Valentina secured the Emperor's permission to request information from the wizard's headquarters, so she went to them in search of Charlotte, but was informed that no one had brought in a child, not even at the locations far from the kingdom. Sigrid's parents also offered their help, but no one could provide her with information, nor was there any record of the child. It wasn't until two months later that she received a letter from Charlotte, informing her that she was well and with good people who saved her from the Marquis. The account included all that had transpired, and even the mage who had taken her sent a letter, stating he would look after Charlotte, as the wizard's headquarters now had custody of her. Hence, his intention was to keep her safe, and if he returned her to Valentina, the Marquis could revoke that permission and cause greater harm to the girl.
Valentina agreed; her son had been manipulated by Nidia, and she knew that her granddaughter could be in worse danger if she returned to the Marquis's mansion, despite the Emperor's assistance, since the Marquis's rights were more substantial.
Valentina informed Sigrid's parents of their granddaughter's whereabouts, feeling relieved to know she was safe and that the mage named Claus had allowed her to visit.
Seven years later...
After leaving the Leroux mansion, Charlotte avoided becoming Hugo's betrothed. Instead, Rogelia took her place and was presented to the queen at age 15. She exhibited proper education and managed to win the queen's favor, securing her engagement. Although Hugo disagreed, he endured visiting Rogelia, spending little time with her as their encounters were brief; however, during Rogelia's debut, she was the envy of everyone as her engagement to Hugo was officially announced, and she did not hesitate to flaunt her excellent relationship with the prince at the parties, despite his presence being merely a royal obligation.
A new debut was being celebrated at the palace for ladies who had turned 17, and of course, the Lerouxs were in attendance, including Flabio, the Marquise's son, a conceited young man who considered himself a ladies' man. He resented Sigrid, who, by his very presence, diverted the attention away, especially from the girls. However, Sigrid never showed interest in any of them, leading Flabio to think of Sigrid as a fool for not exploiting his popularity as he did.
The hall was filled with nobles, each young lady introduced and entering on the arm of her escort, some by their fiance, father, or brother.
"I heard the Baroness Leroux is representing a young lady at her debut," a Countess mentioned to Nidia.
Nidia looked at the woman perplexedly, hearing such a thing for the first time.
"I saw her arrive with the young lady, she's beautiful, her presence exudes elegance."
"Who could she be? It's strange, she hadn’t even been presented at her own granddaughter’s debut," another lady remarked with a hint of mockery.
"She must be some low-class orphan; my mother-in-law is generous with commoners," Nidia responded.
Hugo stood on the platform with the thrones, adjacent to his parents, while Rogelia mingled with other young women as conceited as her, critiquing the newcomers. Finally, the lady was presented.
"Shana Roche, daughter of Count Roche, makes her entrance, accompanied by her father," the herald announced.
Shana was a pretty girl with curly blonde hair and blue eyes, an innocent beauty that charmed the young attendees, including Flabio and Hugo, which didn't escape Rogelia's notice as she pursed her lips, refusing to allow this new girl to draw her fiance's attention.
Several young men approached Shana for a dance, but she politely declined, clinging to her father, who was unwell. Flabio also approached, exhibiting politeness in his greeting to the Count and compliments to his beautiful daughter while asking to invite Shana to dance.
"Young man, that’s up to my daughter," the Count replied.
Flabio, thinking the Count would order Shana to follow him, was not pleased and pushed the request upon her, but she adamantly refused, stating she'd rather stay with her ailing father for the time being. With that, she led her father away from Flabio, whose arrogant and dominating presence left her uncomfortable.
The last of the debutantes were announced, and finally, eyes turned to Sigrid escorting a young woman who descended the stairs with poise, each step imbued with a commanding presence. Unlike Shana, this girl’s beauty was exotic and seductive.
"Lady Charlotte Leroux, accompanied by His Highness Sigrid Richardson," they announced.
Murmurs filled the room; there was only one Leroux in the kingdom, the Marquis, and no one knew what this meant since his older daughter was believed dead, and Rogelia was his only child. The Marquis and Nidia were dumbfounded by Charlotte's presence; Flabio couldn't take his eyes off her but was irritated to see her arm-in-arm with Sigrid.
