German was the only one who noticed Tomas had left the castle, and he witnessed him follow Valery's path. He supports his younger brother, seeing him as a courageous man, much like how he views Valery as a beautiful and determined woman—one of bravery and unparalleled uniqueness.
Seizing the moment, the queen pressures her husband to issue an engagement decree between their youngest son and Renata Lorens, but the king alters the plan, announcing an engagement between his daughter Irene and Commander Dikson Roberson instead.
Naturally, the queen is displeased, but the king’s excuse lies in the tradition of marrying off the elder children first, leaving the youngest for last.
Leonardo knows his son well and wishes only his happiness, recognizing the love Tomas has harbored for Valery since childhood. If such emotions persisted over the years, who is he to stand against their union?
He is also aware of how injurious his wife Merida can be—her distaste for strong-willed women like Valery is unmistakable.
As the festivities wind down, the king publicly announces the betrothal of Dikson Roberson and his daughter Irene, leaving everyone stunned by the evening's unusual turn of events.
After the guests had departed…
Merida: I want you to arrange that wedding between Renata and Tomas.
King Leonardo: I will not. Tomas can make his own decisions. Now sleep, it's very late and I am tired.
Meanwhile…
Lucas and his family arrive home, with him searching everywhere for Valery and beginning to worry.
Greta: Don't fret, she'll be fine. (I just hope she hasn't done anything rash with that young man.)
Though the entire household retires to bed, none truly rest—everyone is anxious about Valery and her potential actions.
Prince Octavio, however, finds humor in the situation. He fell for Valery on the battlefield, where she nearly killed him, and despite seeing this as somewhat masochistic, he can't stop thinking about her. The queen's reaction aggravates him; in his kingdom, a woman of Valery's mettle is highly esteemed, especially when they take up arms to defend the weak. They are considered family pride and a spouse's honor. His environment, however, is clouded by prejudices.
Meanwhile, at the lakeside cabin, Tomas and Valery sleep entwined. Awakening, Tomas gazes upon the beautiful woman beside him and, unable to restrain himself, makes love to her again. Rising to discover bloodstains on the sheets fills him with pride—his woman belongs to him alone; only his hands have caressed her beautiful form.
Back at the castle, the queen has been frantic all day, not having seen her youngest son, sending servants far and wide in search. Octavio views the turmoil with amusement, admiring Tomas's defense of the woman he loves.
As they all sit in the garden, watching the queen rile up the help, Arturo approaches and makes his way to Octavio.
Arturo: Prince Octavio, I challenge you to a duel for Miss Roberson's hand.
Everyone, including the king, turns to look.
Octavio: Young man, I fear I must decline your challenge. It is not I whom you should be dueling, but Prince Tomas. Take this advice—learn to accept defeat graciously. I have seen much and know I won't be reciprocated, so I surrender.
Bewildered, Arturo withdraws to his house, Renata having overheard Prince Octavio and found his candidness intriguing.
Lucas, on the other hand, is completely incensed; his daughter has gone mad, spending the night away from home, and this infuriates him.
Dikson: Father, Valery has spent nights away before.
Lucas: That was different; she was on patrol or in combat, but now, God knows who she's with.
Jaiden: I'd say she's with a certain prince.
Lucas gives his son a stern look and snorts in frustration, his older sons and wife teasing him.
Dikson: Poor prince, ha ha.
Jaiden: Well, he's fallen into Valery's hands. May God have mercy on him.
At the cabin, Tomas has a dress ready for Valery he's kept there since he built the cabin months earlier. The young lovers are oblivious to the rest of the world, engulfed in their love.
Tomas takes charge of cooking, given Valery's lack of culinary skills.
Tomas: Shall I teach you how to cook?
Valery: I'd rather wield a sword, ha ha.
They relish their solitude, free from any intrusions or worries.
While the queen rages on, Octavio observes Renata silently affirming every word the queen speaks.
Once alone...
Octavio: I hear you're related to Valery Roberson?
Renata: Yes.
Octavio: It doesn’t show. You lack her spirit and seem like the queen's puppet.
Renata: You are insolent.
Octavio: Offended by the truth? Accepting defeat is vital, and from what I observe, Prince Tomas favors women of spirit, not anyone's puppet. My advice? Look elsewhere, as the prince's mind harbors only one woman, and it's not you, Miss.
Renata exits the palace, dejected, knowing she's lost to her cousin.
In the garden, Daian shares with her husband Leo the deeds Valery accomplished for her at the age of twelve and the fact she owes her life to her. Leo listens intently, noting his wife's admiration for Valery. He now understands his brother, Tomas, whose interests lay only with his dear Valery, not with any other woman.
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