The moment Carmine stepped into the dining hall, the atmosphere shifted. It was as if a curse had been broken, a spell Isabelle had woven over the room shattered into fragments. The tension that had pressed down on Colden lifted, and Isabelle's face twisted with fury.
Carmine smirked as she approached, pouring Colden's wine with deliberate calm. The brothers' eyes followed her, sharp and hostile, like daggers moving through haze. Yet their gaze had no effect on her. She stood tall, unbothered, her presence cutting through the suffocating aura.
Colden's mind flickered back to childhood memories — the countless times Carmine had shielded him from his brothers' cruelty, scolding them when they mocked or threatened him. Her presence had always been his anchor, and now, once again, she was breaking their hold.
Demure leaned forward, his grin sly. "Well, if it isn't the maid of honour herself… Carmine."
She smiled, unfazed.
He continued, his tone dripping with disdain. "Perhaps you've forgotten that this is a royal dinner. And as far as I remember, you are nothing more than a maid."
For a moment, a nerve twitched across Carmine's face, her composure cracking into anger. Isabelle seized the moment, her voice smooth but venomous. "Yes, of course. Carmine, you should go. Send Glinda instead. No offence, but I think she is more qualified than you."
The words stung, but Carmine's smile remained. Her tone was fine, measured, yet edged with defiance. "I understand. But the maids never leave during dinners in this palace. So if the prince wishes it…" She paused, catching Isabelle's demonic glare, and rephrased carefully. "…then I will go."
All eyes turned to Colden. Isabelle and the brothers leaned in, their stares demanding his compliance, their silence pressing him to dismiss her.
But Colden's voice rose firm, proud. "No. She has been through everything. It is not human to alienate her. She will stay."
The room fell silent. Isabelle's lips tightened, Demure and Lars exchanged sharp glances, and Carmine's grin widened ever so slightly. The spell was broken, and Colden had chosen his side.
To be continued…