Since I became ill, William has not returned to his room, and naturally, I haven't seen him.

"Miss Delia, I heard that every night, Prince Eric invites His Majesty to the dinners he hosts."

Lina looked at me from the window, hesitating to speak further.

Of course, I knew what Lina didn’t say. Although Eric’s body was that of a dwarf, no one dared to offend him due to his noble status.

Although he couldn't indulge in physical desires, Eric often held unconventional events, inviting beautiful but low-ranking men and women to his dinners. He would then watch them perform vulgar shows for his amusement.

In my previous life, even though I was locked in bed, I still saw one of Eric's dinner performances.

A group of scantily clad men and women played and danced around Eric in a large hall, making suggestive movements. By the end of the dance, all their clothes had fallen off, and they were left completely naked.

I picked up a cup of tea, and the reflection in the surface showed the red rashes on my face. I smiled softly.

"Perhaps it’s my face that worries His Majesty, so he doesn’t want to return to his room to rest."

William was already obsessed with my face, which resembled his deceased lover’s. Now that my face was ruined, it was only natural that he didn’t want to see it.

As for the dinners Eric hosted, William was not easily swayed by lust. Attending these dinners was simply his way of not disappointing Eric.

After all, Eric was his only brother, and despite his physical disability, William often showed great leniency toward him.

"Delia, if you wish, I could apply the medicine to remove the rashes from your face today."

Lina looked at me with concern. When speaking to me alone, she always acted more dependent, like a young sister who unconditionally trusted her older sister.

"No, Lina, His Majesty has already favored one maid, and even locked up Princess Alice for me. Now, I’m living in His Majesty’s room."

"I’ve already attracted too much attention. The rashes on my face are actually a good thing. At least His Majesty won’t keep pampering me."

You see, things that come too easily are often played with carelessly and discarded just as easily. I didn’t want to be an easy toy. I wanted William to develop real feelings for me, not just see me as a replacement for his deceased lover.

Lina looked at me with confusion, blinking, not fully understanding what I was saying.

"Forget it, Lina. Staying in His Majesty’s room for too long is not good for me. Let’s return to our original place."

I covered my cup, then pulled my veil back over my face, signaling Lina to gather my things so we could return to Princess Alice’s palace.

As soon as we entered the palace, I heard faint sobbing.

"What’s that? Where is the crying coming from?" Lina looked around in confusion.

"Over there. Let’s go see." I pointed in the direction, and Lina led me over.

Behind the bushes in the corner, Lina parted the branches and discovered a maid crouching there, sobbing. Her face bore the imprint of a red handprint, and there were whip marks on her hands.

"Oh my God, what happened to you?" Lina exclaimed.

"Miss Delia!" The maid quickly stood up and hurriedly bowed when she saw me.

"You’re Princess Alice’s maid, aren’t you?" I glanced at her face and vaguely remembered she followed Alice around.

The maid clenched her sleeve, tears streaming down as she raised her head. "Yes, Miss Delia, I am Princess Alice’s personal maid. My name is Celia."

There was a deep, visible scar across Celia’s eyebrow, still slowly bleeding.

In my previous life, after gaining Alice's trust, I had often advised her not to hit or scold her maids. Back then, she would still listen to my suggestions.

Now, without me by her side, it seemed she only grew more cruel toward her servants. Especially now that she was confined by William, it was likely she was taking her anger out on her maids.

"How pitiful." I looked at her with sympathy. "Have you seen the palace doctor?"

Celia shook her head sadly. "Princess Alice said it’s just a minor injury and will heal on its own."

Alice was still so arrogant and selfish. Only those who could help her were treated with kindness. To her, everyone else, especially those of lower status, were like ants.

"Lina, I remember the medicine the doctor gave me contains some gentle healing ointment for wounds. Could you give some to Celia?"

"Yes, Miss Delia." Lina swiftly took out a small box and handed it to Celia.

"Thank you, Miss Delia," Celia said, holding the box with gratitude.

I shook my head and sighed. "I can’t do more for you, but be careful around Princess Alice from now on."

I turned and left the area with Lina, while Celia watched our retreating figures.

"Miss Delia, that medicine was prescribed to you by the doctor. Isn’t it wrong to give it to someone else?" Lina glanced at Celia's shadow in the distance.

"It’s fine. I understand how difficult it is to be around Alice."

I raised an eyebrow and smiled, making sure my voice was loud enough for Celia to hear.

Alice, I’ll wait for the day you are abandoned by everyone.

At the start of the month, Queen Susanna hosted an afternoon tea, and I was invited to join.

After the death of her husband, Queen Susanna had been in deep mourning. Although she was not very old, she always appeared frail and withered.

William was busy with state affairs and couldn’t often accompany her, so she would gather the women around the King when she felt lonely and ask them to talk with her.

I got up early to dress and groom myself. I wore the pearl necklace that William had given me, a light blue dress, and kept my hair simply flowing down. I appeared obedient and neat, not drawing too much attention.

"Miss Delia, this is your first meeting with Queen Susanna. Shouldn’t we dress up a bit more to make a good impression?" Lina asked in confusion.

"No, Lina. This outfit is the most appropriate. Dressing too much will make me seem frivolous. It’s always best to appear obedient in front of Queen Susanna."

I walked with Lina into the place where the Queen was hosting the afternoon tea.

The place was already well-prepared. In the garden, a long table was filled with colorful food, and soft silk cloths were spread out with white porcelain plates.

At the head of the table sat the aging Queen Susanna, dressed in splendid attire, with a striking ruby necklace that contrasted sharply with her withered, indifferent face.

The death of her husband had been a major blow to her, but there was nothing to be done. Once the mate bond between werewolves was established, both sides were affected, and when one passed, the other often followed soon after.

Aside from her, there were several unfamiliar young noblewomen sitting at the table, and their gazes toward me were anything but friendly.

I approached slowly and curtsied to the Queen.

"Good afternoon, Queen Susanna."

Queen Susanna slowly raised her head, her voice cold: "How bold you are, coming to see me with a veil on your face?!"