Shedding Her Finery: A King’s Schemes

The capital, at night.

In the depths of midwinter, torrential rain poured down amid flashes of lightning and rolls of thunder. The cold wind howled, making one's bones tremble.

With the daytime bustle and splendor gone, only a few figures in thick padded coats hurried down the broad street, looking forlorn and isolated.

In stark contrast to the desolate streets, the usually quiet Regent's Palace was now bustling with activity, its lamps shining brightly.

“Madam, push harder! I can see the baby's head!” This should have been a joyous occasion welcoming a new life, yet every old nanny and maid in the room had tears streaming down her face.

Because their madam was dying…

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