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The Maid'S Secret Heirs Became Royal Heirs ️
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00:00On my last night as a maid, before I left the palace, an unknown noble forced himself on me.
00:05I had just turned 18.
00:08Just for this night.
00:11The royal herald read the Queen Mother's decree aloud in the corridor.
00:15By order of her grace, the following maids are released from service and permitted to return to their homes.
00:24Martha, Dorothy, Clara.
00:30Clara, God be praised. You are free at last.
00:34I packed my bags that night, just a few worn dresses, and the silver coins I saved up for my
00:39mother.
00:40Late that night, I took an oil lamp to bid Leah farewell.
00:43Crossing the gardens, a hand yanked me back to a room.
00:48Who is there? Let me go!
00:50Before I could see his face, he threw me onto a bed.
00:54Stay, just for this night. Who are you? You smell of spring.
00:58Let me go. I have been released from service. I am to go home tomorrow.
01:04You will stay.
01:05You cannot do this!
01:07He ignored my resistance and kissed me brutally.
01:10My dress ripped apart. Coldness and despair swallowed me whole.
01:15I beg you, please, no.
01:18I sobbed and shoved his chest. He did not budge an inch.
01:22I knew the strict palace rules. A maid sleeping with a noble face the gallows.
01:26Dawn broke. I opened my eyes. The room was in ruins.
01:30The man beside me slept on. He was very handsome, but I dared not linger.
01:35Terrified of being caught, I grabbed my clothes and fled.
01:38I looked back one last time at the golden cage that trapped me for ten years.
01:43I thought my escape was the end, but the nightmare had only just begun.
01:48I returned to the village and saw my mother. She had aged, hair turning gray.
01:52When she saw me, she held me and wept for a very long while.
01:56I kept the palace horror a secret. I only told her I was discharged safely.
02:01I wanted a quiet life with her. A month later, my body began to change.
02:05I panicked, yet I dared not speak of it. My mother noticed something was amiss.
02:10She quietly took me to the most experienced midwife in the village.
02:14The midwife trekked me over. She confirmed I was with child.
02:18My mother's face went pale. She looked at me in tears.
02:21You're not even married. How can you have a child? The villagers will talk. They'll shame you.
02:28I knew in a village as traditional as this, an unmarried pregnancy was the worst kind of disgrace.
02:33When I touched my belly, I felt a living soul, my own flesh and blood.
02:38I clenched my teeth and said,
02:40Mother, I mean to keep this child. No matter what others may say,
02:44I shall bring this child into the world and raise it well.
02:46Mother gave in. She helped cover up my growing shape.
02:49But secrets slip out. As my belly swelled, the nasty rumors spread like wildfire.
02:55Clara broke the rules. She brought back a bastard from the palace.
02:59What a disgrace to Clara's family. Harlots like Clara should be stoned.
03:03Clara's mother is a fool. Raising a girl with no morals.
03:08The words cut like knives. Every day, they pierced my heart.
03:12The true torment came from my own blood.
03:14My brother Walter and his wife Matilda.
03:18My brother Walter was a greedy snob.
03:21I slaved away for ten years at the palace.
03:23My silver had gone to support the family, paying for their new cottage and cattle.
03:27When I returned, he showed no gratitude.
03:29Disgusted by my scandal, he beat and cursed me.
03:32My sister-in-law Matilda was even worse.
03:35Vain and greedy.
03:37Seeing my state, she schemed to cast me out.
03:40She aimed to steal my last few coins.
03:42She gossiped in the square every day, calling me a hussy who lay with passing strangers.
03:47No one knew whose child I carried, claiming I was thrown out and brought my bastards home to burden the
03:52family.
03:53That's right. No one knows who's thrown out and only brought shame and burden back home.
03:58In the end, I was driven from home.
04:00I took shelter in a run-down stable on the village edge, to feed myself and the child within me.
04:06I rose before dawn to wash clothes, chop wood, and clean animal stalls, any filthy work I could find.
04:11My mother pitied me.
04:12She always smuggled me fresh eggs and dock bread.
04:15But Matilda cursed her bitterly every time.
04:17Six months later, I gave birth to twins.
04:20A boy named Edmund.
04:21A girl named Eleanor.
