A curse or a blessing

Jess waved her hands as she bid her family goodbye with tears; it was the first time she would be going away from home without the company of her parents or sister, and it felt lonely.

She would miss them terribly but hoped to write them when she got to the capital and fully settled.

How can I leave my family in this situation?

But since Mia will be getting married soon to a nobleman, she could help with some expenses while I work to support Papa, Jess thought.

Jess had spoken to Mia about what Alexandra told her and advised Mia to be realistic with her demands as he seemed interested in starting a family with her; he had promised to spend more time with his family once he tied the knot officially.

I did not turn down his proposal entirely; I just told him that I wanted to keep my prospect open and not limit myself and end up regretting my decision.

Mia! How could you say something like that to someone courting you?

You should have thought of his feelings and how your words would affect him and dampen his spirit; he comes from a far distance with gifts should tell you he is a good person.

Jess, I know you mean well, but you should focus on your life and stop worrying about me; he was not the only man I danced with at the ball.

There were suitors, far wealthier than Alexandra, who were interested in courting me.

Just because I want to keep my prospect open and not limit myself, does that make me evil?

It was the last day before she left for the capital, and she did not want their last day together to be with arguments.

Jess wanted to have a peaceful dinner with her family and not add stress to her father, who had a rough day.

I am not saying you are evil, but cut him some slack; he is from the royal family and makes decent money to afford the life you dream of.

Just because you are not living in the castle but a mansion does not make much difference. Jess said.

That is why you are still single and hung up on James; he is the only one who has looked your way apart from Edmund, who wants you as one of his mistresses.

Just because I have better prospects in choosing a spouse should not make you angry and jealous.

Seeing the direction of the discussion, Jess opted to change the topic and not allow Mia’s words to hurt her.

Her sister’s words were poisonous and had a way of cutting her heart with a dagger.

The carriage stopped after passing through a bump in the road that made Jess look out the window; she had missed seeing what the capital looked like in the daytime because her mind was preoccupied.

We are here, my lady, the coachman said.

Finally, she sighed when she saw the Royal Hospital from a distance. She walked to the main entrance of the gate for a security checkup before she could be allowed entry.

There were two big gates; one used as an entrance and the other as an exit gate. Two guards were at each post checking for any harmful substances prohibited from entering the premises before entering or leaving the hospital.

Where is your security pass, my lady?

One of the guards asked.

Her eyes widened when she realized that Walker Lane had not given her a pass to present at the gate.

There was tight security, something she had not bothered about before now, and she regretted it; she would have accepted Walker Lane’s offer of sending a carriage to convey her.

Sir, I do not have a pass, but you can check with the lady; she will clarify the matter, Jess asked pleadingly.

Just then, a carriage drove to the gate, and the security guards bowed their heads; Jess turned to gaze and saw a woman who seemed to be her age emerge from the carriage.

Seeing the guards bowing their heads in greetings, she also curtsied, not knowing if she was the daughter of one of the noble families.

What is holding up the line here?

Jess heard a feminine voice.

Forgive us, princess, but this lady here claims she is a guest of Walker Lane as she will be working directly with her.

When I asked for her gate pass, she could not produce it to collaborate on her story.

I was the one who interviewed all the people who applied for that position, and I did not see you among the list of applicants who came for the preliminary interview.

How could you be selected for that position without passing through the preliminary and final evaluation?

The princess asked in a clipped tone.

Um- um- I-I was interviewed by Walker Lane and Daniel and was told to resume today.

Jess stammered, managing to find her voice.

You can confirm with Daniel or Walker Lane to know whether I am telling the truth or not.

Jess said nervously, afraid that this opportunity was about to slip out of her fingers.

Security, throw this woman out of here because she is a nuisance to the peace of this place.

Princess Melissa said, beckoning to one of the guards standing by without even giving heed to her explanation.

There is no need for that, Princess Melissa; she is here on my orders.

Jess turned back and saw Walker Lane behind her, and she could not have been more grateful to them for showing up at this exact time.

Forgive my manners, Walker Lane; I did not recall seeing this lady in the preliminary and final interview; who considered her a good fit for that position?

I am sorry I had not gone through you; it was an order I could not refuse. Forgive me, Princess Melissa, but if you have a problem with her, I suggest you take it up with your brother, Walker Lane calmly explained.