“Ronan, what do you think you’re doing?!”

  A woman’s furious voice echoed from the entrance of the courtyard, cutting through the tense silence like a blade.

  Sir Ronan’s expression changed instantly. His body stiffened, and he turned toward the source of the voice with visible shock written all over his face.

  “Lyanna?!” he exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

  “What am I doing here?” Lyanna Astrid snapped as she strode forward, her long steps sharp and decisive. “That’s what you should be answering!”

  Her cold gaze swept past Ronan and landed on me. The moment she saw my condition, the color drained from her face, replaced by raw fury.

  “Who did this?”

  The surrounding guards lowered their heads almost in unison. Not a single one of them dared to meet her eyes. Ronan’s jaw clenched as shame flickered briefly across his face, but he remained silent.

  “You…” Lyanna’s voice trembled with restrained anger as realization dawned on her. She raised her hand and pointed directly at Ronan. “You dare to injure a member of the imperial family?! Have you completely lost your mind?!”

  Ronan’s face flushed red. He frowned deeply, clearly irritated at being scolded in front of his subordinates. “Watch your words. It was nothing more than a spar. His Highness was only slightly hurt.”

  “Slightly hurt?!” Lyanna’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Do you think I’m blind? I saw you unleash seventh-layer mana!”

  Ronan clicked his tongue in annoyance. “If I say it was a spar, then it was a spar. And besides—women shouldn’t interfere in men’s affairs.”

  “You—!” Lyanna’s hands trembled. “I can’t believe I ever married someone like you!”

  She ignored him after that and rushed toward me, kneeling down without hesitation.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Yes—Lyanna Astrid was Sir Ronan Blackmere’s wife.

  At thirty-five, she was the chief physician of the palace, a renowned healer whose mastery of restoration magic placed her among the best doctors in the Eldoria Imperium. Even nobles who looked down on others never dared disrespect her.

  Lyanna was the embodiment of mature elegance. She stood tall, her long raven-black hair cascading down her back like silk. Her sharp blue eyes carried a perpetual coolness, the kind only earned through years of authority and confidence. Her figure—graceful yet undeniably alluring—only enhanced her presence, giving her the quiet charm of a married woman who knew her worth.

  As she examined me, her expression darkened with every passing second.

  When she finally looked up, her gaze locked onto Ronan with icy intent.

  “You’d better pray that nothing happens to Prince Edric Valemont,” she said coldly. “If His Majesty learns that you used seventh-layer power against him, not even your loyalty will save your head.”

  Ronan’s face twisted in anger. He scoffed, turned on his heel, and stormed away with the guards trailing behind him.

  Soon, only Daphne Kael, Lyanna, and I remained in the courtyard.

  Lyanna let out a quiet sigh and bowed slightly. “I sincerely apologize for my husband’s behavior. I hope Your Highness can be understanding.”

  I forced a weak smile. “It’s alright, Lady Astrid. It was a spar, after all.”

  “That foolish man!” she muttered angrily. “To think he’d dare lay hands on a prince!”

  “It’s probably because of last night’s incident,” I replied calmly. “He believes I’m already finished—so hurting me wouldn’t matter as long as I survive.”

  Lyanna’s fists clenched. “Even so, you are still a Valemont. Respect is not optional.”

  “I’m glad you think that way,” I said sincerely.

  A faint smile appeared on her lips.

  In the palace, kindness was rare—especially toward Marielle Valemont and me. Lyanna Astrid was one of the few who had always treated us warmly. She often helped us quietly, never asking for anything in return.

  When she married Ronan, my elder sister Marielle had opposed it fiercely. She insisted Lyanna deserved far better—that countless nobles would be honored to marry her.

  But Lyanna had smiled and said she loved him.

  Back then, I had opposed the marriage too.

  Now, seeing her husband attack me, guilt was clearly eating at her.

  “Can you stand, Your Highness?” she asked gently. “Let’s go to the infirmary.”

  I nodded, deliberately wincing in pain.

  Daphne and Lyanna immediately moved to support me as I stood. With their help, I was escorted to the infirmary, where Lyanna personally treated my injuries with precise healing magic.

  “Wait here,” she said after a moment. “I’ll fetch some potions.”

  Once she left, I asked Daphne to inform the emperor that I wouldn’t be attending breakfast due to my injuries from training.

  She hesitated, clearly unwilling to leave my side, but eventually agreed.

  When I was finally alone, my smile slowly deepened.

  Now that Lyanna had entered the picture…

  It was time to plan my next move.