04:22Edmund took after me.
04:24Quiet and sensible, Eleanor favored her father.
04:26Big eyes and a sweet face.
04:28My children became my anchor.
04:30They gave me a reason to live.
04:31However bitter and weary life became, seeing Edmund and Eleanor's smile made everything worth it.
04:37But the village children echoed their parents' cruelty.
04:40They called my twins bastards.
04:42One day, Eleanor ran home in tears.
04:44She buried her face in my chest.
04:46Mama, they say we don't have a papa.
04:49They called us bastards.
04:51You are not bastards.
04:53Your father fell terribly ill.
04:55Your father went far away for a cure.
04:57He will return when he is well.
04:59Mama, I don't need a papa.
05:01I only need you and Eleanor.
05:03I will protect you both.
05:04No one will ever hurt you.
05:06He was only five, yet he had more sense than many grown men.
05:10Edmund had a rare mind.
05:11He would crouch outside the village chapel.
05:13He listened to the priest's sermons.
05:16He memorized everything upon first hearing.
05:18I touched his hair, my heart full of pride and sorrow.
05:21My son was gifted, but I had no coin for a monastery school.
05:25I made a silent vow I would get him an education, so that one day he might make something of
05:31himself and never be despised as I had been.
05:34So the days dragged on.
05:35I thought I would spend my whole life in that broken stable, swallowing every insult with my children beside me.
05:41But I had not foreseen that the royal blessing of an heir would change the fate of the three of
05:46us forever.
05:47That morning, a loud horn blasted through the village.
05:50Lord, Lord Bennett is here!
05:53The royal steward is picking children for the blessing!
05:56The village went wild.
05:58Parents dragged their children toward the square.
06:00The blessing of an heir was a grand royal banquet.
06:03The queen mother prayed for a royal grandchild.
06:06The king had no heirs.
06:08The queen mother sought heaven's favor that the royal line might endure.
06:12Every year, children across the realm were chosen to enter the palace and receive holy favor.
06:18I wanted no part of it.
06:20I knew our lowly status.
06:22We would only face mockery.
06:24People like us only get mocked.
06:26Clara, let Edmund and Elena try.
06:28If chosen, Edmund and Elena get to see the palace.
06:31They might meet a noble patron.
06:33Then perhaps no one will dare bully you again.
06:35I hesitated.
06:37I saw the longing in Edmund's eyes.
06:39I finally nodded.
06:40I held their little hands.
06:42We stood at the very back of the crowd, watching from afar.
06:45Lord Bennett looked every inch a royal steward.
06:48Velvet robes, mink-trimmed hat, and heavy emerald rings.
06:52Holding a parchment scroll, he inspected the village children one by one.
06:56Suddenly, his eyes locked onto Edmund.
06:59I saw his pupils narrow.
07:00The parchment slipped from his trembling hands.
07:02He stumbled toward Edmund, staring fixedly at his face.
07:06So like.
07:08Far too like.
07:09Then he turned sharply and locked his eyes on me.
07:11You and his majesty.
07:13What is your relation?
07:15Just then, Bailiff Benson swaggered over.
07:18My lord, this boy is Clara's bastard.
07:21Unknown breeding.
07:22He has no right to attend the blessing.
07:24Benson was the local tyrant.
07:26A snob who always despised me.
07:28He once tried to drown me in the river for my unwed pregnancy.
07:32Claiming it was village law.
07:34Only my mother's desperate pleading had saved my life.
07:37Benson, I beg you, don't kill Clara.
07:40Hearing the word bastard, Edmund's face flushed red.
07:43He glared at Benson.
07:45I am not a bastard.
07:46I have a papa.
07:48Shut your mouth, little rat.
07:51Clara!
07:51Clara, how dare you bring your filth to Lord Bennet?
07:54You shame our village.
07:56I will teach you a harsh lesson today.
07:58Bailiff Benson, I beg you.
08:00Spare Clara and the children.
08:02They are innocent.
08:05Take it out on me.
08:07Do not harm my mother or my children.
08:11Very well.
08:12Since you protect them so fiercely.
08:15By village law, she is to be cast into the river.
08:18Just then, Lord Bengner dropped to his knees.
08:21He faced Edmund and shouted.
