Royal Palace
Queen Anastasia was invited to the king's study that evening.
"Your Majesty," Anastasia said with a bow. She looked graceful in her gown.
"Sit," the king said, studying her. He couldn't understand what gave her the confidence to request a divorce. After all, when he looked at her, all he saw was a weak woman.
Anastasia walked over and took her seat. There was an air of nobility about her that the king had never noticed in all these months.
"I'll give you a chance to withdraw your statement from this morning," King Edward said. Though he was prepared to be ruthless, he still knew the value of caution.
"In exchange?" Queen Anastasia asked.
The king looked directly at her. "The royal celebration will not be held. You can adopt the boy under your name. That way, it will make perfect sense when he is named crown prince."
