I kept my lips tightly sealed. Life is unpredictable, and so many women have died. We are all victims of the times.
“I came to introduce someone to you,” Princess Angela said.
That’s when we noticed the woman pretending to be a maid behind the princess—Duchess Isabella! Her father was a half-brother of the king, unlike my father, who was the only non-royal noble in the dynasty with no blood relation to the king.
Duchess Isabella’s father, aware of the king’s distrust, had been stationed at the border for years to avoid any direct contact with him. However, Duchess Isabella had been summoned back to the capital, making it clear she was now a hostage.
Duchess Isabella stepped forward confidently. “I’ve heard so much about Awakening Manor but never had a clue where it was. Who would have guessed it was right in a place I pass by every day? The most dangerous place is often the safest. That’s really clever!” she said with admiration.
I offered a faint smile and chose to stay silent.
“I came to the capital when I was eight, suffocating under the rules. If you have any plans, count me in!” she declared.
“Thank you,” I said.