Following the Prince`s visit, for the next few days, Sofia attended social events with the goal of making her recovery known to high society. It came, then, the time for the Royal Hunt in celebration of the upcoming wedding. It was to happen in the hunting grounds belonging to the royal family. Sofia and Duke Miguel went to the event, while Duchess Alicia remained at the Manor.

“I wish Alicia was coming with us.” Sofia mumbles in the carriage. 

“And risk the future heir of House Oliveria? I think not.” replies Duke Miguel.

The two arrive at the camp and make their way to the tent prepared for House Oliveira. The tent has a curtain separating it in two for privacy. The Duke, after getting ready, meets the rest of the men to go hunt. Sofia remains in the tent for a moment, bracing herself before joining the gathering of ladies who socialize in the communal area of the camping grounds. There is no possibility of her avoiding it, for this is a hunt in her honor as future princes consort. Sofia sighs and leaves her tent. As she left, Sofia wrapped herself with her favorite shawl, for it was chilly. 

The ladies are standing near many tea tables arranged around an ivory one in wait for the guest of honor.

“Presenting Lady Monica Oliveira!” a servant shouts as Sofia approaches.

After looking around Sofia makes her way to the ivory table, where Lady Ana and her mother, Marchioness Garcia wait. The Marchioness is sitting by the tea table while Lady Ana is standing. 

“Greetings, Marchioness.” Sofia curtsy and glances at the Madam. She wears a brown wooden  mask covering the top half of her face, including her nose. Embedded in the mask at the eye area is an emerald. Her hair is gray with few brown strands and her uncovered left eye, sharp and green. She holds in one hand a cane. Marchioness Garcia is the older sister of the late Duke Oliviera.  

“...” the Marchioness remains silent, only staring as she studies Sofia.

“Marchioness?” Sofia is puzzled by her reaction.

“Will you just sit, already!” says Lady Ana, taking her own seat, “Pay mother no mind.”

“Very well,” Sofia shifts her attention to Lady Ana, she seems to be disgruntled. It is not difficult to guess why. This was an event in Monica`s honor, her rival.

“How have you been Lady Ana?” asks Sofia, provocatively.

“Umf.” Lady Ana turns her face away, ignoring Sofia. The three ladies then proceed to enjoy the tea and refreshments in silence, Sofia is relieved to not have to make empty conversation.

As the men return, everyone retires back to their tents to rest for the second day of hunting. The following day, as Sofia is getting ready to go join the other ladies, she notices her favorite shawl is missing, so she has to use another one.

Sofia, once again, joins the two Garcia ladies at the ivory table. This time as well, there was no conversation between them. Sofia was enjoying herself when she noticed that Lady Ana seemed restless. She was looking around and biting her nail. The Marchioness as well, seemed on edge, she appeared to be ready to rise from her seat at any moment. As Sofia was wondering what was the issue, she heard screams accompanied by the ladies running away from something.

“W-WOLF!” someone shouted. Sofia looked, a terribly big wolf had somehow bypassed the security and invaded the social gathering. Every lady rushed in a different direction, Sofia included. In her flight, Sofia realized the wolf was bolting in her direction. 

As Sofia looked around for a place to hide, she saw Lady Ana hiding behind a toppled table, she had a big grin on her face as she watched the wolf in pursuit of her rival. Rage rose in Sofia and she changed her trajectory to the direction of Lady Ana, leading the wolf to her. As she approached, the grin on Ana`s face changed to horror. Sofia's plan was to run past Lady Ana and, as the wolf changed its target to her, Sofia would make her escape.

Before the plan could be fully realized however, when Sofia still hadn't reached Lady Ana, she felt a strong painful force against her stomach. Someone had kicked her to the side. After rolling over from the impact, Sofia looked up from where she laid, the one who kicked her was no one other but Marchioness Garcia, who now stood between her daughter and the rushing wolf.

  The Wolf leaped, its maw open wide. The Marchioness separates the handle of her cane from the shaft, revealing a shimmering blade. The wolf bites down on the madam, catching her left arm. As the wolf viciously wriggled its head, tearing at her arm, Marchiness Garcia methodically stabbed the wolf. Finally, the wolf releases the Lady and they both fall to the ground. The wolf, dead and Marchioness Garcia, bleeding out.

“Mother!” Shouts Lady Ana, who is the first to react. The desperate daughter rushes to the Marchioness whose breath is heavy. The guards finally reach the scene and take the madam to the emergency tent. Lady Ana accompanies them sobbing.

