Chapter 1236:

Edward glanced at her doubtfully. “But a queen ruling as king… that’s unheard of in our history.”

Louise met his gaze with determination. “Then I shall be the one to set a new standard. I will be the first woman to rule as queen.”

She softened, her gaze earnest. “Edward, once I am queen, I promise to honor you, allowing you to marry the woman you cherish.”

Stunned, Edward fell silent, then abruptly changed the subject. “Has Elyse planted these thoughts in your mind? I need to speak with her. Why does she keep instilling such radical ideas in you?”

He started to walk away, but Louise grabbed his arm.

“Elyse is right,” she declared firmly. “I deserve more than being a pawn in Chesney’s schemes. Garret, too, preferred the safety of his chair to revealing our secret liaison. I was nothing more than a tool for both Chesney and Garret.”

Locking eyes with Edward, Louise smirked. “You suggest I go back to the meeting, but haven’t you felt a bit of bitterness yourself? After all, Chesney will probably want you to marry me, seeing as you’re his trusted man.”

Edward looked down. “If that’s his wish, I’ll comply and promise to treat you right.”

Louise raised her eyebrows. “Just like that? You surrender so easily? I thought you’d resist more.”

Edward’s laughter was hollow, filled with resignation. “Resist for what? There’s no point. I’ve already accepted that Elyse is out of reach. Fighting for the freedom to marry someone I truly love seems even more hopeless. So, what is there left to fight for?”

Louise scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “Such grand words, yet you’ve never really tried. Don’t kid yourself, Edward. We’ve known each other since childhood, and quitting has always been your specialty. You claimed to have pursued Elyse with such fervor, but it’s clear your heart barely participated. Your mind was elsewhere, tangled in distractions.”

Edward bristled. “And what insight do you have into my heart’s affairs?”

With a flick of her wrist, Louise dismissed his irritation. “Delving into the past isn’t why I’m here. My time is just as precious. But mark my words—if you turn away from helping me now, and I rise to power alone, be prepared to find yourself bound in marriage to the woman you loathe most.”

A grimace flickered across Edward’s face, a mix of confusion and dismay. “Why unleash such venom? How have I earned such scorn?”