Forensic Imperial Concubine by Erika Black

Owen went to Matthew's mansion in order to pay Harper a visit. He had assumed that he would be able to see her in person by
claiming that Francis was feeling unwell. Unexpectedly, he was turned away.
Looking at Nina with wide open eyes, he couldn't believe his ears. "Nina, didn't you tell Her Highness that it's me, the one who
works for Prince Francis, wanting to see her?" he asked again for confirmation.
"Her Highness said that you may turn back. She won't go to Prince Francis' mansion now, and even added that she will never go
there again in the future," Nina told him, then turned around and walked away. She dared not let anyone in, because the woman
in the Phoenix House now was not the real Harper. Otherwise, the truth might be revealed for everyone to know.
In shock, Owen's eyes widened even more. He could not understand what had happened. 'What could possibly be wrong with
Her Highness? Hasn't she always got along well with my master? Why was she suddenly refusing to go see him? How could she
even say she would never come back to my master's mansion?' he pondered in utter bafflement.
Owen sensed that something was amiss. He decided he had better tell Francis about this straightaway. So he rushed back to
Francis' mansion and informed him that Harper had shut him out.
"Ahem! Ahem! Ahem!" Francis coughed hoarsely after Owen delivered the news. "Were those her actual words?"
"Yes. Your Highness. Are you all right?" Owen said with concern. He then poured a cup of warm water and handed it over to
Francis to ease his discomfort.
However, Francis merely shook his head and refused the drink. He asked, "Did she really say that she would never come here
again?"

his eyes dimmed. After a while, he forced himself to regain his composure and ordered, "Get the carriage ready. I'll go to see her myself." "But, Your Highness, your condition..." Owen balked. He thought it was a reckless idea for Francis to go

taking a deep breath. Then he asked his servants to get him ready. After he was fully dressed up, Owen put a cloak on him to shield him from the cold. Francis looked at Owen's hands which were busy tying the cloak for him. He then remembered that on the day of the emperor's birthday banquet, Harper had also put a cloak for him gently like this. It warmed his heart to recall that. He did not want to lose that feeling, and he craved it again. "Your Highness, are you sure about going there now? Your health is not robust. Why don't you go there after you make a recovery?" Owen suggested. He was still very worried about Francis' health, despite his insistence. "No, I'm fine. I'll go there without another moment's delay," Francis answered in a firm tone. He knew that the incident at the birthday banquet had raised suspicions in Harper and Matthew. He couldn't imagine what might happen if he let the matter go. He didn't want things to get out of hand. Although Francis went to Matthew's mansion in

feared the consequences if Francis were to pass out there. Francis, however, shook his head and replied, "No, I will stay here. I must see her, and I won't leave until I see her." Noah stood there in uncertainty for