SWNOVELS Chapter 46
Chapter 46
HENRIETTA
Despite the recent poisoning attempt, I was surprised to find myself feeling remarkably well the next morning. As I tended to the gardens, an unusual lightness replaced the anticipated weakness. If anything, my body felt light that the same morning, I was up and was tending the gardens, much to Niana’s surprise.
“Are you certain you are fine, my lady? Do you want some tea?” asked Niana who was standing behind me, worried I would collapse any time.
I smiled and faced her. “I am truly fine, Niana. I am surprised as well but I feel really good.” A surge of unexpected energy coursed through me, banishing any remnants of the poison. I moved through the garden with a newfound vigor, my steps light.
I do not know how it was possible for Andreas to cure me using his own blood but I figured I could ask him about. it once we see each other again. Although, I could not help but wonder if it was because of his blood that I was feeling blissful or perhaps it was because of what transpired between us.
I fought the blush that tainted my cheeks and when it seemed that I was failing, I turned around so Niana could not see it.
“But still, I think it would be better for you to stay in your chamber, my lady. We don’t know who did that to you–”
“Niana, the sunshine is so warm and nice. It would be a waste not to savor this.”
Niana went quiet behind me and I continued tending the flowers. However, our peace was shortlived when another maidservant came rushing, breathless as she faced me.
“What’s the matter?”
“My lady,” she said, gasping for air. “There are tenants—the tenants demanded you see them right away.”
Niana and I looked at each other. “For what reason?”
“I don’t have a clue, my lady. But they are furious.”
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Scooping my dress, I did not waste another second and immediately went to the main hall where the guests were. My father owned a huge land and these are all the business owners who have been renting.
I stood in front of them and they all faced me. One of them, I recognized was the same Lord I talked to on Lady. Grace’s debut celebration. I recalled his name was Lord Gerald Anderson.
He was looking at me smugly but I ignored him and looked at the other Lords instead.
“Lady Henrietta,” greeted one of the men. I believe his name is Lord Flynn Morre, one of the longest tenants my
father had.
I dipped my head. “Gentlemen. Please have a seat. Tea will be served right away.” I gave Niana a look over my shoulder and she immediately went to prepare the tea.
“To what do I owe this sudden visit?” I asked the moment we all settled on the sofa.
Twelve lords stood before me, their faces etched with grim determination. The air in the room grew heavy, signaling that their visit harbored no tidings of goodwill.
“We were extremely thankful for your father when he let us rent at a reasonable price– more reasonable than. most. If he was still alive and had decided to increase the price, we would have understood…” he trailed off, making me look at him curiously.
Lord Gerald was the one who continued, “The land price is now double its original price. Don’t you think this is too much? Just because your father is gone does not mean you can abuse your power like this. Before he died, there was an agreement between the lords and the tenants. You’re easily breaking that agreement, Lady
Henrietta.”
I blinked. My head swam with what Lord Gerald was talking about. “Forgive me but I don’t seem to follow you. Were you saying that I doubled the rent price?”
Lord Gerald scoffed. “And now you’re pretending not to know what you did. After you insulted me at the party–”
“Lord Gerald, I did not insult you. If that was your interpretation of an insult then you’re an extremely fragile
man.
“I beg your pardon?”
Niana arrived bringing the tea and I straightened my back, looking at each and everyone of them. “I’m afraid I
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Chapter 46
was not aware of the changes made. However, I would like to know more so I could do something about it–
“There would be no need for that,” said a voice behind me and I turned to see Yvette. She was smiling at me. I stood and faced her.
“Did you do this, Yvette? The Lords have come to the question of why the rent was doubled.”
Yvette sighed and clasped my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I did not find the need to tell you, Henny. It’s my and mother’s land now. That means we oversee everything when it comes to it.”
“What?”
Instead of answering me, she faced the lords. “I was the one who raised the price. I got the permission of the
Crown Prince as well.”
“Why would Philip have the right to grant permission?” I asked and Yvette chuckled.
