Chapter 466 Royal Dispute
Ethan stayed by Ashley's side, tending to her with utmost care.
When news of Mary's arrest reached Garrett's ears, he was furious about her actions. Before he could comfort Ethan, Earl Marc—Mary's father—stormed into the palace.
"Your Majesty, the Prince had my daughter arrested over some commoner girl. Is this how the crown treats a nobleman?" Earl Marc bellowed. "Release Mary immediately, or face the consequences!"
Garrett slammed his fist on the table. "Marc, are you threatening treason?"
"I only want my daughter unharmed," Marc retorted. "If she suffers any injury, I won't hesitate to stand against the crown!"
Garrett was livid. "Now you care about your daughter? What about the girl whose parents treasure her just as much? Where was your parenting when Mary was plotting her schemes?"
"I don't care about any of that. Release Mary, or I'll create a scandal the kingdom won't soon forget."
Garrett glared at him, the atmosphere instantly becoming charged with tension. It seemed one more word would ignite a battle.
The royal court was divided into several factions, with Earl Marc leading one of the most powerful. Provoking him could lead to war, with innocent citizens bearing the brunt of the suffering.
Garrett's chest heaved with anger before he finally spoke, "I will handle Mary's situation appropriately."
"Your Majesty, I expect results within three hours," Marc warned before being escorted out.
Once alone, Garrett smashed his hand on the table. "Damn Marc and his insolence! He's a threat that must be eliminated eventually."
"Sire, please reason with the Prince. Earl Marc commands 100,000 ground troops—this could escalate into actual warfare."
"Let's go to the Azure Palace."
When they arrived at Ethan's residence, they waited for the Prince to reluctantly leave Ashley's side.
Father and son sat together in the living room."I've heard about Mary," Garrett began. "She was clearly in the wrong, but Marc is demanding her release and threatening to attack the palace if we refuse. Ethan, we must consider the bigger picture. Marc controls 100,000 troops—conflict with him would bring suffering to our people."
Ethan had grasped his father's intention halfway through and laughed coldly. "Dad, one word from you could mobilize millions across our army, navy, and air force. Any single division could destroy him. Why fear him?"
"I'm not afraid. But civil war would make us an international laughingstock!"
"That won't happen," Ethan stated firmly. "Just give the order, and I'll handle Marc myself."
"What are you planning?"
"He threatens the palace? Then I'll strip him of his command over those 100,000 troops," Ethan said bitterly. "I was willing to overlook his daughter drugging and entrapping me, but I cannot forgive her for having my woman beaten. Anyone who asks me to release Mary is my enemy."
"You're impossible." Garrett's chest heaved with frustration.
Dealing with Marc's insolence was difficult enough; now his son was being equally stubborn.
"Father, you're a man too. If someone had Mother beaten this badly, could you simply let it go?"
Garrett massaged his temples. "Marc has indeed overstepped. He needs to be taught a lesson about showing such disrespect."
Turning to his aide, Garrett ordered, "The Prince will handle this matter. Grant him the necessary military authority. As long as he avoids outright war, he may use it as he sees fit."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Dad."
Ethan was confident he wouldn't start a war over a woman.
Garrett patted his shoulder with a sigh. "Ethan, what kind of woman inspires such deep, almost maddening devotion in you?"
"It's not exactly love," Ethan replied. "But she is mine, and I won't let her be mistreated. Besides, she's been the only woman in my life for years."
"May I see her?"
After a moment's hesitation, Ethan nodded. "Yes."
They entered the bedroom where a sleeping beauty lay on the large bed.
"It's her..." Garrett's eyes widened in shock when he saw Ashley.
"Father, what is it? Do you know her?" Ethan asked.
Garrett seemed to struggle with his words. After a moment's reflection, Ethan asked, "Are you thinking she resembles my late wife Ashley?"
"You remember?" Garrett asked, startled.
Ethan shook his head. "No. Diannel told me. I don't know what feelings I have for her, but whenever I see her, I lose control. Even if it isn't love, she's special to me."
The woman on the bed's eyelashes fluttered slightly.
Garrett sighed. "Ethan, be careful. The position of royal consort must involve a strategic alliance..."
Ethan lowered his eyes. "I understand."
"Very well, I'll take my leave."
After Garrett left, Ethan gazed deeply at Ashley, caressing her face and whispering, "Pearl, there's something I need to handle. I'll return soon."
He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before reluctantly departing.
The moment the door closed, Ashley's eyes shot open. Her beautiful gaze turned cold, radiating a chilling aura. She laughed bitterly. "So I'm just a replacement for his dead wife... As if I wanted his affection... I refuse to be with him..."
Ashley began plotting her escape from the palace.
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