I had too many wounds on my body. Edward gently laid me on the bed and carefully pulled the blanket to cover my legs. He then reassured me, saying, "Matilda, I have asked someone to cripple the hands of the man who had tormented you. He will never be able to gamble again.
"I know you've suffered a lot since the Johnson family fell. But from now on, with me by your side, and you don't have to fear anything."
He leaned over; the subtle fragrance of his presence enveloped my senses as he planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.
In a tender tone, he whispered, "I can finally be with you."
Before I could reply, I heard some noise.
Many gorgeously dressed women came in.
"Come and see! His Majesty has returned with a new woman!" they exclaimed.
Edward's mouth twitched at the corners inexplicably.
As the women scrutinized me, my gaze met theirs. Interestingly, I couldn't help but notice the uncanny resemblances that existed between them and myself.
They began to speak.
"His Majesty mentioned that my eyes bear a resemblance to his beloved," one said.
"His Majesty said my eyebrows resemble her," added another.
"How do you resemble His Majesty's memorable lover?" one of them asked me.
Now understanding the situation at hand, I maintained a composed smile and lifted my head with confidence. "I am Matilda Johnson," I announced proudly, "I am the genuine beloved of His Majesty."
The women were stunned and left in embarrassment.
Certainly, with the true beloved of the King having returned, there was no longer any need for others to be involved or present.
During my initial days at the palace, I remained confined to the bed to recover. The maids attending to me were all smart and observant.
Perhaps unsure of my disposition, they would occasionally steal glances at me, discreetly offering flattering remarks. "Your Highness, you're gorgeous. Since your arrival, all other women pale in comparison."
The maid, Jane, handed me the fruit and echoed softly, "Of course, the fake ones cannot compare to the real ones."
Regardless of their remarks, I just asked, "Does His Majesty like to collect women who look like me?"