Maximilian and his escorts guided Valentina out of the forest, and it wasn't long before they encountered Valentina's escorts and Lauren. She didn't hesitate to express her worry but was relieved to see that her mistress was safe. She even thanked Maximilian for helping her.
"If you can come with us, I'll speak to His Royal Highness to offer you a reward," Lauren mentioned.
"Lauren," Valentina interrupted, "he's the Prince of Trois Blanc, the Queen's guest," she informed Lauren.
"Oh! I apologize for my disrespect, Your Highness. Forgive this humble servant," Lauren bowed fearfully.
She had heard stories about the Trois Blanc imperial family and knew that they shouldn't be angered.
"Rise, I do not punish anyone without reason."
Maximilian mounted his horse and motioned for his escorts to continue on their way. Now that the girl was with her maid and guards, it was best that he continued on his own path. Valentina climbed into her carriage with Lauren, while Lauren told her how scared she had been. When they arrived at the mercenaries' campsite, everyone had been slaughtered, and Valentina was nowhere to be found.
"Lauren, you were with me at the academy, so you know those mercenaries couldn't have hurt me."
"I know, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about you, Your Highness," Lauren complained.
She had been present during Valentina's training and knew what she was capable of. Unlike other women, the albino was a dangerous girl. But as her maid, Lauren couldn't help but worry.
...
After a long journey, they finally arrived at the palace. Omar was already waiting at the entrance. So far, he was the only one in the family who had treated her well. The two walked down the halls while Omar told her about the preparations for the festival. Meanwhile, the Queen saw Valentina arrive from her window. She was furious. The men she sent only stole Valentina's money because the girl arrived safe and sound. She would have to devise a way to get rid of her.
But what mattered now was making sure Frida captivated the Prince of Trois Blanc's heart. She had to secure an engagement before the festival week was over. She refused to allow Frida to remain close to Alvin. He might come from a good family, but the Queen assured herself that her daughter deserved better.
Frida was in the garden. She and Alvin were sitting on a bench. Frida looked worried; she knew what her mother was planning. She didn't want to be engaged to a man she didn't know. What if he was old or unattractive? No, she would never marry someone like that.
"Now that Princess Valentina is back, I'll have my father break off the engagement. I won't let you marry that man," Alvin assured her.
"Young Duke, you don't know how much I appreciate your kindness, but I don't want my sister to be sad if you break your engagement," Frida lamented.
"Princess Valentina doesn't interest me. You're the person I truly want to court and marry." Alvin took Frida's hand and kissed the back of it.
"What do you think you're doing?"
The masculine voice startled them both. When they turned around, it was Omar. He looked at them angrily, but Valentina was with him. Although her expression was neutral, she didn't seem interested at all.
"B-brother…Valentina…I'm sorry…I couldn't help it and…"
"You're sorry? That's your sister's fiance, and you, Young Duke, your behavior leaves much to be desired," Omar yelled at them.
"I understand that you're angry, but we can't help it. I don't like Princess Valentina; I'm sorry," Alvin bowed his head.
"You're sorry? I would expect something like that from a man, but from Princess Frida, I'm disappointed." Valentina's expression turned pained.
Frida didn't know what to say. She could see the sadness in Valentina's eyes and the disappointment in her brother's expression. Valentina just turned and ran off so they would think she was upset about what had happened.
"My parents and the Cremond Dukes will hear about this," Omar assured them.
Frida couldn't help but cry. When her mother found out what happened, she would be furious with her. Alvin tried to keep her calm.
Omar caught up to Valentina so he could talk to her. He needed to calm her down and let her know that he wouldn't let anyone make fun of her. Valentina had reached a secluded spot in the garden. She was calm; soon her absurd engagement would be broken off.
"I'll tell Father about what happened…"
"That will only cause more problems. Besides, you heard him. The Young Duke loves Frida. I don't want to marry a man who's thinking about another woman," Valentina replied calmly.
Omar was surprised by how mature Valentina could be. She was very different from Frida. Even though they were the same age, there was a noticeable difference. Frida had grown up spoiled by their parent's favoritism, which had made her a pampered and capricious girl. Valentina, on the other hand, had learned to be cunning and determined. When she wanted something, she got it herself and didn't wait for others to hand it to her on a silver platter. And if he thought about it carefully, it would be a complete waste for her to marry Alvin because she would leave everything she had achieved behind to become just a wife.
"I'll talk to Father so that this doesn't cause any major problems," Omar assured her.
"I hope Father understands."
Later, Omar asked to speak to his father and Duke Cremond since it also involved him. Omar explained what had happened and that for a long time, there had been a rumor about Alvin and Frida, where they claimed that Frida was having an affair with the man her sister was supposed to marry. Of course, the Duke and the King knew about the rumor, but they never paid much attention to it. However, from what Omar was saying, it seemed like it was all true. Although it wasn't unusual for a man to have an affair, the Duke couldn't say anything knowing that the girl was the King's favored daughter. Then again, if he thought about it carefully, it would bring better benefits to his family.
"Your Majesty, I apologize for my son's behavior. If you wish, I'll make sure my son takes responsibility for Princess Frida," the Duke bowed his head.
The King remained silent. The Duke had been a very important ally, but changing the engagement would be a scandal. However, if he thought about it carefully, if Valentina married Alvin, Frida would be the one to lose her reputation. He couldn't allow his true daughter to be the source of malicious gossip.
"I suppose we can make a change. If I had to entrust my precious daughter to someone, I think I would definitely choose your son, Duke Cremond."
It was more convenient to give Frida away. Valentina, on the other hand, had no ties to society since she had left the kingdom. He couldn't afford to be on bad terms with Duke Cremond. Valentina would surely be looked down on now that she was back. The King agreed to change the terms of the engagement.
After that meeting, Omar informed Valentina of her father's decision the next day. Everything seemed to indicate that the terms of the engagement would be changed. It was perfect for Valentina. She would be free of that troublesome engagement. Now she just had to make sure she got out of the kingdom, away from that family, to avoid being a part of the massacre caused by Frida's stupidity.
…
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