Episode 4

Alessa wanted to approach Renan and ask why he had made fun of her, but she was grabbed by the arm by her father, who gave her a threatening look and then warned.

"Don't you dare ruin the family's moment of glory, if you dare do so, I will make your mother's grave disappear and you will never know where her remains are," said the Duke as she sheds tears of pain, shame, and only lowers her head, unaware that things would be more complicated.

The Emperor gave his approval as if he didn't know about this and immediately made another announcement that would leave Renan and Alessa shocked.

"I also have other good news, Duke Duncan is with the blessings of the gods today, his second daughter, debutante Alessa Duncan, has been requested as the promised bride of the great Archduke Draco Weerwolf, from the Northern Archduchy," said the Emperor while looking at Alessa, who is petrified. Of course, she knows who he is, everyone knows who he is, the cruel and ruthless Archduke who has not married, as his brides disappear. He has three concubines who are foreigners, and despite their titles, no one knows who they are. However, he is also attributed to being with many women.

Renan turned pale and looked at his mother in bewilderment as she only nodded, indicating that she would not let that young woman near; she would not allow Alessa to ruin her management as Emperor.

When Renan was about to protest, the tall figure of a man with broad shoulders and a narrow waist approached. He was noticeably more distinguished than everyone else, not only in size and bearing but also in his clothing. Although it is entirely black, he wears expensive fabrics that even the most prominent nobles of the Empire could not afford. But what scares everyone is the mask that covers his face. In reality, everything is just rumors about him; no one really knows him. They say that the people around him are strange, even the inhabitants of his Archduchy do not mix with other territories.

The Emperor, with a grimace of fear, looked at the man who was only watching the situation in silence.

"Archduke, it is a pleasure to see you, let me introduce you to Miss Alessa Duncan," he said nervously. Everyone was murmuring about how disrespectful the Archduke was to the Emperor; he had not bowed. However, the Emperor allowed him everything, he let him treat him however he wanted, and he would not reprimand him in any way.

The Empress, on the other hand, was so upset that she would vomit blood at any moment. She hates that man with all her being. If it weren't for the fact that that man's hatred for them is greater, that he doesn't want to claim the throne, she knows he would get it just by opening his mouth. He is a danger to her, to her son.

Duke Duncan approached Alessa, who is petrified. She doesn't know what to do; she wants to run away.

"Archduke, I am so happy for our families..." but the man did not let him finish, so he took the girl by the arm without saying a word, dragging Alessa out of the place without making a sound.

Magenta smiled, amused. She was happy that the nuisance had finally been removed. She is sure that that troglodyte will kill her just like the rest of his brides.

Meanwhile, Alessa is taken to a carriage with fine gold plating. It's really luxurious, but the girl sheds tears. From one moment to the next, she went from being the future bride of the Crown Prince to the dead bride of the Archduke of the North.

From the carriage, a middle-aged woman got off to look her up and down. Her serious and rigid countenance made Alessa tremble.

"Lady Duncan, we will go to your residence for your valuables. Any requests?" said the woman seriously as she continues to scrutinize her. Alessa is abandoned by the man, who in a swift movement got on a horse that was waiting for him and started galloping at full speed, leaving her totally bewildered.

Alessa blinked back tears; she doesn't understand anything.

"I don't know, I... I don't know," she said, confused and hurt. Renan had left her for Magenta, she understands, but she expected at least a warning, an announcement.

Alessa got off with the woman at her residence, the employees look at her with pity, they saw the carriage of the Archduchy of the North and already imagined something like that. They would get rid of the most beautiful girl in that house so as not to overshadow Magenta, who is the Duke's daughter.

Celia came out to greet her with tears in her eyes, a messenger had arrived a few minutes ago indicating what was happening and the young woman's belongings should be ready, and she was very sad, she wants to go with her, anyway without her there it will be worse than death.

"My lady, I already know, I have heard everything, I will go with you, I will accompany you even to death," said Celia confidently as the woman accompanying her raises her eyebrows, it was too much drama for her liking.

"Celia, it's not necessary, I don't want anything to happen to you, it's better if I go alone," said Alessa through tears.

"No, no... no way, I'm going with you, we practically grew up together, I have nothing here, without you, I'm adrift," said Celia, taking Alessa's hands, while the Archduke's new fiancee looks expectantly at the woman accompanying her.

"Can I take my maid?" she said softly as the woman raised an eyebrow and then nodded, she would have no more concessions with her, anyway, she should know what happens first, something was very strange with this new bride.