The Vermillion Palace garden was a sight to behold, adorned with delicate flowers and golden tapestries that shimmered in the afternoon sun. Tables set with fine porcelain and ornate silverware lined the perfectly manicured lawn, and noble ladies, dressed in silks and brocades, gathered in anticipation, their conversations a soft hum of excitement.

As the grand doors opened, a hush fell over the crowd. Princess Selena entered gracefully, her posture elegant and composed, followed closely by her lady-in-waiting. Selena wore a stunning dark blue gown embroidered with silver threads that caught the light, making her appear almost ethereal. Her poise commanded reverence, and the ladies, one by one, dipped into deep curtsies, murmuring their greetings.

“Princess Selena,” they chorused, their voices full of respect.

A few moments later, Lady Maria, one of the older noblewomen, stepped forward gracefully, a warm smile on her face as she approached the princess. Her demeanor was polished, and her every movement spoke of a practiced nobility. Bowing her head slightly, she looked up at Selena with admiration.

“Your Highness,” Lady Maria began, her voice honeyed and rich, “it is truly an honor to be here today. You have outdone yourself with this tea party—everything is simply magnificent. Thank you for inviting us to share in such splendor.”

Selena offered a soft smile, inclining her head in acknowledgement. “Lady Maria, your words are most kind,” she replied, her tone gentle yet formal. “I am delighted to see all of you here today. The Vermillion Palace gardens are at their finest in the company of such esteemed ladies.”

"Please enjoy," and she took her seat at the head of the table, flanked by Lady Maria, Lady Lyria, and two other noblewomen, Lady Eveline and Lady Rowena. 

The ladies settled themselves in their seats, adjusting their gowns and quietly admiring the elegant spread before them. At Selena’s nod, her lady-in-waiting began serving the tea, each cup filled with a delicate jasmine blend that perfumed the air.

As the tea was poured, the delicate clinking of porcelain filled the air. One of the ladies, Lady Eveline, leaned in conspiratorially, glancing around before lowering her voice.

"Such a lovely gathering, Your Highness,” she said, her tone slipping into a murmur, “and yet... one can't help but notice Lady Leticia’s absence."

A faint murmur of intrigue rippled through the group, and another lady, Lady Rowena, leaned forward with a conspiratorial look. “Oh, yes, I noticed her absence as well. Though, can we truly say we’re surprised? she’s changed—dreadfully so.”

Selena’s expression remained calm, though her eyes subtly darkened as she listened to the conversation. She sipped her tea, letting the ladies talk.

Lady Eveline continued saying it with a satisfied smile. “It’s hardly shocking,” she remarked, her voice laced with feigned innocence. “Lady Leticia’s behavior of late... well, it’s certainly no longer fitting for these occasions. I’d imagine Princess Selena spared us all a potential disruption by not extending an invitation.”

Lady Maria raised an eyebrow, her gaze flitting briefly to Selena, as if trying to gauge her reaction.

Lady Rowena nodded in agreement, lowering her voice slightly, though loud enough to be heard by the table. “She used to be charming, didn’t she? But now she’s… well, frankly, wicked. I can only imagine the chaos she’d bring if she were here.”

Lyria, who was seated beside Selena, concealed a faint smirk behind her teacup as she sipped, her eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and malice. Selena’s fingers tightened slightly around her teacup, though her face remained composed. She looked down, her lips pressed in a restrained line, before lifting her gaze to meet Lady Rowena’s.

“It’s unfortunate to see such assumptions made in Lady Leticia’s absence,” she said softly, her voice laced with a quiet authority. “Perhaps her absence is not as it appears.”

The table fell into a brief silence, the ladies exchanging glances. Rowena's gaze faltered. She forced a laugh, trying to keep the conversation light. “Oh, of course, Your Highness,” she said with a slight bow of her head. “We simply meant... well, we didn’t wish to disturb the peace of such a lovely gathering.”

Selena inclined her head, her serene expression unchanged. “Indeed,” she replied. “I do appreciate each of you being here. Let us enjoy our tea and keep the conversation light.”

With a graceful lift of her teacup, Selena shifted the mood at the table, her calm demeanor encouraging the ladies to follow suit. Sensing the lingering awkwardness, Lady Maria took the initiative, sipping her tea and brightening as she brought up a new topic.

“Did you all hear?” she said, her voice carrying a spark of excitement. “The Prince of Lorianthia is visiting our kingdom of Caltheria.”

Eyes widened, and murmurs of interest flitted around the table.

“The prince of Lorianthia?” Lady Evalein echoed, leaning in. “I’d heard rumors, but I thought they were just that—a bit of gossip among the court.”

Lady Rowena nodded, looking intrigued. “Oh, it’s true. And quite a rare occasion, too. Prince Alistair himself, here in Caltheria. Though I wonder what his purpose could be.”

Selena listened with quiet interest, her gaze settling on Lady Maria. “Prince Alistair of Lorianthia... he is rather known for keeping his travels discreet, isn’t he?”

