Cursed Love of the Witch and the Regent novel – I was a self-taught healer, skilled in the arts of medicine and ancient rituals. Years ago, when I saved the life of the Regent Duke, Lucian, he rewarded me with wealth and married me as his Duchess. However, over the course of our ten-year marriage, Lucian became distant, caught up in countless affairs. This month, he brought home yet another woman—Ruby, a courtesan from Fleur Parlor House.
Even though I was heavily gestation, I remained calm, focused on preparing for the upcoming wedding. But when I went out to purchase supplies, disaster struck. Ruby charged through the street on horseback, and in the chaos, I was knocked down. I felt a sharp pain in my leg as it shattered, and blood began to pour from the wound, staining the ground beneath me. Lucian didn’t even glance my way. “Who told you to wander around the streets?” he sneered, his voice cold.
“Were you trying to show off your gestation, thinking it would make you more important? You should know better.” His eyes held no remorse as he turned to Ruby, taking her hand and walking away, leaving me behind. The onlookers were too afraid of Lucian’s power to help. It wasn’t until the servants arrived that they found me lying in a pool of blood, my child already gone. When I woke, I was in the palace, and Queen Mother Aveline Adler stood before me. “Please, Your Majesty,” I said, my voice weak, “I wish to divorce Lucian.
The ten years we’ve spent together are enough, and I need to leave him.” Aveline sighed, a deep, weary sound. “I had hoped that once you were gestation, Lucian might soften. But it seems his grudge against you for Liora’s departure has never faded.” I remained silent for a long moment before asking again, my voice almost pleading, “Please, grant me this mercy.” As I moved to sit up, fresh blood poured from my wounds. The sight startled Aveline, and she immediately ordered someone to fetch a doctor. The doctor arrived and examined me carefully.
“Your Majesty,” he said gravely, “the Duchess has suffered severe injuries. She may never be able to bear children again. If she had been treated sooner, the child could have survived.” I placed my hand over my empty stomach and gave a sad smile to Aveline. “I beg you, Your Majesty, please allow me to go.” Aveline’s gaze softened slightly, and she spoke gently, “Your injuries are serious. Stay here for seven days to recover, and we will discuss the matter further.” I nodded, grateful but determined.
“I am honored, Your Majesty, but I must still oversee the Duke’s wedding preparations. I cannot stay here.” Just then, Lucian’s Chief Minister entered the room. After offering a brief bow to Aveline, he spoke without hesitation, “The Duke insists on the grand wedding for Ruby. As for the Duchess, her recovery can wait.” Aveline’s face twisted in anger. “Does he truly think so little of you?” she muttered. “A grand wedding for a courtesan?” The Chief Minister shrugged. “The Duke says Ruby is his true love, and nothing should delay their celebration.
As for the Duchess, she can take care of her recovery after the wedding.” Without sparing me another glance, he left, and Aveline’s fury grew. She slammed a set of vases to the floor, the sound echoing through the room. Once she calmed down, she looked at me again with a somber expression. “I had always hoped that Lucian would let go of Liora’s memory. I never imagined you would be the one to suffer for so long.” She paused, her voice heavy. “It is time to set you free. Seven days from now, you will receive the divorce papers.” I nodded in agreement.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Aveline looked at me one last time, her gaze filled with unspoken words. “As for Liora… I’ll make sure her truth stays hidden, as you’ve asked.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” I said quietly, a vow on my lips. “Good,” Aveline replied, her voice softer now. “On the day you leave, your mother will be waiting for you outside the city.” Clutching the necklace from my mother, a token of her love and hope, I broke down in tears. “Mother,” I whispered. “We are finally free.” Ten years ago, Aveline had helped Lucian’s family ascend to power.
When rebellion broke out, Lucian led the army to save them, but he was gravely wounded and fell into a coma. At that time, Liora, his childhood love, eloped with another man. Fearing the heartbreak would kill him, Aveline orchestrated a lie to protect him from the truth. I was just a young girl when I found Aveline’s carriage, begging for medicine for my sick mother. I unknowingly became a part of her plan to protect Lucian, and in return, I was forced into servitude. When Lucian finally awoke, Aveline convinced him that I had married him to repay the debt of saving his life.
Despite my lack of a noble family, Lucian treated me with kindness and respect, and he even personally arranged our wedding. I poured myself into learning the wa