The captured guard burst out laughing. "Worthy of Jaren and Dora's daughter, indeed," he said. "Well spotted, little princess – I did miss out on those things you mentioned just now. But what are you going to do about it now? The dress is gone, and now it's being worn by a lowly maid who couldn't even afford a single thread of it by herself – even if you are able to track down the dress and take it back – do you think your dear sister in law here would be able to wear a soiled dress worn by a lowly maid servant to the grand banquet?"
Mana frowned at the man. "Who are you?" she asked. "And why would you do this?"
"Who I am is irrelevant – well, to you at least, little princess of the Emerald Kingdom – but then again, maybe not," the man said, the smile still lingering on his face.
Mana thought that the man had crazy eyes – and he definitely had nefarious intentions. On sheer instinct, Mana moved closer to Bella, her movements protective.
