"How dare you?" The duchess stands from her seat.
"I am just stating the facts." Gene calmly puts her cup of tea down. "Instead of blaming me for everything, you should really take responsibility for not supporting the king all these years, Mother." The last word comes out more venomous than she intended.
"You spend a few days in the palace, and you are already this arrogant." She sits back down with her stoic mask back on. "I heard rumors as soon as I set foot in Ayulu. Would you like to hear them?"
'Is this why she asked to see me this morning? Knowing how busy my day is going to be before the ball.'
Gene knows exactly what the duchess is talking about, and she is not going to let her affect her.
"They said that a princess from Vanta is to be the future crown princess," she starts without giving her the time to say anything. "They said that at an official dinner, you weren't even introduced as the prince's fiancée and that he spent the whole evening with the princess," she continues. "Let me tell you something little girl, even if the king breaks off the engagement, no one will blame your father. You are the only one who will take full responsibility."
'I see. The royal family would never admit the real reasons for the breakup.'
"So instead of pointing fingers, you should really find a way to keep your position." The duchess leans in closer on the table between them. "There will be no place for you if the prince throws you away."
Gene hasn't really thought about what would happen to her if the king opposes the marriage till the end.
'I guess now I know.'
"As for your request," Gene pushes to her feet. "I will continue to stay at the palace. I will see you at the ball tonight, Mother."
Gene is not sure why, but the duchess' words bother her.
"My lady, your dress is already in the carriage," Veda announces when she reaches her.
"Thank you, Veda. Let's hurry back, I don't want to be late to Mrs. Gustavson's class."
But hard as she tries, Gene arrives late to the class. She finds her teacher fuming.
"My apologies, Mrs. Gustavson. I had to take care of a family matter outside the palace." Gene bows, hoping she would just let it go. She is too strict for her own health.
"We have no time to waste, let's just start."
She sighs in relief.
However, luck flees Gene's side right away. The class does not go as she has expected. She can't focus at all. She trips a few times and her partner gets hurt. Mrs. Gustavson's high pitched voice is more irritating than usual, and she just feels like a ball of anger is burning in her chest.
"I am leaving," Gene says.
"But we have—"
"I am done," she interrupts her teacher with a firm voice. "I am truly sorry for your injury." She throws her partner an apologetic look. "Please, send the costs for your healing to house Holmen, I will personally take care of them." Gene bows and rushes out of the room.
For some reason, she feels like she wants to punch something. She reckons that her meeting with the duchess affected her more than she thought.
"Lady Siv," The prince's voice surprises her. "Are you alright? You seem... angry."
"No, I am not alright," she answers rashly, then feels bad for her harsh voice right away.
She sighs.
"I am sorry, it has been a bad day."
"Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
'I can think of a few things you can do to make me feel better.'
"Can you promise me something?" she asks, finally able to think rationally.
"Of course," he answers, taking her hand in his. "Anything."
"Can you stay by my side tonight at the ball?"
There will be way too many people, and if he escorts another woman, the rumors from that dinner will be confirmed.
"I promise." The prince flashes her a white smile and kisses her hand gently.
The action makes some of the tension leave her shoulders.
"We'll just have to dance all night." He winks at her.
"Well, I hope you can handle my dancing better than my partner." He raises an eyebrow and Gene chuckles at the reaction. "He was hurt earlier."
"Oh my." Brandt tries to hide his amusement. "I might have to just carry you the whole time. I do need functional feet for my everyday tasks," he teases.
"Good luck with that," she teases back. "I should start getting ready, otherwise Veda won't stop complaining."
"I sent a gift to your room."
"A gift?"
"Yes, I hope you will like it and wear it tonight."
'Aww that's so sweet.'
"I am sure I will." A smile tugs on her lips.
"I will come to your room to escort you to the ball later," Brandt adds.
"See you then."
They walk their separate ways, the smile still on Gene's face.
'When was the last time I got a gift? I can't even remember, it's been ages.'
When Gene enters her room, she rushes to the bed where two boxes have been placed.
"Oh my lady, you are finally back. I have already prepared your bath."
"Thank you, Veda." Gene strokes the smaller silver box. "Who brought these?"
"They were already in the room when I came earlier, my lady," Veda answers.
"I see."
"Do you know who sent them?" the maid asks with an exciting tone.
"Prince Brandt."
Veda's face lights up as she takes a few steps closer. She looks even more excited than her.
Gene opens the silver box first and they both gasp. Inside is an exquisite sapphire necklace with dark and light blue gems of different sizes.
'This is probably so expensive I could never afford it. I don't even want to know how much it costs.'
Then, Gene moves to the bigger box, red with a black ribbon on top. When she opens it, she finds a gorgeous pair of blue velvet shoes. They are the perfect match to her dress for the night.
'The prince is so sly, he knows exactly what a woman likes.' She laughs.
"Veda, I will wear these shoes instead."
"Yes, my lady, they are beautiful."
After a few hours, Gene looks at Veda's finished work in the mirror and can't help but feel amazed. Siv is stunning but Veda's skills add so much more charm.
Veda rushes to the door when Prince Brandt knocks. His eyes instantly meet Gene's when he enters. They stand there, gazing at each other for a while.
'God, he looks gorgeous.'
His dark hair is pushed back, highlighting his beautiful fiery eyes. His formal outfit is a nice addition too. He is wearing a velvet jacket, decorated with a few medals. It is dark blue and fitted so it hugs his body perfectly. What's more, the white flowing cape adds to the image of the fairy tale prince.
'Man, I think I am salivating.'
Gene prays that she can keep the women at the ball off of him. She is sure that with him looking like this, it is going to be a challenge.
*********
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