Homer saw that I had ripped away the final veil, and he stopped pretending. "Yes. I had someone take care of it."

"I wasn't ready to be a father."

"Even now, you're still lying to me..."

"Penny, stop this. Whatever I've done, I owe you. I've sworn an oath. I'll make it up to you. I'll give you a life of wealth and luxury, secure in your place as my lady for the rest of your days!"

I didn't want to hear another hollow promise. "Homer, I don't want any of it. I'll give up everything. Just grant me the divorce and set yourself free."

"If you're worried I'll expose the massacre, you can have my life too."

"All I'm asking is that you save Ruby!"

I thought the weight of hundreds of dead villagers on his conscience would be enough to buy one life. I still underestimated how shameless he was.

"Penny, stop. I can't help you this time."

"Chloe's been through a trauma. She's always been sensitive and stubborn. If Ruby doesn't die, Chloe won't be able to sleep."

And then I finally understood. In Homer's heart, the lives of ordinary people weren't worth as much as one good night's rest for Chloe Fox.

I shoved him away and dragged my broken body across the floor toward the courtyard. I collapsed at Chloe's feet, clutching the hem of her skirt. "Your Highness, please spare Ruby. It was all my fault."

Chloe looked down at me with a satisfied smirk. "Your fault how?"

"I'm lowborn. I should never have troubled the royal physician."

"I should never have displeased Your Highness."

"Enough. The sight of you covered in blood is revolting."

Chloe kicked me away in disgust and turned to Homer. "Homer, I'm tired. Walk me back?"

Homer looked at me sprawled on the ground. He hesitated for a moment. But in the end, he chose Chloe.

I reached for Ruby beside me, her breath barely there, and called after him one last time. "My lord, could you at least send for Dr. Shepherd?"

Homer opened his mouth to give the order, but Chloe cut him off. "No one calls for any doctor. I've already spared her life. Whether she survives is her own fate."

Homer looked back at me, something unreadable churning behind his eyes. Then he clenched his jaw and walked away.

Everything I had held together shattered in that moment. I screamed at his retreating back, "Homer Rowe, I want a divorce!"