08:23Forgive me!
08:24Forgive me!
08:27Then, he stood up and turned to me.
08:30Mistress Clara, please bring your children.
08:33And come with me to the palace for the blessing.
08:36Everyone was stunned.
08:38Me too.
08:38Benson stammered in shock.
08:40Lord Bennet?
08:42What is the meaning of this?
08:43I was bewildered.
08:44I had no idea why his attitude changed so drastically.
08:48But I knew one thing.
08:49This was our only chance to escape that wretched village.
08:53All right.
08:54As we left, Matilda and my brother Walter stood in the doorway.
08:58Glaring at me bitterly.
08:59I knew they would never let this go.
09:01But I no longer cared.
09:02I just wanted my children out of this vile place.
09:05On the carriage ride, Bennet kept staring at Edmund.
09:08His eyes unreadable.
09:09Why did you choose my children?
09:11Clara, you will see when we arrive.
09:14Just...
09:15Whatever happens at court, keep your composure.
09:17Dread pooled in my stomach.
09:19A massive storm was brewing.
09:21I could feel it.
09:22At the palace, Bennet hid us in a guest chamber.
09:25Maids dressed us in clean, fine fabrics.
09:29It was the twins' first time wearing such finery.
09:32Their eyes sparkled with joy.
09:34But I sat with my heart in my throat.
09:36Everything in the palace felt so familiar and yet so strange.
09:39I dreaded seeing old faces.
09:42I was terrified my six-year-old secret would come to light.
09:45On the day of the blessing, I took both children by the hand.
09:49We followed the crowd toward the Queen Mother's Grand Throne Room.
09:53Maids and guards lined the corridors.
09:55Everyone went quietly about their appointed duties, and the air was solemn.
09:59Suddenly, a shrill voice pierced the air.
10:02Well, is that not Clara?
10:06What are you doing here?
10:07I turned and saw Maude, my cousin.
10:10She married a local huntsman.
10:11She brought her son Odo for the blessing, too.
10:14Maude had always envied me.
10:15In the village, she often joined Matilda in tormenting me.
10:19Ignoring her, I pulled the children and walked faster.
10:22Oh, Clara! Are these your runks?
10:26I never heard the bands read.
10:28Did some stray cur get you with child?
10:31Edmund squeezed my hand.
10:33Mama, do not heed her.
10:35Eleanor hid behind my dress.
10:37She started to cry in little frightened sobs.
10:39My children have a father.
10:42He has passed.
10:43Gone?
10:44More like you do not even know his name.
10:46You dare bring bastards to the blessing?
10:49Stop dreaming of clawing your way into the court.
10:52Shameless woman.
10:53The other parents began whispering as well, pointing fingers at us.
10:57So this is that disgraced maid?
10:59How absolutely shameless.
11:00Bringing bastards into the royal court.
11:02It is an ill omen.
11:03Filth like that should be kept away from the ceremony.
11:05I trembled with anger, and tears filled my eyes.
11:08Edmund suddenly pulled free of my hand.
11:11Do not insult my mother!
11:13You are the shameless one!
11:15You little bastard!
11:17You dare talk back to me?
11:19I will slap you senseless!
11:21I lunged forward to shield him.
11:23At that moment, Edmund's foot slipped.
11:25He crashed to the marble floor.
11:27Blood gushed from his nose.
11:28Edmund!
11:29I screamed in horror.
11:30I dropped to my knees to grab him.
11:32And then, a familiar figure stepped out of the shadows.
11:36He wore a crimson velvet robe, white ermine at the collar.
11:39He exuded absolute, terrifying power.
11:43It was him, the man from that night.
11:45Six years ago, my blood ran cold.
11:47My legs buckled.
11:48I fell to my knees and buried my face in the floor.
11:51Your Majesty.
11:54Please forgive us.
11:55Edmund and Eleanor quickly knelt beside me.
11:58He stopped in front of me.
11:59I felt his hard gaze burning into me, calculating and faintly familiar.
12:04Look up.
12:04His voice was a deep rumble, not the raspy tone from that dark night.
12:08Just for this night.
12:10But just as commanding, I lifted my head, trembling.
12:13I dared not meet his eyes.
12:15His gaze shifted down to Edmund.
