed her eyes painfully and opened them. It was impossible to say that she had returned to twenty after she died at thirty.

It was a hard thing to believe for everyone, including Fabian. Even if he understood, Fabian would say that he was different from his previous life because he was such a person.

I asked Your Majesty to divorce because I wasnt happy. Evelyn said calmly, And nothing else. I returned to my country because I couldnt be happy by your side, and Adrian is my younger brother. It has nothing to do with him.

You wont admit it to the end? Fabians eyes that stared at Evelyn cooled in a second.

In contrast to her fragile look, Evelyn was very stubborn. Fabian knew that, but he didnt expect she would stick even in such an extreme situation.

The entire Felice Royal family will be accused of treason against the Empire. And Fabian, who tried his best, holding on to everything from bereaving, was mad.

Am I a terrible human being to you? Now, whats the difference between living with me and dying?

It was completely different. But Evelyn wasnt able to explain it. She didnt even fully understand what happened to her. But she was greedy to convince Fabian.

No, if Fabian were a man capable of that, her first marriage wouldnt have been miserable.

Will you believe me if I say no? I dont care what Your Majesty says to me or how you punish me.. thats fine. If the misunderstanding is aimed at me. Evelyn tried to press her chaotic emotions and spoke calmly, But not the Prince..

Fabians face frowned at the words.

To the end, you drive me into a tyrant and make me like a fool. A cold chill filled with anger rose silently. Just staring at her made Fabian felt a burning feeling.

What? Are you willing to be punished for my misunderstanding? As long as its not the Prince?

Ha..Fabian laughed, looking at Evelyn sternly. There was no sign of emotion left in his face.

Your Majesty. I-Im, just.

Dont try to deceive me anymore, or attempt to hurt me.

Evelyns hands were still clenched and felt tight.

No matter how precious you are, theres a limit to my patience. Fabians big hand squeezed Evelyns wrist tightly, then threw it away, leaving red marks on her skin.

I cant believe it.. Are you the same woman I once married to? Fabian looked at Evelyn with eyes that couldnt hide his feelings of loss, No matter how much you hate me, you wont be able to avoid this situation.

It was more humiliating and shameful than any rejection Fabian had ever experienced. And the one who said that was Evelyn, whom he still considered as his only life companion.

I seeThe last chance I gave you was nothing but a piece of trash. Fabians voice sounded cold.

The departures will be at night as scheduled. Choose who will accompany him.

At that moment, Evelyn knelt in front of Fabian, No. I dont want to listen to your mislead thoughts.

Despite her harsh words, Evelyn lowered her head, bending her knees. And when Fabian wanted to leave, she grabbed his shoes.

Even if you bend your knees all your life, I cant ignore my child.

No, thats not what I want to beg, said Evelyn.

Fabian opened his eyes.

If I remember correctly the oaths, promises and confessions in front of the five elders who gathered in the Imperial family are above the courts judgement.

Yes.

It was a new question. However, Fabian soon understood what she meant and glared at Evelyn, No way, dont tell me.

Evelyn raised her head and looked up at Fabian, Yes.

No. Dont even bring it up. Youll regret it.

Instead of answering back, Evelyn held on to Fabians ankle, showing her strong will.

Please Your Majesty, let me ask for a duel.

Fabian sighed for a moment. He didnt think that there was still such a way. Well, that was a method that an ordinary woman couldnt even imagine.

I am a woman, but I know that its a duel where you have to fight and take each others lives.

It wasnt wrong. It wasnt common in history, but it was justified legally.

They would debate right and wrong with each others questions under the guidance of the five elders. And the wrong-side would lose their life. It was an honourable death after a duel and wouldnt be subject to punishment.

This suspicion will become a shackle that will destroy the future of the little Prince. So, if Your Majesty dares to bring out that suspicion and prove it in front of others, I must also dare to risk my life.

Evelyn pulled out her last card.

Her death would happen as soon as Fabian was able to prove that Adrian was his son.

It was a ruthless and despicable method, but Evelyn had already put down her pride. She could do it a thousand more times as long as she could return to her everyday life by begging and boiling her knees like this.