Lady Maria nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. Lorianthia is famously guarded about their royal affairs. The prince’s visit must hold significance if he’s come all this way. I heard he’s here on a matter of ‘unique importance,’ though no one seems to know precisely what it entails.”

Lady Lyria, who had been listening intently, leaned forward with a glimmer of intrigue in her eyes. “What is this ‘unique matter’ he’s here for?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. “Does anyone have any idea?”

The ladies exchanged glances, momentarily surprised by Lyria’s sudden interest in the topic. Lady Maria met her gaze, her expression thoughtful as she shook her head with a sigh. “It’s all very mysterious,” she replied, lowering her voice slightly. “A secret affair, they say, and not even our king knows the exact reason for his arrival. It must be something of delicate importance.”

Princess Selena’s brows arched slightly, intrigued but keeping her composure. The other lady leaned in closer to the group, her eyes shining with anticipation. “I also heard he’s incredibly handsome,” she murmured, a playful smile on her lips.

“Oh, I’ve heard as much too,” Lady Rowena chimed in, fanning herself with a delicate handkerchief. “They say his eyes are a striking silver, like moonlight itself. And his presence… powerful.”

Lady Lyria’s interest seemed to deepen; her gaze focused on the ladies as if absorbing every word. “Perhaps he’s more than just handsome,” she said, feigning a lighthearted tone. “A prince with mystery and allure? It’s practically something out of a story.”

Selena allowed herself a subtle smile, the ladies’ chatter stirring a rare moment of amusement within her. “I suppose we’ll all have to wait and see."

The ladies nodded in agreement, their gazes drifting back to one another, and the conversation soon melted into the low hum of anticipation. 

Leticia sat on her balcony. A delicate teacup rested between her fingers, the steam curling into the air like whispered secrets. She stared out at the sprawling gardens of the estate, but her mind was miles away, lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts. Beside her stood Elena, a silent observer of Leticia’s transformation over the past few days. 

What happened to you, my lady? she thought, her heart aching with every passing moment. 

The lively spark that once danced in her Lady Leticia’s eyes had faded, replaced by an emptiness that was hard to bear. Just a week ago, her Lady Leticia would have been animatedly discussing Lord Adrian, her laughter ringing like music in the air, filling the mansion with warmth. Now, however, her expression was solemn, as if the weight of the world had settled upon her shoulders.

I can hardly recognize you, Elena mused, feeling a deep sense of loss. Where did that bright spirit go? You used to dream of a future filled with hope and love, and now it seems like you expect nothing from anyone—not even from life itself. Each thought weighed heavily on her, a reminder of the stark contrast to the Leticia she had known and adored.

It’s as if you’re merely existing, she thought in her mind.

“Lady Leticia…” Elena began, her voice soft and hesitant as she stepped closer, wanting to bridge the growing distance between them. “Are you—”

Before she could finish her thought, a sharp knock echoed through the room, startling both of them. Leticia’s head turned slightly, a flicker of curiosity crossing her features, but she remained silent.

“I’ll see who it is,” Elena said quickly, moving to the door. As she opened it, she found the butler of Drakemorne standing there, his expression as formal as ever, yet with a hint of concern lurking beneath his composed facade.

Elena moved with purpose, crossing the room and pulling the door open. There stood the butler, impeccably dressed, his demeanor as formal as ever. He bowed respectfully as he entered. “My Lady Leticia,” he greeted, his voice steady yet tinged with an undertone of hesitation.

“What brings you here, Butler?” Leticia inquired, her tone still soft.

The butler hesitated for a moment before continuing, “The Master has arrived and wishes for you to join him for lunch.”

Leticia’s mind drifted back to a time not so long ago—after the argument with her father. Memories of that explosive day flooded back. She could still hear her father’s sharp voice, rising with frustration as he defended Lyria, insisting they weren’t taking sides but rather trying to protect Leticia’s reputation.

“Why can’t you see?” he had yelled, his face flushed with emotion. “This is for your own good! You’re bullying her, Leticia!"

But in her fury, she had stormed away, refusing to hear anything more. From that day onward, she had refused to eat with them—lunches and dinners had become solitary affairs, where she wallowed in her resentment and bitterness. The dining table, once a place of warmth and laughter, had turned into a battlefield of silence and cold shoulders.

As the butler’s request hung in the air, Leticia felt a swelling of conflicting emotions within her. Guilt and regret washed over her, gnawing at her heart as memories of her family’s concern played in her mind. They truly were trying to protect me, she pondered. I had been too blinded by anger to see their intentions.

“I was stupid,” she mumbled under her breath, the weight of her past choices pressing down on her.

But no, she reminded herself, shaking her head slightly as if to dispel the thoughts. Not now. She had spent too long avoiding her family. Leticia stood, her resolve solidifying as she pushed past the guilt.

“I will join,” she said again, this time with more confidence, as if affirming her decision not just to them but also to herself.

The butler blinks, clearly taken aback, and Elena’s eyes widen in disbelief. They exchanged a glance, confusion etched on their faces. Then a flicker of relief crossed his face. “Very well, my lady. This way, please.”