Favoritism

Faced with the prince's refusal, the king was uncertain about considering a political marriage between Noelle and Francis. If Francis mistreats Noelle, the Baron might take offense. However, rumors have been circulating lately. They say that ever since Noelle's 15th birthday party, the prince and Odette seem to have grown close. According to the rumor, they have been seen strolling in the village together, appearing quite friendly. Odette is a lovely and kind girl, but she cannot be taken into account because she is adopted. If the Baron wishes to offer Noelle, suggesting Odette as a potential match could also be considered offensive.

"Noelle, you should get along better with the prince. Odette is getting closer to him," the Baroness said as she entered Noelle's room after returning from a tea party where she heard the rumors about the prince.

"I understand that eventually I will have to marry, but mother, being the prince's wife is not my aspiration like it is for other girls," Noelle replied.

"But a union with the royal family will bring us more prestige," the Baroness insisted.

"Then let Odette marry him, it seems like he prefers her," Noelle exclaimed.

"Noelle! You are impossible. Your father has spoiled you too much," the Baroness said as she left the room with a pout on her face. She has always found it difficult to understand her daughter, who is so serious and distant.

Meanwhile, Odette was hiding behind bushes, eagerly waiting for the prince's arrival. The carriage stopped, and Francis stepped out. This place was the palace garden, and Odette sometimes came here to meet Francis. She was allowed entry because the young man had requested it. Through her window, the queen observed them walking together, but she disapproved of their closeness. Odette was not to her liking, especially after the incident with the tea. Suspicions arose that Odette's pleasant demeanor was just an act to win everyone's favor, including her son's.

"I should request an engagement with Miss Noelle. Once it is signed, nobody will be able to refuse," Olivia, the faithful maid to the queen, mentioned. She was a woman of the same age as the queen and had served her since childhood.

"That's what I plan to do. Arrange a meeting with the king; I must discuss this with him," the queen affirmed. She was convinced that her husband would support this decision as he also believed formalizing an engagement would benefit both families.

Odette sat on the grass, and Francis joined her. "Miss Odette, my parents... they want me to marry Miss Noelle, but I honestly don't want to," he confessed.

"My sister is a beautiful girl, and many wish to marry her," Odette replied.

"But not me. I like someone else... I want to marry that person," Francis declared.

"Is that so? That person is lucky to have the affection of Your Highness, as you are a good man," Odette said.

"Do you think so? If it were you, would you be happy?" Francis wondered.

"I? I would be happy, but I don't consider myself that fortunate," Odette replied.

"Miss Odette, I will do it. I will ask my father to allow me to marry you," Francis said.

"Huh? Me? But I... I'm just an adopted daughter..."

"That doesn't truly matter. What matters is that you are a lady with a kind heart," Francis assured her.

"Your Highness, I feel so flattered and happy, but I'm afraid of being separated from you," Odette confessed.

"No one will ever separate you from me, I promise," Francis reassured her.

"Your Highness..."

Odette returned home filled with happiness; now, no one could separate her from the prince, not even her sister. Their encounters continued, but sadly, the queen was unable to make Francis agree to be engaged to Noelle, as the king did not want to force the prince into a planned commitment.

"The girl is lovely, at least she seems to be a good person. I've heard people speak better of her than of Miss Noelle," the king said.

"But Majesty, don't let appearances deceive you. She might not be as good as she seems," the queen warned.

"Don't exaggerate, dear. Let our son be happy, and I will talk to the Baron," the king decided.

And so, there was a small change in Noelle's story within the novel, as a marriage proposal arrived, but it was intended for Odette. Francis had convinced his father that she was the right choice, although the queen was far from happy with this decision.

"How is this possible? This is a mockery, I accepted that girl into my house, but never that she would take a place that is not rightfully hers."

"Calm down, it's not my fault, Noelle did not catch the prince's attention with her cold and indifferent attitude."

"Now it's Noelle's fault? You give more preference to Odette, I understand she is your sister's daughter, but let me remind you that Noelle is your own daughter."

The Baroness was furious, she accepted Odette as her adopted daughter because her mother was her husband's younger sister, but she hated that the Baron gave her more priority than his own daughter.

"And now what? You know very well that Duke Ivanov has sent a marriage proposal for one of our daughters. Will you give Noelle to him? My daughter will not go to that horrible place."

"And do you want me to send my niece to that place?"

"Of course, unless she is grateful for taking care of her all this time."

The Baron forcefully hits the desk, but the door opens, and it is Noelle who enters.

"Noelle, darling..."

"How dare you enter without permission and without knocking? Do you have no manners?"

"Oh, please, Odette does the same and you never call her out on it."

"Mother, calm down, it's pointless to argue with father. As for me, it's fine, I will accept Duke Ivanov's proposal. But father, do not blame me if your favorite brings shame to this family."

The Baron clenched his fists in the face of Noelle's mocking smile. The albino girl grabbed the letter requesting marriage; she needed the address to send a response. The Baroness follows her, leaving the Baron furious as Noelle had become disrespectful towards him.

Days later, everything is known. Odette was chosen by the heir prince to enter the palace as the crown princess. Odette was praised by her followers for winning the prince's sympathy, taking the opportunity to mock Noelle.

"So proud, yet the prince didn't even look at her."

"No point in being polite and pretty if no one likes her."

"She must be the shame of the family."

"Instead of talking behind my back, have the courage to say it to my face."

Noelle had heard Odette's friends gossiping.

"Of course, she must be upset because she meant nothing to the prince."

"But could you conquer someone higher than the heir prince? Do you want to mess with the king?"

The giggles couldn't be contained, yet Noelle remained calm.

"He couldn't handle me. If the prince is insignificant, his father, due to his old age, could never satisfy me."

"How vulgar."

"Typical of a sore loser."

"If a husband can't satisfy his wife in bed, it doesn't matter if he's a king or emperor."

"Sister! What kind of vulgar things are you saying? Father would be disappointed in you."

"And do you think I care? What I say doesn't compare to the shame that you will bring upon the Le Blanc family."

Odette's exasperating behavior sometimes made Noelle want to overthrow the royal family just to leave them in ruins and see if she can continue pretending to be the sweet and kind girl.

"Oh, sister, I understand you're disappointed because you're marrying the heir of the great Duke, but you can't take it out on my friends."

"I would never be disappointed by something like that. I would be more disappointed if I had to marry the frail heir prince."

Determined, he will put an end to Odette, she has had enough.

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