I Choose A New Life Chapter 03
Just like in my previous life, the old King died on the exact night William and I got married.
After the funeral, the new King took the throne, and I became Queen—right on schedule.
Anna’s official title, though, was still not decided yet.
The court officials suggested making her a “Lady,” an idea she absolutely hated.
She cried about it nonstop and eventually went on a hunger strike.
Finally, William came to me. He kept his voice soft, trying to negotiate. “She’s already devastated that she isn’t the Queen.
“I’d like to make her a Duchess, just as a small comfort. What do you think?”
No one in this kingdom ever gave a duchess title to a person who did nothing to earn it.
Even so, I kept my voice respectful. “You may decide, Your Majesty.”
William just watched me.
His heavy gaze settled on my calm face, but I couldn’t tell what was going through his head.
After a long moment, he let out a soft sigh. “I know this puts you in a tough spot.”
As a concession, he appointed my older brother to the Privy Council.
When it came time to assign the palaces, Anna stirred up trouble again.
She wanted Eversleigh Palace—the most luxurious residence on the royal grounds.
Margaret was furious. “You should get first pick, not her. You’re the Queen, and she’s just the daughter of a mistress. Doesn’t she know her place?”
Oh, she knew her place perfectly well.
But people who know they’re the favorite tend to act without worrying about the results.
I saved William the headache of deciding and claimed Mooncrest Palace for myself.
It was still a gorgeous, luxurious place.
The only downside was that it was a pretty long walk from the King’s private chambers.
This time, though, William wasn’t having it.
He frowned, clearly unhappy. “You’re my Queen. Why would you stay so far away?
“You outrank her, so you’re taking Eversleigh.”
I just said, “Oh.”
I started to get up, but he caught my wrist.
William studied me closely. “Anna scares easily. That’s why I’ve been spending more time with her lately. Are you upset about that?”
I lowered my eyes. “I wouldn’t dare.”
“Then I’m staying here with you tonight,” he said.
I shook my head. “We’re still in the mourning period…”
“It doesn’t matter.”
He half-closed his eyes, a faint smile touching his lips. “I won’t try anything. I just want to be close to you.”
I stayed quiet for a second.
Frowning a little, I said, “I’m worried the Duchess will be upset.
“For the sake of keeping the peace, Your Majesty, you should really go to her.”
The room went dead silent.
William let out a slow, quiet laugh. “Bella, are you angry and trying to upset me?”
I just watched him, completely lost as to why he was suddenly in such a good mood.
In my previous life, I’d played the gracious queen in public, but behind closed doors, I had a real temper.
My jealousy came entirely from how much I loved him. If he went too long without coming to see me, I’d cry out of sheer frustration or give him the silent treatment.
Back then, William used to be incredibly patient with me.
He’d even swallow his pride to coax me out of it, sounding totally helpless, “Bella, I promise I’ll never leave you alone again, okay?”
I used to second-guess myself, asking him shyly, “Am I too jealous?”
He’d just shake his head and smile. “That’s not jealousy. It just shows how much you care. I like that about you.”
But no matter how much he liked it, it couldn’t compare to the intense attraction he felt back then.
Take tonight, for instance. At first, he hadn’t wanted to leave.
But the second a maid came in to say Anna was sick, he was up and out the door without a second thought.