Those ministers were the first to want to uncover the origins of my humble background.
However, the entire Johnson family was guilty and suspected of treason, so my identity must not be made public.
Edward offered me reassurance, saying, "Do not be afraid. I have the freedom to marry whomever I choose. Why should it concern them? Let them make a fuss for a while, and when I disregard their opinions, they will eventually stop."
I remained silent momentarily before asking, "Edward, do you know how I got here from outside the palace?"
He didn't respond. He never asked about it on his own initiative. I thought he was also avoiding this topic.
I continued. "After my male family members were taken to the execution grounds, the women, including myself, were also forcibly taken away. I didn't see my father's execution firsthand, but while in prison, I overheard people recounting the gruesome scene where blood stained the ground.
"Coming from a life of privilege, I had never thought about being trapped in a dark and dirty place like a prison. However, I endured several months there until eventually being sold.
"My mother and sisters, some of them even died in prison before they were released.
"I had been yearning for your presence, but I understood that you were not someone I could see at will."
As the cold moonlight bathed us, Edward discerned the undercurrent of loneliness in my words. He asked with a solemn tone, "Matilda, you still blame me, right?"
With a composed demeanor, I responded honestly, "If you wish to hear the truth, then yes, I do blame you.
"I was thinking, you always say you love me, but where were you when my family was slandered? Why did you stop contacting me so early?
"You had promised to ensure my well-being and happiness. Do you recall that?"
Edward's body trembled slightly, and his face must appear distressed.
He said, "I'm sorry, Matilda. I promise I won't let you down again in the future."
A smile graced my face as if the previous conversation had never occurred. I delicately pinned a small flower that I had picked onto Edward's temple and requested him to carry me back.
"Alright, don't let that happen again," I said.
I intentionally uttered those words, aiming to inflict pain upon Edward and evoke feelings of guilt, as I suspected that he might have been complicit in the harm inflicted upon my family.