As the carriage rolled away, Duchess Selena's anguished cries filled the air, her arms outstretched towards her daughter, Mariale, who was being taken away by the Imperial Guards. The scene outside the mansion was chaotic—Bella, the eldest daughter, was desperately trying to calm her mother, but her efforts were futile.
"No. No! NO!" Selena's voice cracked as she screamed, her eyes wide with desperation. Bella, with a mix of sorrow and determination, tried to pull her mother back.
"Mother, this is for Mariale's own good!" Bella shouted, her voice strained with emotion. She turned to the carriage, watching as her sister was taken away. "Mariale!"
But Selena wouldn't stop. She rushed towards the guards, grabbing Mariale's hand just as they were about to put her inside the royal carriage.
"Take my hand, Mariale! I'm right here!" Selena cried, her voice trembling.