The danger dissipates and the remaining ladies are left staring at each other, not knowing what to make of the situation. As they make it back to their respective tents, a horn is sounded announcing that an accident has happened, its faint sound reaches all at the camp. It was strange. Sofia imagined it should be louder, it was almost as if the sound originated from the hunting grounds and not from the camp site. It was ludicrous, that would mean another accident happened, this time with the hunters. Deciding to appoint her suspicions to stress, Sofia returned to her tent.

*

Eventually the men return causing great commotion, for the Prince had been hit by an arrow to the face. When, at their tent, the Duke told Sofia of the news, it shocked her, this was not something that had happened before. Sofia then realized that this hunt on this date never occurred in her timeline, for Monica was missing. All the events of this day were only possible because she was here impersonating her missing aunt.

The celebratory hunt was cut short, the guests were sent home and, both, Prince Rafael and Marchioness Garcia were taken to the royal physicians to be treated. 

Once back at Oliveira Manor, Sofia is bombarded by the worries of Duchess Alicia and the maids. Eventually, she manages to finally retire to the solitude of her chambers.

*

About one hour in her sleep, Sofia is awakened by some noise. She looks around and realizes it is coming from her bedroom balcony, where a tall shadowy figure stands at the other side of the glass doors. Sofia is startled at first, she assumes it is most likely an assassin sent by Lady Ana. As she reaches for the bell to call servants for help, the obscured face of the stranger is illuminated by the moonlight revealing his identity. It is Sir Tiago.

It puzzles Sofia. What is Sir Tiago doing here? He managed to sneak past the guards. She is well aware he is infatuated with her, but to visit her chambers in the darkness of night is quite audacious. And for him to make his visit in the night following all of the ordeals in the hunt, only adds to the oddness of the situation. 

Curious about Sir Tiago`s actions, Sofia walks to the glass doors. The two are now face to face with only the doors between them. Sofia unlocks the doors and Sir Tiago reaches out to her.

“How are you? Are you hurt?” a worried Tiago looks at Sofia in search of any injuries, “I heard about the wolf.”

“I’m fine.” Sofia pushes him away, “Surprisingly, the marchioness made quick work of it. She got hurt though.”

“I heard about that, but it was also said the wolf went for you first, among all those people.”

“Well, yes. Lady Ana most likely had a hand in it.” Sofia waves it off and makes her way to a chair, “but, you were so worried about me that you came all this way here?”

 “I care about you.” Says Sir Tiago kneeling down next to Sofia.

“...I’m engaged.”

“Well, your fiance is at death`s door.” With his comment, Sofia stares at Sir Tiago. She can't help but wonder if he had any involvement in it. 

“W-what do you know about that?” she asks.

“...I know you wouldn't be happy married to him.” Sir Tiago declares.

“Why not? I would become a princess and eventually be queen.”

“Despite it being well known that Monica Oliveira is madly in love with Prince Rafael, I know that in reality you despise that unfaithful bastard.”

“Ugh, he isn't even discrete about it. I wonder how many more people know of his dalliance.” Sofia gripes.

“Yes! You even got poisoned because of his affair!” Sir Tiago is elated that she is agreeing with him, “Well, now he is the one to suffer.” His comment brought  a smile to Sofia`s face, the thought of Prince Rafael suffering from his injury amused her. His death also would accomplish her goal of preventing Gabriel`s conception. So, if Rafael died, no Gabriel, and if Rafael lived, she would be the one to marry him, so no Gabriel as well. 

As Sofia pondered over it, she glanced at Sir Tiago, who gazed at her in wait. What was she to do about him? This man, who obviously was responsible for what happened with the Prince at the hunt, desired her. Even if Rafael were to die, she would still not be in control of who her next official partner would be, Duke Miguel would choose someone via a deal with another family. Sir Tiago, being a second son, would never be selected by the Duke who wanted to marry her off. If she had a scandalous affair with Sir Tiago, not even that would allow their marriage, Miguel would put it under wraps and hide it from high society.

Despite any level of relationship with Sir Tiago being doomed from start, Sofia, who had been stuck in two arranged relationships with unfaithful partners, now felt vindictive. And, this man, who stared at her with such hunger, was quite alluring.

Sofia caressed Tiago`s face. He seemed surprised at first, but soon closed his eye and enjoyed the touch. Tiago turned his face to the side and kissed her hand. As he kissed, he moved his hand along her arm. Sofia`s thumb eventually made its way into his mouth, Tiago bites lightly and looks up at her with his expectantly eye. This sight brought Sofia to abruptly stand up. She let go of him and walked to the bed. As Sofia made her way, she looked back at Tiago invitingly.