But unexpectedly, Fabian took her card, If you really want it, I cant help it.

He reached out and raised Evelyn by force, If you dont change your mind until the Elder gathers, you can do that.

It wont change.

Youll sorry, then.

Since Evelyn risked her life, she hoped that Fabian would be confused because his suspicions were wrong. In fact, Fabians doubts were the only way for Evelyn to live. Thats why she threw the last card.

Since you have a high spirit for risking your life, I will give you one more suggestion, Fabian said casually with an indifferent look, as usual.

Your way to the Imperial Palace would be invisible, different from before. I mean, until the elders come together, you still have time to reverse your decision.

It wouldnt happen. Evelyn covered her mouth with determined eyes. Fabian looked at Evelyn for a moment and turned his back first, not wishing to see her frustrated face.

It was better.

But on the other hand, Evelyn was used to seeing Fabian turning his back first.

By the Emperors order, the entourage was organized on a minimal scale. Fabian wanted to cover up this matter to the end if possible, and to do so; he had to avoid the crowd.

Evelyn was allowed to bring one maid, Nora, and he limited the carriage escort she was riding with Adrian. Only two knights from the Felice Kingdom who would accompany them. The Emperors guard was alone so that Fabian couldnt refuse it.

Thank you for staying asleep in this mess, Evelyn said, smiling at Adrian, who fell asleep in Noras arms in a shaking carriage.

Perhaps he knew her mothers heart to protect him with her own body. But Adrian was an exceptionally gentle and kind child from childhood.

Please close your eyes for a while too, Princess Nora looked so worried, but it was impossible. The carriage shook violently as it travelled across the Black Veil forest, and there was an even greater uproar in Evelyns heart.

His Majesty doesnt seem to be lying. Perhaps, the Silent Stone does exist. I knew it when I saw His Majestys eyes.

Then, all the truth. Nora stopped talking and shut her mouth quickly, Princess, what will you do?

Before leaving the royal palace, Arthur and Miriam gave a mandate to Nora, to put Evelyns safety as the top priority.

Nora agreed with their idea. When all the truths were revealed, Adrian could be safe because he was an Imperial family, but Evelyn would be sentenced as a traitor to the imperial family.

Ill stop His Majesty from using the Silent Stone.

You still insist on a duel of truth that will take your life.?

Yes, Evelyn said with determined eyes. Your Majesty will choose whether to kill me and take Adrian back to the Imperial Palace, or cover up all these problems.

It was like risking her life in a war. This was the most dangerous game to play.

Are you sure? Nora asked uneasily. Not long ago, Evelyn frequently exchanged letters with Fabian. There might be some emotional changes between the two. There was little faith that Fabian would save Evelyns life even if he had to give up his successor.

No., she said.

However, Noras hopes had fallen apart.

Its an easy choice for him. If he takes Adrian away, Im going to die. So its not a waste to risk my life. said Evelyn.

Princess! Think of the King Majesty and the Queen.

Evelyn was a selfish daughter. But she couldnt help it because she was a mother too.

Ill do my best. I dont want to die until Adrian grows up.

Nora nodded, seeing Evelyns faint smile.

Ill show him how strong my determination is.

Will it work?

At least he should know what to choose.

Fabian didnt believe Evelyns decision at all. He easily took her away because he thought it was just her bluff.

It was natural for Fabian to think so. The mistake that Evelyn made wasnt big enough to believe that she would choose death rather than returning to the Imperial family.

Dont go too far against Your Majestys will, Nora said, looking worried.

Rumour had it, the Emperor, who ascended the throne at a young age, was very cold-blooded. Evelyn, who returned from her divorce, also said that he was a heartless and indifferent man.

Its already late.

Only

Just in time, the rocking carriage stopped.

Outside the carriage, she heard a resting sound. Evelyn dressed up as if she wouldnt put off her decision.

Ill be right back.

Without a break, Evelyn stepped out of the carriage. Nora could only hug Adrian, who was asleep restlessly.

Now there was no other way but to pray.

May the Emperor would release this child. So that a peaceful life could continue .-

It seemed, everyones hearts were the same.