12:17The boy is bleeding.
12:19Take him to the healers.
12:21Thank you, Majesty.
12:23But as I turned, his scent washed over me.
12:26It was the same as that night six years ago.
12:29My heart slammed against my ribs.
12:31A horrified thought struck me.
12:33Could it be that the stranger from that night, King Edric?
12:36I pushed the thought away.
12:37I dragged the children away quickly.
12:39But I felt his eyes searing onto my back.
12:42We reached the Queen Mother's hall.
12:44She sat on a gilded throne.
12:45Regal, but terrifyingly stern.
12:48The parents and children all knelt before her to pay respects.
12:51The Queen Mother looked over us all.
12:53And at last, her eyes settled on Elinor.
12:55She smiled.
12:56Whose child is this?
12:58Your Grace.
12:59This is my daughter, Elena.
13:01Your Grace, I must speak!
13:03This girl is an unwed wench!
13:05She brought bastards to the blessing!
13:07She mocks your royal authority!
13:09The Grand Hall fell dead silent.
13:11Every single eye locked onto me.
13:14Is this true?
13:17Your Grace, I...
13:19It was against my will.
13:21I was ravished.
13:23Ravished?
13:24Your Grace!
13:25Do not believe her lies!
13:27She was a palace maid!
13:29She broke the rules and bore bastards!
13:32She tainted the royal court!
13:34Execute her!
13:35They are bastards!
13:36They have no father!
13:38We are not bastards.
13:40We have a father.
13:44Your mother never married.
13:46How are you not bastards?
13:49Your Grace, this shameless strumple deserves the lash.
13:53Marge, the Queen Mother's head maid, stepped up and barked.
13:58Guards, drag this woman away and flog her!
14:02The guards stepped forward with whips in hand.
14:04All the blood drained from my face.
14:06Edmund and Eleanor threw themselves over me, using their little bodies to shield me.
14:11Do not hit my mother!
14:12Do not hit her!
14:13The whip cracked across my back.
14:15Agony exploded through my veins.
14:18I wrapped my arms around the twins.
14:20I sobbed desperately.
14:22It is all my fault.
14:24Please do not hurt my children.
14:26The leather struck me again and again.
14:28Hot blood soaked through my dress.
14:31Stop hitting my mother!
14:32You monsters!
14:34Mama!
14:35Mama!
14:36You wicked old witch!
14:38Stop hurting my mother!
14:40The entire hall gasped.
14:42My heart stopped.
14:43I clamp my hand over his mouth.
14:45I stare at the throne in horror.
14:47Silence!
14:48How dare you speak to me like that!
14:51He curses her grace!
14:52Guards!
14:53Drag this little beast to the dungeon!
14:57Your grace!
14:58I beg for mercy!
14:59He is just a child!
15:01He knows nothing!
15:02Edmund ripped my hand away.
15:04By kingdom law, children under seven are not put to death.
15:07I am only five.
15:09Your grace!
15:10You are the king's mother!
15:12You must know right from wrong!
15:14You cannot kill the innocent over petty lies!
15:17The queen mother froze.
15:18She never expected a five-year-old to cite royal law.
15:22Your grace!
15:23Look at him!
15:24This fatherless bastard is wild and feral!
15:27Indeed, your grace.
15:29If this wild rat isn't tamed, he will become a menace.
15:33A man must protect his mother first.
15:36If I cannot even defend Clara, how can Edmund ever be loyal to the crown and defend the kingdom?
15:41Your grace, you punish us blindly!
15:45How will the people ever truly trust you?
15:48The queen mother was speechless.
15:50Her face turned an ugly shade of red.
15:53At that moment, the herald's voice came.
15:57His majesty, the king!
16:04My chest tightened.
16:05I looked up on instinct.
16:07He strode into the hall.
16:08Eyes locked onto me.
16:10Seeing my bloody wounds.
16:11His brow snapped together.
16:12A flash of pity crossed his eyes.
16:14Our gazes met.
16:15The air stucked out of the room.
16:17His stare was deep, searching, and unreadable.
16:20I lowered my head at once.
16:22My heart pounding wildly.
16:23The king stopped before the throne.
16:25He gave a slight bow.
16:26Mother, what has happened here?
