"Princess, here is a letter for you."
Genevie took the letter from Hannah, her personal maid, and read the invitation from Bridget Caitylon, the eldest daughter of Duke Stuart. Bridget was a prominent figure in the kingdom, renowned not only for her inheritance of her father's business but also for her own successful salon.
"What is it, Princess?" Hannah inquired, noticing Genevie's interest.
"It's an invitation from Bridget Caitylon," Genevie responded, a smile gracing her lips. Hannah's eyes widened in surprise.
"Bridget Caitylon?" Hannah exclaimed, clearly taken aback. Genevie chuckled at her reaction. "She's invited me to a tea party this afternoon," Genevie added.
"We must get you ready at once, Princess," Hannah said with excitement.
"Indeed, let's see what you can do," Genevie agreed.
Hannah, eager to please, began preparing Genevie. After a few hours of meticulous work, Hannah took a step back, admiring her handiwork.
"There you go, Princess. You look stunning. I'm certain you will dazzle all the ladies," Hannah declared proudly.
"Thanks to you, Hannah, I look this splendid," Genevie said, her praise genuine. Hannah blushed deeply at the compliment.
"Your Highness, you know just how to make my heart flutter," Hannah stammered, her cheeks reddening.
At that moment, Alexander entered the room. His eyes fell upon his wife, now dressed impeccably. Genevie was so engrossed in her interaction with Hannah that she didn't notice him at first. Alexander was taken aback by her genuine smile—something he had rarely seen from her.
"Princess, pardon the interruption," Alexander said, clearing his throat. "Where are you heading?"
"I'm going to an invitation," Genevie replied without looking up.
"And what is this invitation for?" Alexander inquired, taking the letter from her.
"A tea party," Genevie answered, her tone unchanging.
Hannah, sensing a shift, began to leave, but Genevie grabbed her arm. "Yes, it's a tea party. Will you let me go?" Genevie asked, her smile masking her concern.
"Of course, anything for you," Alexander said, brushing his fingers through her hair.
Genevie, along with Hannah and Benjamin, her personal knight, arrived at a grand mansion nearly as large as the castle. As they approached the entrance, Genevie presented her invitation to the guard. The door opened slowly.
"Crown Princess Genevie Harlow has arrived," the guard announced.
"Princess, welcome to my gathering," Bridget greeted warmly, ushering her inside. "I must ask that your maid and knight stay in the designated area," she continued, pointing to a separate area for servants. Genevie cast a worried glance at Benjamin, but Hannah reassured her with a comforting smile.
As Genevie followed Bridget to where the guests were assembled, she overheard whispers about her. Determined not to appear fragile, she kept her composure.
"Greetings to the Crown Princess," the guests said in unison. Genevie smiled and responded graciously. "Thank you for welcoming me."
"Of course, Princess," Bridget replied, and Genevie noted the respect she commanded.
Odette, one of the attendees, complimented Genevie. "You look beautiful, Your Highness. Just as the rumors say."
"Rumors?" Genevie asked with curiosity.
"Yes, they say you were once the goddess of Narva due to your unparalleled beauty," Odette explained, a hint of pride in her voice.
Genevie's smile widened. "I'm flattered to hear that. I didn't realize my reputation had traveled so far. And your name is?" she inquired.
"Just call me Odette," came the reply, though Odette's smile was tinged with annoyance.
"May I ask you a question, Your Highness?" Daniella inquired politely.
"Certainly," Genevie replied, confident in her ability to handle the conversation.
"Is it true that His Highness fell in love with you at first sight?" Daniella asked, seemingly pleased with her own question.
Genevie's smile didn't falter. "And did you leave your kingdom to die for him?" Daniella pressed further.
"Indeed," Genevie replied smoothly. "I was also wondering if you were involved in the tragic fate of your family, given how happy you seem despite it."
The room fell silent. Bridget returned just in time to witness the exchange.
"What is going on?" Bridget asked, noticing the tense atmosphere.
"Nothing of importance, my lady. We were simply discussing some trivial matters," Daniella said, hoping to avoid further scrutiny.
"Oh, really? I thought you were inquiring about my background," Genevie said, her voice calm but firm.
Bridget's eyes gleamed with understanding. "Daniella, you know the rule—never pry into someone's personal affairs without their permission."
Daniella's eyes widened in realization, and she bowed her head, apologetic.
Genevie smiled as Bridget's influence became clear. The tea party continued, and the conversation now shifted to safer topics.