Jane smiled sweetly and replied, "Yes. Despite His Majesty's relatively brief reign, one thing he has made a point of doing is seeking out women who resemble you from all corners. Initially, we were puzzled about whom His Majesty was obsessed with, but upon meeting you, it became evident to all of us.
"Now that you're in the palace and under His Majesty's protection, your days of suffering are finally over. Things are going to get much better."
I also offered a smile in response. Yes, after enduring so much hardship, happiness had finally arrived.
I was the daughter of Prime Minister Caspian Johnson, who had been unjustly convicted as a result of factional conflicts.
Edward and I met when he was the crown prince.
Love blossomed at first sight.
Unfortunately, our plans for marriage were abruptly halted as Edward became entangled in a power struggle with his brother George Rothschild for the throne.
Tragically, the situation took a turn for the worse when the entire Johnson family was implicated in the conflict. All the men of our family were beheaded, while the women were enslaved and forced into prostitution. I was the sole survivor.
After years of losing hope, I had resigned myself to a bleak fate. Unexpectedly, Edward brought me back.
I didn't want to endure the days of humiliation anymore. Therefore, whenever he requested my company, I willingly accepted without hesitation.
My arrival caused immense dissatisfaction among those substitutes, for they felt they lost their significance.
On a day when I was not required to accompany Edward, I took a stroll towards the goldfish pond. As I approached, I noticed a group gathered in the pavilion, playing cards.
Noticing my approach, someone in the group exclaimed loudly, "It's the busy bee. Do you finally have some free time to wander around today?"
"I always thought only people like us, who rarely get to see His Majesty, come here for some leisure. Your Highness, would you like to join us?"
Perceiving their sarcastic tone, I was aware that they expected me to ignore them in order to uphold my reputation.
However, I surprised them by promptly accepting their invitation. "Alright. Prepare to lose everything."
Seeing how arrogant I was, they rolled up their sleeves, eager to compete with me at the card table.
Smiling, I graciously took a seat at the table.
I played cards a lot when I was a carefree lady in my family.