I
“You really have no idea, don’t you, Henny?” she turned to face me fully. “Now that we are married, Philip owns the properties under our name. I figured the changes I made would hold more power if the Crown Prince grants
it.”
She faced the Lords once again. “Once again, I am the new owner of the land that was once owned by Henny’s father. You answer to me. And if you wish to leave, then you are free to do so.”
“But where else will we go?”
Yvette smiled. Wickedly, this time. “Nowhere. So you have no option but to pay.”
Collective murmurs erupted as soon as Yvette finished. Meanwhile, I could not utter another word because of the
sheer shock.
“Should d you wish to complain about the changes, you’re free to tell the Crown Prince about it. That’s all. You’re
all dismissed.”
The Lords looked at me and I looked at them as well, feeling sorry and terrible. The reality hit me hard – changes. were already underway in my father’s legacy. A sense of disbelief and sorrow washed over me as I grappled with the weight of their audacious actions.
The Lords did not say anything, seeing as the authority has been moved to the Crown Prince, they could not
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Chapter 46
protest that easily. They took their leave silently, leaving me and Yvette in the main hall.
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“You do realize it’s going to affect them if you double the prices,” I started. Yvette smiled and took one of the
cups
of tea and took a sip on it. Her face contorted in displeasure as she savored the tea. Then she spit it back, putting the cup back on the table.
“I don’t know how that would be my problem, Henny. If they could not pay then they’re going to leave. There are richer lords out there willing to buy the land.”
“What? You’re selling the land?”
She shrugged and crossed her arms. “The property is now under my name. I can do anything I want with it, can’t
1?”
My fists clenched and she chuckled. “Come now, Henny. I hope you won’t get mad at me. All of this happened because your father did not leave something for you. He left everything to mother and me. Should I be really. blamed for what he did?”
“What will you do next? You’re going to sell this manor, aren’t you?”
Her eyes looked around the house. “I’ll be living in the palace starting tomorrow. You’re right, this place will not serve any more purpose for me. I will be putting this up on the market as soon as possible.”
I wanted to hurt her right then and there. My wolven instincts, even as I am not a full–born wolf, kicked in. But! stopped myself.
“Don’t do this, Yvette. You’re going to regret this. This is my father’s legacy–”
“Which he gave to me,” she continued. “Which means I can do anything I want with it. I’ll grant you a favor. I’ll let you take everything you want from this house before you leave.”
“What did you say? I am not leaving.”
Yvette chuckled and Myrna came down from the stairs. “You will be, Henrietta. Once the house is sold, you can’t continue living here.”
“You can’t possibly do this to the house. Have you no shame? My father both accepted you and treated you like family!”
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Myrna chuckled. “Your father is gone. Your words do not affect me. I suggest you better start packing your things. Two days from now, someone will view the house.”
They smiled at me before we heard a coachman outside announcing the arrival of the carriage.
“We shall attend your wedding too and I’ll be polite not to cause any scene like you did to mine,” Yvette said and clasped my shoulder once again. “Goodbye, Henrietta. I wish you the best of luck.”
Before I could even say anything, they left the house and went to the carriage to go to the palace. My knees weakened, and I sank onto the sofa. The blissful feeling I had experienced earlier dissipated like a fleeting dream, replaced by a surge of anger and frustration.
I saw this coming but it still feels so outrageous that I could not contain my anger. My hands trembled because of the fury at their audacity.
“My lady?” Niana hesitantly stepped closer. I was not able to contain my tears. I started sobbing and Niana was immediately next to me, enveloping me in her arms.
“What should we do now, my lady?” she asked. Even if I do not see the look on her face, I know she’s teary.
But I don’t have the luxury of time to wallow in my sadness and grief. I need to get moving.
“Please arrange a meeting with Andreas Marfori,” I said, pulling away and wiping my tears. “We need to discuss something important.”
Niana nodded and sniffled. “I will, right away, my lady.”
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