16:28Your majesty, this woman bore children out of wedlock.
16:32She brought bastards to the blessing.
16:34She let her wild rat curse her grace.
16:36She deserves death.
16:39She served in the palace?
16:40Yes.
16:41She was a maid, discharged at 18.
16:47The king's frown deepened.
16:49He walked toward me, one slow step at a time.
16:52Six years ago, were you in the garden?
16:54I trembled all over and dared not answer.
16:57That night was my darkest secret.
16:59If it were uncovered, my children and I would die.
17:02Suddenly, Lord Bennett burst through the grand doors.
17:05He fell to his knees.
17:06Your majesty, your grace, I bring urgent news.
17:13Speak!
17:14I chose this boy for the blessing for one reason.
17:17He is a mirror image of his majesty as a child.
17:21I feared royal blood had been abandoned among common folk.
17:24I had to bring them in.
17:26What?
17:27What did you say?
17:29These are the king's children.
17:31Impossible!
17:32My mind spun, total chaos.
17:35The man from that night, six years ago, was the king.
17:38Then Edmund and Eleanor.
17:40Were they prince and princess?
17:41The king looked at me, his eyes steady.
17:44Mother, it was Clara that night.
17:47King Edric knows Clara's scent well.
17:49Edric, are you insane?
17:51Clara was a maid!
17:53How could King Edric touch Clara?
17:56Your majesty, Clara is of low birth.
18:00She is an unwed mother with a ruined reputation.
18:03How could such a woman be the queen?
18:05These children are of uncertain birth.
18:07You cannot claim them.
18:08Your majesty!
18:10Clara lies with every man back home.
18:13Those brats are not yours.
18:15Don't let this horrid trick you.
18:18Your majesty, I never lied.
18:20That night, I thought you were a palace guard.
18:23I fled in terror.
18:24For six years, I swallowed my pride in the countryside with our children.
18:28I never touched another man.
18:30Edmund and Eleanor are your blood.
18:33You lie!
18:34You were discharged in May.
18:36The brats were born in January.
18:37The timing does not align.
18:39It is a hypothetical lie.
18:41Your grace, your majesty.
18:42They were born before their time.
18:44They came a month early.
18:46Premature.
18:49Your grace!
18:51Your majesty.
18:52She is lying.
18:53Those brats were full-grown.
18:56In the village, Clara often met with strange men.
18:58We caught Clara on the spot.
19:00Yes, your majesty.
19:02We swear on it.
19:03Clara is a filthy harlot.
19:06Clara is unfit for your bed.
19:08I looked at them, trembling with anger.
19:11They spun vicious lies to gain noble favor.
19:13My mother was dragged in.
19:15Seeing my bloody back, she broke down sobbing.
19:18Your majesty.
19:19Clara is innocent.
19:22The babies were early.
19:23I delivered them myself.
19:26Walter and Matilda just want Clara's coin.
19:29They are framing her.
19:31Shut up, mother.
19:31You are seen me.
19:32Stop talking madness.
19:34Enough.
19:34We will investigate.
19:36If they hold royal blood, I will claim them.
19:38But if Clara lied to steal the crown, I will have her head.
19:43The king looked at me, his eyes soft but firm.
19:46Clara, I believe you.
19:47In that second, all my terror and grief melted into tears.
19:51Everyone doubted me, but he chose to trust me.
19:54I had not expected Marg to be so reckless.
19:57While the queen mother and the king were occupied in discussion, she secretly locked us in the palace dungeon.
20:03The cell was dark and damp, reeking of rot.
20:06Slime coated the floors.
20:07Rats scurried in the shadows.
20:09Eleanor wailed in terror.
20:10She clung to me tightly.
20:12Marg marched in with several maids and guards.
20:14She carried a tray with three cups of poison.
20:17Clara, you cursed her grace and tried to pass common-born children off as royals.
20:22You deserve death.
20:24Today, you and your little bastards all die.
20:27The queen mother promised a fair trial.
20:30You have no authority to execute us.
20:33The queen mother?
20:35She has troubles enough of her own.
20:37She forgot about you.
20:39Drink it, Clara.
20:40Spare yourself the pain.
20:42The guards lunged to grab us.
