Throwing away the bad thoughts, with the help of Tana, I changed into the simplest of those in the closet, a peach-colored muslin dress. It was a good thing that it was long enough to cover work shoes. The maid, changing my clothes, said that this was not an ordinary case, that they forgot to leave me new shoes. But feeling her indignation with the skin of her back, I understand that she will solve this issue herself.

After combing my hair into a braid, I finally finished my preparations and went to the garden. It was a little disturbing, I didn’t know how to look people in the eye, who had recently seen me in a different role. Okay, I’ll act on the circumstances. But Raphael should have given me some instructions.

Tana accompanied me all along the way and periodically we ran into other servants who were too surprised to see me. But the position of my maid at the castle was quite high, so no one said a word and just continued to stare in silence, not hiding their amazement. I looked away and walked a little faster to avoid this awkward state.

In the middle of the already yellowing garden there was a small table set for two people. Beautiful porcelain cups were made so skillfully and filigree – very fine work, they felt completely weightless in the hands. On a small two–tiered tray lay all kinds of goodies - cookies and cakes. My inner sweet tooth was already rubbing her hands impatiently in anticipation. It looked too tempting.

Looking away from the table, I met a smiling Amanda. She was already waiting for me and beckoned with her hand, offering to sit next to me on an empty chair.

- I’m sorry, Lady de Mourey, if I’ve kept you waiting too long. - I stammered.

- It’s okay, I just came myself. - Amanda waved her hand. - And I told you to call me Mandy. - she frowned theatrically indignantly, and then laughed.

I understood that I should make friends with her better, and the transition to using her first name is the first step, but each time it was difficult for me. I can’t even call the groom out loud by his first name.

- How do you like our castle? Amanda asked, taking a sip of tea.

- It’s stunningly beautiful here. The castle itself looks very majestic, somewhat gloomy in places, but I think this is due to the fact that it looks very old, despite the external grooming.

- You’re right, this castle has seen many of our ancestors. And although it has undergone some reconstruction, the first stone in its foundation was laid about a thousand years ago. – this discovery made me look up in surprise at the Princess of Abion.

- It’s just fantastic that it is so well preserved. I was amazed. – The castle where I grew up was built about three hundred years ago, before that there was another one, but it was destroyed during the war. And yet even our castle loses its freshness over the years, stones are falling in places, losing their strength. That’s why I’m so surprised by your words.

- Thea, you grew up in a kingdom where magic is very common, this should not surprise you. Our country is no exception. - she shrugged her shoulders.

- Ah, that’s the reason. I’ve never really thought about it, to be honest. – I felt awkward from stupidity.

- You know, while you were packing, I met my brother. - She paused, assessing my attention. - And he scolded me. He was so angry, already seething, that I disobeyed him. - she burst out laughing again, like it was the best moment of the day.

I couldn’t understand her at all, is she really the kind of person who enjoys being punished? Although she looks like such a sweet and fragile girl, but it is worth noting that the inner core in her felt as if all this weakness was just a fake, illusory one.

- Will he punish you now? - anxiety has awakened in me.

- Will punish me? Pfft. Well, let him try if he can. – she had a lot of audacity. – My brother, loves me very much, Thea, always cares, even sometimes too excessively. And despite his complex, cruel nature, there is still room for kindness and warmth in him. And I really hope that with your appearance, this place in his soul will become more. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

She looked at me with some strange hope in her eyes, and I just blinked my eyelashes often. What could I say to her? I couldn’t promise anything, as I was in limbo myself. I will not deny that Raphael has recently begun to arouse my sympathy. More precisely, I have become less biased towards him, but this is only the first step out of a hundred. So I couldn’t give her any hope.

- What makes you think Lady Giselle won’t do it? - This question made Amanda wince and stick out her tongue as if she was sick.

- Are you kidding? Have you seen her? Yes, she is the most disgusting representative of the feminine. All so affected, unnatural and evil, arrogant at heart. I can see right through her. She’s constantly trying to force her company on me, but I’m just turning inside out. I don’t like her, and I can’t understand why my brother clung to her so much. And also this wedding. What kind of nonsense is this? – the princess was indignant.

Although Raphael said that he has no feelings for Giselle, but it’s really strange, why did he need this marriage? Maybe the bride has a good dowry? Hmm, corrupt vile love.

Our conversation died down when we heard approaching footsteps on the rustling grass and quiet voices. Looking back, I saw a beautiful noble woman surrounded by ladies-in-waiting.

- Amanda, darling, I’m so glad to see you. – the woman was full of pleasantries. - I didn’t know you weren’t here alone. Can I keep you company? You don’t mind, do you? - her smooth, overly calm and authoritative tone sent shivers down my spine.

- Lady Serena, what an honor, I didn’t know that you also came to visit us.

The forced affability in Mandy’s voice didn’t escape my attention. And although her eyes and smile were shining, her tone sounded unnecessarily formal. I was not a diplomat and did not have the opportunity to identify friend or foe with half a word and half a glance, but now I clearly understood that the woman in front of us was not very desirable in our company. Although social etiquette did not allow her to refuse and forced her to invite her to our table.

The servants quickly brought another chair and supplemented the dining set for one person. I was silent, but I felt terribly uncomfortable under the gaze of the Lady Serena’s cold gaze. Giving her a smile, I tried to hide my face in a cup of tea.

A quick acquaintance did not take even a minute. Amanda introduced me as her close friend, and I finally found out that the woman at the table was none other than Giselle’s mother. Why did she have to show up right now? But, fortunately, she didn’t seem to be interested in me, and she turned all her attention to Mandy while I continued to be distracted by cream cakes. There is something good in this, it’s better to let them think that I’m not here.

- By the way, have you heard about the recent incident? It shocked all the neighboring kingdoms so much. - The Serena said with excitement in her voice. – They say that the Princess of Riliya disappeared without a trace.

I almost choked on tea from the direction in which the conversation turned.

- Are you all right, my dear? - Serena asked, looking at me coldly from under her brows.

I cleared my throat and wiped my mouth with a napkin.

- Yes, yes, thank you, it’s just so terrible. How can a person suddenly disappear without a trace?

I tried to hide that I was not worried about being exposed, but about the situation that had arisen. I couldn’t give myself away in any way. And in general, it’s all very bad. What if she’s ever seen me before and is playing a role now? Here I am a fool, it would be better to sit quietly peacefully in a room away from prying eyes.

- That’s what’s weird. The girl disappeared on the eve of her wedding. There were suggestions that she could have escaped, but they were immediately dispelled. They say that she had a strong sympathy with her future husband. – from these words, a nauseating reflex rose in my throat. – Now they are inclined to believe that she was abducted after all.

- Is there any evidence? - Amanda interjected.

- It’s just talk, but they say that one of the servants saw the princess fall out of the window. But her body was not found under the windows, as well as traces of blood. It’s all very strange and confusing, but I think there were magicians here.

- Well, this is far-fetched evidence. It is necessary to investigate such loud statements. Moreover, what value did the princess have for the kidnappers, if they were? - Amanda said, crossing her arms and resting them on the table. – It is unlikely that someone will kidnap her simply because they have nothing else to do. What do you think about this, Lady Serena?

- My opinion is that the King of Riliya is hiding something that we don’t know. The south of the continent is now in turmoil and unrest, and their king is summoning an army. This is a matter of concern, and we should not turn a blind eye to it. That’s why I’m and Jorel here. A future marriage can strengthen our countries mutually and suppress the impending unrest.

- What do you mean? - I couldn’t stand it anymore. – Are you talking about the seizure of power?