As I entered the grand hall, I was met with a scene that made my blood boil. Lady Katherine was standing over Young Lord Ethan, her face twisted in anger, while Ethan stood still, shaking and on the verge of tears. "You wretch!" Lady Katherine's voice was venomous. "How dare you! You're going to compensate me for this dress!"

Ethan's eyes welled up with tears as he tried to defend himself. "But, my lady, you bumped into me... I didn't spill the wine..."

The nobles surrounding us watched with delight, their faces gleaming with malice as they savored the humiliation of the Cubresia Duchy. I couldn't bear it any longer. I rushed forward, my heart racing with maternal instinct, and shielded Ethan from Lady Katherine's wrath. I grasped her hands firmly, my eyes locked on hers. "My lady, what do you think you're doing? You're in my residence, and you'll not lay a hand on my son."

The room fell silent, except for the sound of snickering and whispering. Lady Katherine's face turned red with rage, but I stood firm, my gaze unwavering. "You're going to regret this, Duchess," she spat. "Your son is clumsy and ill-mannered. Someone needs to teach him discipline."

The nobles began to murmur, their voices rising in a cacophony of gossip and speculation. "How childish of Lady Katherine to argue with a child..." "The young lord must've not been educated..."

I held Ethan close, trying to comfort him as he sobbed. "It's okay, baby. Mommy's here. Don't cry." I glared at Lady Katherine, my anger simmering just below the surface. "You're mistaken, Lady Katherine. My son didn't spill wine on your dress. You bumped into him, and now you're trying to shift the blame. Tell me, what exactly do you want? Money? Favor?"

Lady Katherine's friend, Lady Nerva, jumped into the fray, her voice dripping with condescension. "Right, Duchess Celeste, your son is at fault. Lady Katherine was merely trying to discipline him."

I turned to Lady Nerva, my voice icy. "Ah, a Zoryth, I see. What brings you to my residence? Are you trying to curry favor with the nobles by fabricating stories? The Zoryths have always been known for their... creative tactics."

Prince Edward appeared beside me, his face stern. "Katherine, enough. You will not raise your hands to a child. You're a guest in this house, and you'll behave accordingly."

Ethan sniffled, still crying, but his voice grew clearer. "Mom, she suddenly bumped into me when I was talking to Princess Penelope... I didn't do anything, I swear!"

I felt a surge of anger and protectiveness towards my son. "Lady Katherine, you're no longer welcome in my home. Please leave before I have you escorted out."

Lady Katherine's face turned white with rage. "You think you're so powerful, don't you, Duchess? You'll regret this. Come, Nerva. We're leaving the party of cockroaches."

As Lady Katherine stormed out, the nobles began to murmur and gossip. "She's gone too far this time... The Zoryths are desperate... The Duchess has had enough..."

I turned to the crowd, trying to composed myself. "Please, let's continue the celebration. Don't let a simple commotion ruin the party."

With Ethan still in my arms, I made my way to his chamber, trying to calm him down. Prince Edward followed us, his eyes filled with concern.

Once we reached the chamber, I put Ethan to bed and began to take off his shoes. "Did she hurt you, Ethan? Mommy's so sorry I wasn't there to protect you."

Ethan sniffled, still upset. "She's mean, Mommy... I didn't do anything..."

I hugged him tightly. "You're a good boy, Ethan. You didn't do anything wrong. Sometimes, people lash out because of their own problems."

Prince Edward patted Ethan's head. "You're a brave young lord, Ethan. You stood up for yourself."

I shot Prince Edward a warning glance. "Edward, don't encourage him. He's already had a rough night."

Prince Edward smiled. "I'll leave you to tend to Ethan. I'll come back another time, Duchess."

As Prince Edward left, I couldn't help but notice the look in his eyes – a look that made my heart flutter. But I pushed the feeling aside, focusing on comforting my son.