How the Abandoned Queen Made That Man Kneel

Chapter 12

Kasalyn's birth mother had passed away due to a chronic illness when Kasalyn was very young, leaving only faint memories.

Despite the assured comfort and prestige, Kasalyn's father, a professor at the royal academy, became somewhat indolent after her mother's death, much like any other common nobleman.

"Kasalyn, say hello. She's going to be your new mother."

Returning from a brief research trip abroad, her father brought home a woman. To Kasalyn, there was only one mother, yet her father had replaced her with this new wife.

The woman was holding a young child in her arms. Her name was Rose.

"This child is a blessing born from our travel, under God's grace. She's now your sister, take good care of her."

Kasalyn couldn't help but resent her father for quickly trying to forget her late mother. However, she couldn't entirely blame him.

Now the eldest daughter instead of the only child, Kasalyn strived to be a responsible big sister, despite her inexperience.

The new stepmother seemed to favor Rose but did not mistreat Kasalyn. It seemed they could at least be a not-so-bad family.

Until her father passed away due to a war injury.

"Kasalyn, you must elevate our family's honor. Ensure your marriage to the king goes through. That way, our Rose can become a lady of a noble house."

The stepmother didn't act like an evil figure from a third-rate novel, but perhaps imposed a more painful burden of responsibility and duty on Kasalyn.

Rose's ascent as a mere stepping stone.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Congratulations. His Majesty has chosen Miss Rose Robon as the next queen."

What did Rose think when the court official came to announce this? Kasalyn remembered feeling incredibly scared and anxious about her impending marriage.

Did Rose really not understand the weight and challenges of being a queen of a country?

"Ugh..."

Kasalyn, who had been sprawled over the desk, straightened her stiff back with a groan.

Squinting in the morning sunlight pouring through the window, she stretched and something fell from beneath her chair.

It was a blanket.

'Did a maid come and cover me with it?'

She was grateful, whoever it was.

Quickly scanning the paper-laden desk, Kasalyn saw it was filled with writing – fortunately, she had completed Rose's speech for the reading ceremony before falling asleep.

A moment of gratitude for her own hard work from the night before.

"Is anyone there?"

"Yes, Miss Kasalyn."

"Could you take this to Her Majesty, the Queen? It's for the reading ceremony. Tell her the preparation time was short so it might be imperfect and ask her to review it."

"Understood."

"Oh, and one more thing."

The maid, about to leave the room, turned back at her call.

"Did you cover me with the blanket last night?"

"No, I didn't..."

"Okay, thank you. You can go now."