Chapter 313: She’s Smitten

Martha stood up, overwhelmed with gratitude, her face full of flattery. “I have long heard of your unparalleled beauty, and now that I’ve seen you in person, I must say—it is truly my greatest fortune.”

“Enough with the pleasantries, sit down.” Ashley smiled at her, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “You’re Isolde’s younger sister, aren’t you?”

Ashley had never thought much of people like her. She had already learned all there was to know about the Langley family back in Zloimond. Martha was Vance’s daughter, but since she wasn’t of the direct Langley bloodline, she never held any real status. Yet, back when Prudence had been using Geoffrey’s wealth to support Vance, the man had grown arrogant, and Martha had lived like a pampered noble lady.

Unfortunately, the tides had turned. With the series of misfortunes that had befallen their family, and her strained relationship with her legitimate elder brother, Martha was now practically an orphan. Seeing her bow so low today, Ashley knew she was looking for a way out.

“I heard you’re now Douglas’s goddaughter. That makes us family, doesn’t it?” Martha beamed.

“That’s right.” Ashley studied her. “What brings you here today?”

“The Langley family was at the Valen estate today, discussing the final arrangements for the wedding. Since I had nothing to do, I thought I might be of help. When I heard you were in the estate, I couldn’t resist coming to pay my respects. I’ve long admired you, and now that I see how kind and approachable you are, I feel truly honored.” Martha’s voice was filled with practiced sincerity.

“Once I enter the palace, rules will dictate my every move, but here in the estate, things are far more relaxed.”

Ashley chuckled. “Since we’re family, let’s not waste time with such formalities.”

“Yes, of course!” Martha’s face lit up at the way Ashley addressed her as a sister.

“By the way,” Ashley reached for her coffee, idly tracing the rim with her fingers, “I heard you have a brother who serves the King. What was his name again? I can’t seem to recall.”

“My brother is Clark,” Martha answered quickly. Sensing an opportunity, she added, “He adores me.”

Ashley’s fingers continued to trace the cup’s edge, but she didn’t take a sip—the coffee had long gone cold. “A brother’s love, how fortunate you are. Unlike you, I was orphaned at birth. My grandparents raised me, but I never had the love of siblings. I envy you.”

Martha forced a smile. “There’s no need to envy me. You are the one with true fortune. Before even entering the palace, you’ve already been granted the title of consort. Countless women dream of such an honor.”

Ashley’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. “Yes, the King’s favor is immense indeed.” Her eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Tell me, what exactly does Clark do in the King’s service?”

Martha hesitated. How would she know? She let out a soft laugh. “Perhaps he simply keeps His Majesty entertained?”

Ashley’s interest piqued. “Entertained? Then he must know plenty of intriguing stories.”

“Well… there are a few.”

“Would you share one with me?” Ashley’s tone was casual, but her gaze was sharp.

Martha wasn’t naive. She could tell Ashley was probing for information about the King. It made sense. After all, as a future consort, Ashley would naturally want to understand His Majesty’s preferences to secure his favor. If Ashley needed something from her, then Martha had leverage.

“Is there anything in particular you’d like to hear? Or… perhaps I could ask Clark and find out something interesting for you?” Martha offered.

“Oh, there’s no need to go out of your way,” Ashley said, lightly patting Martha’s hand, her expression meaningful. “But if you happen to hear anything amusing during your conversations with Clark, feel free to share it with me.”

Martha’s heart pounded with excitement. She had expected to be brushed off, but instead, Ashley was giving her an opening. Still, she didn’t let her excitement show. Instead, she let out a soft sigh and said, “To be honest, my visit today was not just for pleasantries. I have a favor to ask.”

Ashley studied her. She had despised Martha at first, but now… she was beginning to see her differently. Ashley had always appreciated straightforward, intelligent people—those who didn’t waste time with unnecessary pretense and instead seized opportunities where they could. Martha reminded her of her younger self. And Ashley had always believed that deals made the strongest alliances.

She slowly took a sip of the cold coffee, watching the barely contained excitement in Martha’s eyes, and said, “Speak. Let’s see if I can help.”

Half an hour later, Ashley saw Martha out. Before leaving, Martha curtsied. “Tomorrow, I’ll bring you that cake you like.”

Ashley smiled. “How thoughtful of you.”

Martha practically floated out of the room, her steps light with joy.

That evening, Patricia returned to the Langley estate and went straight to the Pearl Tower. The moment she stepped in, she announced loudly, “I’ve been running around all day. I’m here to demand a cup of coffee—surely someone will serve me?”

Esme chuckled as she approached. “What kind of talk is that? After all the effort you’ve put into Lady Isolde’s wedding, even if you asked for the finest wine, I’d find a way to get it for you.”

“You always know just what to say. I’m parched.” Patricia plopped onto a chair.

Isolde stepped out from behind the curtain, smiling. “What’s this? Did the Valen family not offer you coffee?”

“Oh, they did. I just didn’t want to drink too much and end up running into your future mother-in-law while looking for a restroom.” Patricia snorted.

“And who was your gracious host today?” Isolde asked.

“Lady Lauryn Sherman.”

Isolde nodded knowingly. Lauryn was Terry Valen’s wife—an astute and courteous woman.

“Lauryn has always been very polite.”

“That she is. So polite, in fact, that I left with a stomach full of pastries. Now, hurry up and get me some water.”

Noelle had already arrived with a tray. “Here’s your coffee, my lady.”

Patricia eagerly took a sip, clearly parched. After finishing, she put the cup down and turned to Isolde. “Martha was with me today—followed me around like a shadow. Said she wanted to help. I couldn’t shake her off, so I brought her along. Later, I heard Ashley summoned her, and the two spent quite a while talking.”

“Really?” Isolde raised a brow. Ashley actually met with Martha? She quickly understood why. Oliver had mentioned that Ashley had been trying to uncover how the King planned to deal with the conspirators. But with Rowena keeping a tight watch over her, she had no access to information. Since Clark was part of the King’s inner circle, Ashley must have decided to use Martha to get closer to him. Martha was clever. She would have found a way to gain something from Ashley in return. But what did she want?

“Patricia, when Martha went to the Valen estate, did you notice if she had any particular goal?” Isolde asked.

Patricia scoffed. “Of course. The moment we arrived, she started asking about the young lord of the house. I’d bet anything she was there for William.”

Isolde recalled how, during Agnes and her brother’s last visit, Martha had been unable to take her eyes off William. Could it be… that she had fallen for him?