Episode 8

"—No way, my daughter can't marry someone inferior," the Queen complains.

She had found out about the changes the King plans to make, and she couldn't allow it; her daughter must marry a prince from Trois Blanc. That's why she insistently sent the invitation, and now that one of the princes is coming to the kingdom, her husband wants Frida to get engaged to Valentina's fiance.

"Valentina must marry him, not my daughter. My daughter doesn't deserve so little."

"I'm the one who decides. Listen, you want Frida to marry one of the princes of Trois Blanc, but what makes you think one will come to the festival? The last time someone came from the palace, it was just a secretary," the king reminds her.

"This time one will come, the Prince of the main line, Maximiliam Chevalier. He is perfect for Frida," assures the Empress.

"Are you sure? If he comes, he won't be long in hearing the gossip; everyone is talking about Frida and the young Duke. Do you think, knowing that, he will ask for Frida's hand?"

"He will. My daughter is beautiful, educated, and charismatic. And you already said it; they're just gossiping."

"Well, if this prince is interested in her, I will approve the engagement. But if not, she marries Duke Cremond's son," the king proposes.

"Perfect. You'll see, my daughter won't settle for so little." She is sure that her daughter will catch the prince's attention.

That night, Valentina was on the roof of the palace when she heard the sound of horses' hooves. She leaned out, observing that it was the blond man and his escorts arriving. It seemed he was not in the mood to reach the kingdom since he had left before her when they left the forest. At the entrance, the Queen was the one who received him enthusiastically, along with Frida, who, upon seeing him, couldn't take her eyes off the attractive man. He was attractive, much more so than Alvin. Besides, there was a big difference: Alvin had a kind face and was attentive to her, while the man before her had a rugged and enigmatic appearance. Even the maidens accompanying the Queen seemed nervous in his presence. The Queen introduces herself and greets him with a curtsy, presenting Frida, who also bows in a curtsy.

"It is an honor to have you in this palace, Your Highness..." Frida speaks.

"Your Highness, we have reserved the best room and the best service for you," adds the Queen enthusiastically.

Maximiliam observes both women. When Frida notices his gaze, she lowers her head slightly, appearing embarrassed. Meanwhile, Maximiliam observes her. The Queen, noticing this, assumes that Frida has caught the prince's attention.

"Make sure no one bothers me," Maximiliam orders.

Maximiliam walks past, barely paying attention to either of them. The captain of his escort bows to the Queen.

"I apologize, Your Majesty. His Highness is tired from the long journey."

"Of course, make sure he rests, and I will make sure that a nutritious breakfast is sent to him tomorrow," replies the Queen.

The Queen orders her maids to serve the prince well because he is a great guest of honor. Hearing the orders, the captain can only think that the Queen is being too pushy, and her intentions were obvious. There was no way Maximiliam didn't notice; that's why he refused to attend the festival until he received his mother's order to attend and put an end to all those letters that arrived at the palace so insistently.

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.

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The following day, at the exit of the guest area, Frida and a group of maids were already waiting. Frida curtsies and tells him that her mother has personally sent her to take him to the dining room because the King and Queen want him to have breakfast with them. Maximiliam agrees to go; he wants to see what this family is up to.

"My mother is thrilled by your presence, Your Highness, and I must say I am also honored to be your guide." The girl looks embarrassed.

Maximiliam doesn't respond to Frida's words, but she keeps talking about how the palace is a quiet place, with beautiful gardens perfect for a stroll. She even tells him they can go for one after breakfast, but they hear a slight laugh, so Frida stops, seeing that it's Valentina arriving.

"Yesterday, you were flirting with my fiance, and now with this man..." Valentina gives a mischievous smile.

Frida is startled to hear Valentina's words but shrugs, lowering her gaze.

"Sister, please...have some manners before the second prince of Trois Blanc..." she mentions nervously.

Valentina turns to Maximiliam and smiles. Of course, Maximiliam remains silent, although a slight smile can be seen on his lips.

"Oh! But if it isn't my savior! It's a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness. I hope you still remember me." She raises her hand to the blond.

Frida is surprised to hear Valentina's words and even more so when Maximiliam delicately takes the albino's hand, leaning in to drop a kiss on the back of her hand.

"I could never forget that exciting night in the woods; I thought a fairy had fallen into my arms." He smiles flirtatiously.

Maximiliam's captain and escorts were shocked to hear him, the maids didn't know what to say, while Frida wears an expression of annoyance, clenching her hands in the skirt of her dress. She didn't expect Valentina to know the prince, and he had been very courteous to Valentina, while he seemed to ignore her.

"How lovely, Your Highness, but I better go. It seems your companion is uncomfortable." She looks at Frida pointedly.

"I-it's not like that...I'm just surprised you met..."

"It's a curious story. With your permission." Valentina curtsies.

"I hope to see you soon, beautiful fairy." He bows slightly.

Thus, they continue on their way to the dining room, where the King and Queen are already waiting for them. The King doesn't hesitate to strike up a conversation with Maximiliam about the historical events of his kingdom, although Maximiliam wasn't very interested in his talk. Meanwhile, the Queen asks Frida to invite Maximiliam for a walk in the garden after breakfast. She must get close to him. But Frida is hesitant. She loves Alvin, but Maximiliam is attractive to her, and it bothers her that Valentina already knows him. She even kept thinking about what the blond said about meeting in a forest. Were they lovers? No, there was no way that was; Valentina was in an academy and just got out, while Maximiliam is a busy man with the duties of his empire. When the Queen sees that Maximiliam and the King have stopped talking, she takes the opportunity to speak with him.

"I hear Your Highness is not yet engaged."

"That's right; I'm afraid I don't have the time to maintain a commitment, so I prefer to enjoy life. You understand." He mentions it blatantly.

"Of course, but I think you should start thinking about getting married. You know all your brothers already have solid marriages."

"That's right; they've all married and started their own families. Of course, they've found the right person."

"Of course, you know, my daughter Frida is not engaged either. She is a kind and beautiful lady, don't you think? Maybe you should get to know each other."

Maximiliam stares at Frida, who blushes under the blond's gaze.

"I didn't come here looking for a wife; I only came to represent my parents at their festival." He drops his cutlery and stands up. "With your permission, I withdraw."

Maximiliam, regardless of whether or not it is rude, leaves the place. It was quite annoying that they had made him go just so the Queen could try to play matchmaker and offer him her daughter. Maximiliam stops in his tracks when he hears them talking to him, and it was Frida who had followed him.

"I apologize for my mother, Your Majesty. I had no idea she would suggest such a thing, but she is insistent that I find a good man to marry." Frida shows a look of worry.

"Then she's mistaken about me. I'm not a good man; your mother doesn't seem to know my family's reputation."

Having said that, Maximiliam continues on his way; he doesn't need to waste his time with that young woman whose intentions don't seem good.

...

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