My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248 Palace Rumors

Chapter 248 Palace Rumors

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Helen had no choice but to push Cecilia into the open, trusting the girl would find protection elsewhere.

The men of the Princess Royal’s Estate–cousin Edmund among them–were bound by honor to stand or fall with the residence itself.

Even so, Fiona could not help but admire Helen’s precision. Somehow the old princess had identified the single exit still ajar and thrust Cecilia through it before the doors slammed shut.

Not long afterward whispers began to snake through Jexburgh: Cornelius, the Fourth Prince, was secretly dealing with the Steppe Nomads.

When Marcus was next summoned to the Imperial Palace, he entered Grand Harmony Hall to find Soren already standing beneath the high steps.

Above them, Emperor Aldric rubbed his temple and sighed. “These rumors,” he muttered, “are driving me to distraction.”

Marcus stepped forward until he stood shoulder to shoulder with Soren, then bowed toward the throne.

Emperor Aldric’s voice hardened, though his face had not yet chilled. “Rumor has it that your fourth brother has been funneling palace intelligence to the Steppe Nomads. He may wear a prince’s sash, but the law is the law. If he truly did this, I will not spare him.”

He shifted his gaze to Soren, tone easing into consultation. “Blaze, Marcus proved fair and incorruptible during the last corruption inquiry. Let him investigate this nomad affair as well -what say you? The Zonfrillo Estate has served Duflana with distinction, and I intend to give your family a clear accounting.”

Soren inclined his head. “Your Majesty’s discernment is a gift to us all.”

Emperor Aldric went on, voice almost paternal. “I hear you will soon ride north to Broadmoor on your father’s behalf. The Steppe Nomads have retreated, yet caution must remain your armor. Stay vigilant.”

Marcus lifted his eyes, studying the emperor for a heartbeat that felt longer than it was.

Soren answered simply, “I thank Your Majesty for the warning.”

He did not linger; after a brief bow, he took his leave.

11:55 Fri, Oct 24

Chapter 248 Palace Rumors

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Once the doors closed behind Soren, Aldric turned to Marcus with a weary half–smile. “Tell me, Marcus, if Cornelius truly committed this crime, would not the royal family lose every shred of face?”

It was no real question, merely a pointed signal that the culprit must not be Cornelius.

If Emperor Aldric had intended a genuine probe, he would never have assigned it to Marcus. Few dared even remind him of duties when an imperial sibling was involved.

And even had Marcus wanted to dig, he lacked trustworthy hands; those who had followed him on the corruption case would never risk offending a prince this time.

Marcus said, “Father, please rest easy. I am certain Cornelius is innocent.”

Aldric’s expression softened into something almost playful. “You seldom visit the palace. Stay and play a round of chess with your father–what do you say?”

A few mornings later, during court, an official rose to praise Zachary Niven for securing grain supplies and keeping Junbert steady. Such a merit, the man argued, deserved recall to Jexburgh.

The man who dared raise the question was the senior minister of the Ministry of Justice–an incorruptible blade of the court who had already angered both Cornelius and Zephyr past the point of reconciliation. The princes ground their teeth at the mention of him, yet they could not strike. Emperor Aldric valued that stern honesty too much, and his favor shielded the minister like polished armor.

Even so, the proposal he laid on the table struck straight at Cornelius‘ hidden desire, sounding to the Fourth Prince like a perfectly tuned string.

His supporters seized the moment. One after another they offered compliments, each word floating upward like incense smoke meant to please the prince.

Across the hall, the delegation from the Zonfrillo Estate raised no objection at all. Their calm silence felt oddly out of step, like a drumbeat missing where it should land.

Cornelius‘ brow twitched. Is this some new ploy to drive a wedge between us? Zachary Niven has no reason to cozy up to the Zonfrillos this quickly. The thought chilled him, yet he masked it with a courteous smile.

Emperor Aldric weighed every face, then spoke, his voice low and decisive. “Zachary has kept Junbert steady for a full year. He quelled chaos in mere weeks. To leave a mind like that buried on the frontier is wasteful. He should return to Jexburgh and share my burdens.”

Rumor always outran official edict. Long before Zachary could pack for the capital, word had

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11:55 Fri, Oct 24

Chapter 248 Palace Rumors

already swept through noble salons that Soren was bound for Broadmoor.

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Chatting beneath a flowering pergola, Hillary worried aloud, “If Lord Soren meets the Steppe Nomads out there, what then?” The memory of Daniel’s wounding still tightened her chest.

Naomi lifted an eyebrow, cool as early frost. “I’m not anxious, so why out–fretting me?”

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