After hearing Daisy's words, the Empress hastily beckoned the Prince the following day. She needed to express her disapproval of his choice to jeopardize his future with a woman of easy virtue.
"Mother, your lady-in-waiting mentioned you wished to see me," the Prince said upon arrival.
"Welcome, my son. This concerns the selection of your future bride. I've found the perfect candidates."
"Mother, I appreciate it, but I've already made my choice, and father agrees."
"What? The Emperor has given his approval?"
That was unexpected, but even if the Emperor had consented, she would do everything in her power to make the Prince reconsider.
"The noble ladies have informed me that the girl you've chosen is unsuitable."
"So, you knew already. Rest assured, Miss Raven is more than suitable; she is the ideal woman, in stark contrast to Miss Rose, who is duplicitous."
"Miss Rose? How do you know she was a contender? Putting that aside, Miss Rose is a lady, not an easy woman like your selection."
"That's what Miss Rose led you to believe, how naive, Mother. I suspect Miss Rose was actually referring to herself, not my fiancee."
"Don't spout such nonsense, Miss Rose is a respected lady in our society."
"If she misled you regarding my future wife, then she's not as reputable as she claims to be, Mother. Nevertheless, I won't introduce Miss Raven to you; my father's approval is sufficient."
The thought that he once loved that woman, Daisy Rose, now revealed as nothing but a venom-spitting serpent pursuing her own gain. Without another word, he left to confer with his father and inform him that he would not present Raven to the Empress due to the slanderous rumors; he only hoped Raven wouldn't be upset and abandon their plans upon learning what Daisy had said about her.
Two days later, at the Brooke household, Vivian returned from a meeting visibly upset, alighting from the carriage. Her mother hurried to inquire what had happened and Vivian quickly shared how a malicious gossip had spread through all the social gatherings.
"It's astonishing how malevolent people cannot stand the happiness of others."
"Calm yourself, Vivian. I'm certain the Prince will take steps to quell the situation."
"I certainly hope so. It's utterly unfair how they treat Raven. They must know that slandering her serves no purpose."
Duchess Brooke looked at her daughter with concern. If she was aware of the scandalous gossip, undoubtedly Raven was as well, but she hoped that if the Prince was genuinely interested, he would act to protect Raven's reputation.
Marquess Jones was the one to brief Aiden on the slander circulating among the noblewomen about Raven. At his desk, Aiden clenched his fists, certain of the source of the malicious whispers.
"Marquess, please make it known that I'm aware of the gossip and that I'll be speaking with the Emperor to hunt down the culprit."
"Certainly, Prince. I'll convey that you plan on executing the entire family of the gossipmonger."
Aiden gave a thumbs-up, appreciating the Marquess’s initiative; having a woman like her on his side was beneficial, she was more akin to a mother to him than the Empress. He left to seek an audience with his father, but on his way through the garden connecting his mansion to the palace, Daisy approached him smiling—this was her chance to get closer to the Prince.
Aiden didn't reciprocate her greeting and continued on his way, mentioning in passing that he was in a hurry to see the Emperor. Marquess Jones, who was following close behind, paused to address her.
"Forgive me, Miss Rose, but the Prince is incensed."
"Oh! Why? Did something bad happen?"
"Yes, there are false rumors about his betrothed, and he's on his way to ask the Emperor to track down the slanderer, intending to execute them."
The Marquess drew a finger across her throat suggesting the beheading of the guilty party. Daisy grew anxious, but she felt reassured knowing the Empress was her ally.
Aiden managed to meet with his father, precisely when the Empress was present. It was crucial for the Empress to overhear the conversation so she’d be aware that her Miss Rose was in jeopardy of losing her head, a fitting vengeance.
"Father, I request your permission to investigate and root out the source of these malevolent rumors about Miss Raven."
"I haven't heard any rumors, but proceed. If she's to be your official betrothed, we can't let her name be tarnished."
"W-wait, Emperor, I believe the Prince is overreacting. Besides, that woman is not at all decent."
"Mother! Are you familiar with Miss Raven, or are you also being swayed by idle gossip?"
The Emperor turned to face the Empress, who fell silent, indeed basing her judgment solely on Daisy’s words.
"Your silence speaks volumes, Mother. I mean no disrespect, but I fear the person who slandered Miss Raven is the same one spreading rumors everywhere."
"What have you to say to that, Empress? As you know, I have personally endorsed Miss Green."
"M-Majesty... I apologize. I shouldn't have spoken. I hope the Prince resolves the matter."
"Thank you, Mother. Father, your understanding is appreciated. I’ll bring the guilty party to justice as swiftly as possible."
Aiden smiled at his mother, who appeared nervous, clearly aware of the source of the slander. But since it involved someone from her retinue, she most likely wouldn't reveal who.
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