Are You the King’s Wife?!
A lady walked out of the building and stood before the students with a warm smile.
She led everyone into the examination hall and assigned them to their seats according to their numbers.
When she noticed that Ella was the only one left standing, she paused.
“You didn’t register?” she asked.
“No. I was referred by His Majesty.”
Ella handed over the letter bearing the king’s seal.
The lady accepted it and read through it carefully.
Then her eyes traveled from Ella’s head to her toes.
“So you’re the king’s wife?” she asked in disbelief.
As usual, Ella’s appearance was plain.
She wore simple clothes in dull colors, nothing that would identify her as the wife of the most powerful man in the kingdom.
The hall immediately erupted into whispers.
“Wow! The king actually gave her a referral letter!”
“And she doesn’t even have to take the entrance exam!”
“I thought Selena was the one in the king’s heart.”
“Then why didn’t he give Selena a referral letter too?”
“I told you Selena was lying all this time.”
“The king only loves his wife!”
“Selena was never anything important.”
The girls giggled among themselves.
Selena’s face darkened, and she clenched her dress tightly.
The lady cleared her throat.
“You may follow me. Since you’re exempt from the examination, you can assist me in supervising.”
She smiled warmly and assigned a seat near her desk.
Soon, everyone settled down.
“Before you is a sheet of paper, a brush, and ink,” the lady announced.
“You will write a poem about the heart in your finest handwriting. You have five minutes. Any form of cheating will result in immediate disqualification.”
“Yes, Madam!”
The students answered in unison.
“Begin!”
The examination lasted nearly an hour.
After the results were announced, the successful students, including Ella, were guided to a large room where academy uniforms were distributed.
The uniform was plain white.
The girls were especially dissatisfied with it.
Each female student was required to wear a red ribbon in her hair, while the boys wore red belts around their waists.
“You’re lucky, Ella!”
Isabella suddenly appeared behind her.
Ella blinked.
She had completely forgotten about her and had assumed she failed the examination.
“Are you really the king’s wife?” Isabella asked excitedly.
“Yes,” Ella answered softly.
At least for now.
Until the king eventually married her off, she would remain his wife.
“Oh, goodness!” Isabella laughed.
“Selena must be furious. She spent years showing off the gifts the king bought her and telling everyone she would become his queen.”
She lowered her voice.
“When news spread that the king had sent his guards to bring home a wife, she rushed straight to the palace to see it for herself.”
Ella finally understood.
So that was why Selena had appeared at the palace that day.
“I don’t want any trouble with her,” Ella said honestly.
“That’s only possible if she doesn’t want trouble with you,” Isabella replied with a snort.
“And trust me, she’s a thorn in everyone’s flesh.”
Ella silently agreed.
If Selena could simply leave her alone, her school life might finally become peaceful.
“But if she ever bothers you, tell me,” Isabella declared proudly.
“I’ll defend you.”
Ella smiled.
The warmth in her chest surprised her.
No one had ever said those words to her before.
She had always been the one forced to defend herself.
“Who are you two laughing at?”
Selena’s sharp voice echoed from behind them.
Isabella immediately stepped in front of Ella.
“Are you talking to us?” she asked.
“Is there anyone else laughing?” Selena snapped.
The room instantly grew quiet as students turned toward them.
“Why do you think we’re laughing at you?” Isabella shot back.
“Are you really that important?”
“How dare you speak to me like that?” Selena demanded.
“Oh? Were you not the one who came looking for trouble?” Isabella asked.
A mischievous smile appeared on her face as she stepped closer.
“Are you jealous that the king gave Ella a referral letter instead of you?”
The room exploded with whispers.
“She’s probably jealous.”
“That must be it.”
“Imagine trying to interfere with a married couple.”
“How embarrassing.”
“Did she really think the king would choose her over his wife?”
Selena’s face darkened with every comment.
Isabella folded her arms.
“Let’s be honest. If the king truly wanted you, he would’ve married you already.”
The room burst into laughter.
Selena’s hands trembled with anger.
She suddenly raised her hand.
Before she could strike Isabella, someone grabbed her wrist.
“Enough.”
It was Roselle.
The room immediately fell silent.
“It’s our first day,” Roselle said coldly.
“Don’t make a scene.”
Selena glared at her.
“You…”
“You don’t want trouble with the academy on your first day, do you?”
Selena bit down on her anger and yanked her hand free.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
“Thank you for standing up for me,” Ella said sincerely.
Roselle glanced at her.
“If she ever insults you again, call for me.”
Then she walked away.
Isabella watched her leave and shook her head.
“Their families have never gotten along.”
“Tsk. Selena really is a troublemaker.”
“I’m sure she has her reasons,” Ella said quietly.
“Reasons?” Isabella scoffed.
“She’s always trying to be on top. Did she think that if she harmed you, the king wouldn’t punish her?”
Would he?
Ella lowered her gaze.
Would the king really punish Selena for her?
Would he care?
Or would he listen to Selena’s side of the story and send Ella away again?
Wouldn’t everything simply repeat itself?
No one had ever believed her before.
Why should it be any different now?
As if sensing her thoughts, Isabella gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry.”
Ella looked up.
“Even if she frames you… even if she lies about you…”
Isabella smiled.
“Whether I’m a witness or not, I’ll believe you.”