Anastasia was shocked. She had not expected the queen to bring up the prince's mistress. She had assumed that everyone would simply pretend not to know.
Seeing her reaction, the queen was certain that Anastasia was aware of the situation.
"You don't have to listen to such rumors. She once saved my son's life, and since she has a talent for medicine, he wished to repay her kindness by bringing her to the palace to refine her skills," the queen said. Even if it were true that the prince was having an affair with her, the queen would not allow any stain on her son's reputation.
"I understand, Your Majesty. Only a fool would take rumors seriously," Anastasia replied, uncertain of the queen's intentions.
