Episode 11

"Prince Aiden."

Daisy had visited the palace to meet with the empress and was fortunate to encounter the prince, though her luck soured upon seeing him with that girl, no doubt merely blinded by the girl’s charm. She offers a smile, but Aiden regards her with annoyance.

"Miss Rose, I would appreciate it if you did not obstruct my path once again."

He takes Raven’s hand, hastily moving away from Daisy. Each sighting of her revives memories of her betrayal, while Daisy doesn't grasp why the prince avoids her; Raven has no choice but to keep up, even as she glances back at a visibly incensed Daisy.

"That girl...was she your girlfriend or fiancee?"

"No, but she’s among those who chase after the highest status."

Once at a safe distance, he stops and, realizing he has been holding the girl’s hand, swiftly lets go with a flush of embarrassment.

"Sorry, I just wanted to get as far away from that girl as possible."

"Clearly, you’re not fond of her, and from what I can tell, she didn’t seem too pleased herself."

"She probably can’t stand being ignored by me..."

She was shrewd once, feigning sweetness perfectly, but now he sees through her, understanding the insincerity of her once-praised kindness. Unable to introduce Raven to the empress, he escorts her to a part of the palace where he often stays, a mansion slightly apart from the main building, where they are greeted by Marchioness Jones who informs them that dinner is served.

Daisy makes her entrance at the empress's meeting, quickly becoming the focal point. Many presume she will be the fortunate chosen by the empress for her beauty, education, and consistent generosity, despite her father being merely a baron. The blonde offers a slight curtsy to the empress before taking a seat by her side.

"It’s an honor to be invited here."

"Miss Rose, it's always pleasant to have you around; the young ladies are indeed happy to have your company."

"How sweet, I'm glad to be welcomed by all."

The other girls swiftly flock to her side, eagerly conversing with her – some even boldly inquire with the empress about making her a candidate for crown princess.

"I've contemplated it; perhaps I should arrange a meeting with the prince."

"I would be truly delighted, Your Majesty, but..."

Daisy lowers her gaze, adopting a crestfallen demeanor that silences the onlookers and concerns the empress.

"What’s the matter, Miss Rose?"

"It's just that, the prince appears to have someone else in mind. Were you not aware, Your Majesty?"

"What? No, the prince has said nothing; perhaps you’re mistaken."

"I observed them at the ball, but I fear that girl is far from respectable."

Whispers fill the air as the crowd ponders who the girl could be. Daisy looks around, particularly at the empress, who now appears troubled by the young woman’s words.

"Miss Rose, do you know this girl?"

"Yes, she’s known to toy with various men, likely employing her wiles to beguile the prince."

These alarming assertions deepen the empress's concern; it is unthinkable for her son to be involved with a girl of such repute.

"Miss Rose, I thank you for bringing this to my attention, I shall not let the prince make a folly."

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