Rebirth: The unfavored Princess is the Tyrant King's favorite-Chapter 158: Leaving Gloryland - 1

Nicholas watched everything unfold and inwardly scoffed. Did these people think they could make a fool out of him?

"Father Emperor, if I may ask, how did you get to know that there are rebel soldiers in the Southern region?" Nicholas’ tone was full of suspicion.

"It’s your second brother; he returned from the Southern region with his body full of wounds and bruises; those barbarians nearly killed him," the minister for defense answered in the emperor’s place.

The emperor nodded in agreement to the minister’s words.

Nicholas’ suspicions became even stronger when he realized David was involved. After all, he was the barbarian who had nearly killed the second prince.

"Father, since you’ve already summoned General Aaron and his son Joshua, I think they should lead the army to the southern region and take care of the rebellion. The second prince is heavily wounded, and there would be a need for one of us to stay here in the capital with you in case of any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances," Nicholas said.

Luciana was still unconscious, and he didn’t want to leave the capital without knowing for sure when she awoke. But he also didn’t want his father to know he was hesitating to perform his duties because of his wife. He would prefer if no one knew about Luciana’s condition for the time being. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Both ministers’ eyes darkened at the eldest prince’s suggestion. But a look of understanding passed through their eyes when they briefly interlocked eyes with each other; the message was clear.

’The eldest prince must go!’

"Ahem," the defense minister coughed to get everyone’s attention on him and began.

"I understand your reasoning, Eldest Prince, and I must admit I agree with you, but we all know how close you and the 3rd Prince were when you were both young. The 3rd prince might be hostile and act unreasonably with General Aaron and his son Joshua since they’re outsiders, but alas, you are his brother, and due to past relationships, he might listen to you, so I think it would be best if you went."

"Yes, I think the minister for defense is right. And about keeping the capital safe, since you’ve brought our attention to the security arrangements that must be put in place in the capital, I think General Aaron and his son are the best candidates for the job. They would stay behind and station a few soldiers here in the capital so that in case of any unforeseen circumstances like you mentioned, they would be able to swiftly take care of it," the minister for war added.

Even though Nicholas felt there was something fishy about this arrangement, combined with his reluctance to part away from Luciana, he knew he was indeed the best candidate to go to the south. He owed it to the 3rd prince due to their previous relationship.

The truth was that he had been worried about his 3rd brother and had been wanting to go to the Southern region for a while now. It was just that after he found out everything about his and Luciana’s past, he had delayed going to see his brother.

Also, he had planned to go out of the capital in search of answers about his and Luciana’s curse.

It was just that the timing was bad because Luciana was unconscious, but he guessed that for the safety of the people and his 3rd brother, he needed to make a sacrifice and put his happiness aside for a while this time around.

After all, he was a prince before he was a husband.

’I’m sorry, Luciana,’ he inwardly told himself and nodded solemnly.

"I’ll make the necessary preparations and set out at dawn with my men, Father Emperor," Nicholas said.

"Good, I trust you would take care of everything swiftly and return with your 3rd brother in good health so that he gives me an explanation for his recent behavior," the emperor said.

"I’ll not disappoint you, Your Majesty. The 3rd prince will give you a proper explanation as soon as we return," Nicholas said and bowed respectfully before adding,

"If that is all, I’ll take my leave first to make preparations."

"Alright, you are excused," Emperor Ethan said.

Nicholas nodded at the ministers and made his way out.

~~~

When Nicholas returned, Luciana was still sleeping soundly, but he could see that she didn’t look as pale as she did before. A little bit of color had returned to her face and cheeks, and her chest was rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

"James, come with me to my study; there’s something I must tell you," Nicholas said to James, who nodded and began to make his way out of his chambers but paused at the entrance to await the prince.

"Take care of my wife, Dora," Nicholas said over his shoulders as he approached the door.

"Yes, Your Highness," Dora said softly.

~~~

In the Royal Pharmacy, Physician Philip was helping with the inventory of the herbs and medicine in stock, but his mind was on the imperial physician who was currently brewing medicine for the princess consort outside.

After thinking the whole day and not coming up with any ideas, he decided not to keep stalling any longer. His aged mother and sister are suffering in the slave camp and barely have enough to eat. He must use the money to save them.

’As for the princess consort, she is young and will soon get over her loss when she bears another child.’ Physician Philip could tell how vicious Lady Evelyn was, and he couldn’t afford to mess with such a woman.

Even though physician Philip was eagerly awaiting an opportunity to strike, he couldn’t help but hope that the physician wouldn’t leave so that he wouldn’t get an opportunity to carry out his plans.

He was in a dilemma and didn’t know what to do. Lost in thought, he felt someone tapping him on his shoulder and snapped out of his daze.

"Um...what?" He asked his fellow physician absentmindedly.

"You are needed over there," the man said, pointing to the imperial physician Philip had been monitoring.

His heart skipped a beat as he stared outside at the man who was watching him intently with furrowed brows.

"What are you standing there for? Come over and watch this for me while I go to the washroom to wash off the strong herbal scent off of me before I send this to the princess consort."

Phillip gulped at the imperial physician’s words.

’Was this a sign from heaven or a sign from hell?’ he wondered.