Although the princess glanced around briefly to see her surroundings, she deliberately kept her eyes away from the dance floor. Lydia knew she hadn't come to dance. Nevertheless, she was more dazzling than ever. Her blush pink dress was adorned with tulle and artificial roses that were indistinguishable from real ones.
As the princess and her entourage moved through the ballroom, the dancing couple on the dance floor seemed completely unaware of what was happening in the room, perfectly in tune with the flow of the music.
All eyes in the room were divided.
Despite the tension reaching its peak even for normal guests, Lydia continued to wait with her ordinary expression. It was a product of years of practice.
When the princess and a young lady accompanying her stood directly opposite her, at least the tense wait came to an end.
"Her Highness, Princess Mathilda, desires to make your acquaintance."
The princess's companion made the introduction with her clear speech and gentle demeanor. Lydia completed a courteous curtsy and calmly lifted her face to the princess.
"Lydia Lockhart. It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness."
The princess's face had already flushed with excitement; instead of responding to Lydia, her eyes were busy examining her. She was quite different from what Lydia had expected. Rather than a sly or ruthless expression, there was a forced grace in her gaze, trying to suppress her anxiety and excitement.
However, this situation had changed significantly after she carefully observed Lydia's face. She appeared more relaxed as she leaned towards her companion.
Lydia seemed to have overcome the greatest danger, the princess's hostility, but this reality sent a wave of pain through her heart rather than bringing her joy.
She had been openly scorned, dismissed.
As soon as the princess's whispers ended, her companion, as if trying to excuse this disrespect, added.
"Princess is aware of the tragic accident that befell your family-"
The princess, showing her pity for Lydia rather than feeling the need to show jealousy, cut off her companion's words.
"I am very sorry for your loss. I will ensure that you are included in the royal balls I attend."
Lydia looked into the princess's eyes, shining with the pride of her good deed. Her face was so expressionless that the princess appeared surprised that she did not receive the gratitude she expected.
After all, by ensuring Lydia's attendance at the royal balls, she had provided her with the opportunity to find a husband. How could Lydia not be overjoyed at such a kindness?
Her companion must have been aware that Lydia was already invited to the royal balls, as her face wrinkled with the princess's blunder.
Lydia smiled as if nothing had happened, hiding the fist she had clenched in her skirt with all her might.
"I am grateful for your generosity, Your Highness."
Fortunately, this moment was able to end with the approaching couple as the dance ended. The princess's face immediately turned to Damian like a dog following its master.
"Lord Darrington, I finally had the pleasure of meeting your childhood friend!"
Damian's eyes roamed over Lydia's face before the princess's. If he was trying to assess the effect the princess had left on her, Lydia could have told him outright that the princess was as skilled as Damian in hurting people.
"I'm glad to hear that, princess. Childhood friends always hold a special place, don't they?"
The princess could now speak without the need for her companion.
"I cannot agree with you on this, unfortunately. I didn't have a friend who could accompany me in the palace when I was a child. Fortunately, I am not alone now."
The princess was right; she had friends who valued her and young men courting her.
Feeling that she should not stay here any longer, Lydia left without making eye contact with anyone, just asking permission from the princess. There was no reason for Princess Mathilda to continue to be interested in her.
As she walked towards the exit of the ballroom, no one who saw her could catch a clue about the conversation between her and the princess. Lydia had to congratulate herself on this.
However, when she arrived in her room, she could not continue this situation any longer.
As she lay down on the bed, her eyes filled with tears for the first time in a long time. She cursed the evening ten years ago when she broke her leg. That small moment that separated her from her family...