"Does the Marquis have an illegitimate daughter?"
"That explains why the Baroness Leroux represents her."
"What a scandal, to present his bastard."
"She's my legitimate granddaughter, born during my son's marriage to his first wife. I believe that makes clear who the true bastards are," Valentina declared.
Her words quieted the women as she walked away. Sigrid and Charlotte descended the stairs under everyone’s watchful gaze. Hugo, too, was captivated by Charlotte. Charlotte approached the throne and curtsied gracefully.
"Greetings, Your Majesties, King and Queen, parents of this realm, may the gods' blessings always be upon you," she said.
"Thank you, young lady. So, Lady Leroux, why doesn't your mother speak of you?" the Queen inquired. "I presume you're a child of the Leroux Marquises."
"That's correct, but I'm afraid the Marquise is not my mother. I am the daughter of the first Marquise, and as you know, the current Marquise was my father's mistress."
Murmurs arose, and the Marquise, fuming, struggled to maintain composure and resist confronting the girl.
"I understand, we were never informed of such. But it appears my nephew is acquainted with you."
"Yes, I met him while visiting Baroness Leroux, my grandmother. I also had the honor of meeting His Highness the Prince during those visits," she glanced at Hugo and smiled.
"Lady Leroux, a pleasure to see you've become a beautiful young woman. My cousin indeed has the loveliest companion tonight, I'm almost envious," he joked.
Charlotte blushed timidly.
"My sister Rogelia is also beautiful. Congratulations on your engagement."
"You surpass her in beauty," he replied audibly, igniting Rogelia's fury, hearing the snickers of the other girls; her fiance complimented another, and worse, it was Charlotte. After the greeting, Charlotte accompanied her grandmother and Sigrid away, until the Marquis, enraged, grabbed Charlotte's arm.
"Leave this place; you won't continue to humiliate me," he hissed.
"What do you think you're doing? Unhand her..." ordered Valentina.
"Don't interfere, mother," the Marquis retorted. "This wretch will pay for her insolence." He yanked her arm.
Sigrid grabbed the Marquis's wrist, squeezing hard, causing him to release Charlotte, and whispered chillingly into his ear.
"If you wish to keep your hand, don't touch her again."
The Marquis, a chill running down his spine, withdrew his hand as Valentina led Charlotte away.
"Dare to threaten me? Even as the King's nephew, I can destroy you," the Marquis blustered.
"It's not a threat, just advice. And I'm not the one who would cut off your hand; I've simply spared you for today," Sigrid said, patting his shoulder and walking away.
Charlotte and Valentina settled into seats.
"I can’t believe he's still like this; I am sorry you had to endure that, my dear," Valentina sympathized.
"Don't worry, grandmother, I expected this, but it won’t ruin my evening," Charlotte smiled kindly.
Sigrid watched her smile, rolling his eyes in annoyance.
"How hypocritical," he thought.
"Hypocritical, hateful, anything you can think of, but you'd do anything for her," Amira teased mentally.
"Don't read my mind," he reproached.
Amira's mocking laughter echoed in Sigrid's head. As Flabio attempted to approach Charlotte, his mother intercepted, saying they had to leave because the Marquis was furious. He had no choice but to depart but was far from giving up on Charlotte.
The dance began, and Sigrid invited Charlotte to join him. Hugo had been looking for her but retreated upon seeing her with Sigrid; Rogelia, however, stayed and sought Hugo, unaware he was avoiding her. As the dance commenced, Rogelia waited for her chance with Hugo; but he invited Shana instead, leaving Rogelia incensed yet unable to make a spectacle as she'd be the mockery.
"It seems your sister's fiance isn't too pleased with her," Sigrid observed.
"I almost pity the prince..." Charlotte quipped.
"Pity? Since when do you have feelings?"
"That's why I said 'almost,' but I don't feel sorry—no pity for anyone, especially not for nuisances."
"Then I'll be the one to feel sorry for your future victims," Sigrid retorted teasingly.
From the throne area, the Queen watched all unfold, including Rogelia's discontent and her nephew Sigrid dancing with the new girl, conversing as if lifelong acquaintances. She never imagined the Marquis had another daughter, far lovelier than Rogelia.
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