20:43Edmund rushed at them and shoved Marg.
20:45Old witch!
20:46Don't touch my mother and sister!
20:48Marg flew into a rage.
20:49She slapped Edmund across the face.
20:51Blood dripped from his lip.
20:53He refused to back down, sinking his teeth into Marg's wrist.
20:59You little rat!
21:01You bit me!
21:02The guards ripped Edmund off.
21:04They rained kicks and punches on him.
21:06I threw myself over him, covering him with my own body.
21:09Stop hitting him!
21:10Take it out on me!
21:12Heavy blows landed on me.
21:14I grunted in agony.
21:16Blood spilled from my mouth.
21:19Stop hitting my brother!
21:21Stop hitting my mommy!
21:28Drink it, Clara.
21:30Or I kill your brats first.
21:32I stared at her vile face.
21:34Despair crushed me.
21:35Were we truly going to die here today?
21:37Just as the poison touched my lips, a voice thundered like a god.
21:41Step away from her, you vile hag!
21:44He stormed in, kicking Marg to the floor.
21:47The poisoned wine spilled across the ground.
21:49He came to me at once.
21:51When he saw the wounds upon me, he pulled me into his chest.
21:54Clara, are you all right?
21:56Your majesty, I'm all right.
21:58But the children...
21:59The king saw the bruised twins.
22:01He turned a cold gaze upon Marg.
22:04He barked at the guards.
22:05Drag her to the gallows.
22:06Hang her now!
22:07Mercy, your majesty!
22:09I beg you, I shall never dare such a thing again!
22:16Don't be afraid, Clara.
22:18While I am here, no one shall ever harm you again.
22:22He marched us out of the dungeon and brought us to a palace bedchamber.
22:26He also summoned the royal physician to treat our injuries.
22:29Watching him tend to us with such care, my frozen heart began to fall.
22:33This was the man who disgraced me six years ago.
22:36Now, he fought to protect me.
22:38I knew then, there was no going back for us.
22:41After that rescue, the king never left our side.
22:44He looked at Edmund and Eleanor.
22:46His eyes spilled over with fatherly love.
22:48Edmund was wary at first, distant and defensive.
22:52But under the king's patient care, he slowly came to accept him as his father.
22:56Outside those doors, the court was in open turmoil.
22:59Duke Mortimer rallied the old-blood nobles to pressure the queen mother.
23:03They flatly refused to accept the twins' royal blood.
23:06They poisoned her grace's ears daily, demanding our immediate exile.
23:10A low-born ruined commoner had no place mothering the crown.
23:13The king is utterly bewitched!
23:15God knows whose bastards those really are.
23:16If Gutterborn wills inherit the throne, the royals become a joke of the whole realm!
23:19Your grace, the realm cannot survive such disgrace.
23:22Remove Clara and the twins before the crown is stained beyond repair.
23:24The vicious rumors exploded.
23:26Even the queen mother started to cave.
23:28My low birth was a bitter pill she couldn't swallow.
23:31To silence the court once and for all, the king made a ruling.
23:34He decreed a public trial of the holy relic to prove their lineage.
23:38Then let the realm witness the truth.
23:40I decree a public trial of the holy relic to prove their lineage.
23:44That morning, the Grand Cathedral was packed with elite lords.
23:48Beneath the towering dome, the sacred fire roared.
23:51Duke Mortimer stepped up first.
23:53Your majesty, if the relic stays dark, you must execute this fraud and her bastards on the spot.
24:01Protect the crown's honor!
24:05And if it lights up, Mortimer, you swore your duke's dear's forfeit.
24:10Mortimer flinched, but he held his ground.
24:13I stand by my word.
24:15The queen mother sat on the high dais, her expression grave.
24:20The king stood nearby, his gaze unwavering.
24:23I held Edmund and Eleanor close.
24:25My nerves were eating me alive.
24:27The archbishop brought forth the ancient relic.
24:30It was a royal ring set with a ruby.
24:32Legend said only true king's blood could wake it.
24:35Otherwise, the ruby slept forever.
24:37The entire cathedral fell silent.
24:40The king drew his dagger to slice his palm.
24:42His blood dripped onto the ring.
24:44A second later, the dormant ruby flickered with a faint glow.
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