Nyasia found herself watching a tense moment between Lady Kissell and the Second Princess. 'So this must be what he was talking about,' she thought. So all throughout the night, he had intended to use Lady Kissell to anger Young Master Oshen. But most especially, the Second Princess.
'How resourceful you are, Dorian Alexei.' Yet his easy, dangerous smile made her even more annoyed. He must have been having fun. Why couldn't he just tell her?
Vanery lowered her gaze.
"I'm asking," Vanery exhaled. "Surely, you've not forgotten how to use your mouth?"
The ladies barely reacted to the princess's insult, as if they had become deaf. Nyasia's curved her lips faintly. 'Being born royal seems fun. You can verbally stab someone and the crowd just nods and serves you tea.'
"Your Highness, I didn't participate in the contest," Vanery replied finally with a solemn voice.
"I went outside, only to watch the other ladies," she continued. "I—I saw Lady Venche was walking toward the parked carriages, and it was at that moment that I saw a kitten there. So I told her about it, since she participated the contest. That's all."
Liona smirked contemptuously.
"Are you sure you didn't order your maid to get that kitten and put it there on your carriage?" she hissed.
"I'd never do such a thing," Vanery breathed, looking at Liona. "Besides, that's absurd. And why would I harm Lady Venche? I've not ever accused her that she broke my carriage. After all, it was all an accident. And she got hurt."
"Is that so?" Charys raised her brows.
A lady behind her stepped forward and looked at Vanery. "Lady Kissell, you're lying. I saw you instructing your maid. You were there, outside, across the carriage area."
'Instructing my maid outside? I'm not an idiot,' Vanery thought. Her maid had already understood her intention without words. After all, Karina had a low reputation. No one would believe a baron's stupid, unpopular daughter. So it was easy for her maid to make sure that stupid bitch happened to pass by the carriage area.
"Your Highness, please," Vanery said, with a self-righteous tone. "I did no such thing. This lady is the one lying. Please be enlightened."
Liona scoffed, disgusted. "Enlighten? Does that mean we're not smart like you Lady Kissell?"
"That's not it."
"Lady Kissell, just be honest."
Nyasia sighed. 'Let me get this straight: Vanery lied, that woman lied, they all lied. And the grand prize? That man's attention?'
She'd never gotten it.
Did any of these women actually know that man was a monster? He was good-looking, obviously. But since when had "slightly terrifying" become fashionable? Or was she simply too naive for Tenusa nobility?
But then, she finally understood and saw through his scheme. Yet it required her participation. 'How troublesome,' she thought bitterly, though she could use this chance to get back at Mrs. Nox.
"I'm not lying!" the lady said. "I've clearly heard your words, Lady Kissell. You—"
"Mrs. Nox," Nyasia said with a gentle voice. Divya fell silent, stunned at the mention of her name. "Let us give justice to the real story tonight. Since you are the hostess, representing the Rashets, please handle this. Her Highness has simply intervened because a lady has been hurt."
Immediately, the ladies whispered, a low disdainful chuckle. "But wasn't Mrs. Nox so sure Lady Kissell was innocent? Didn't Lady Venche cry?"
'Exactly,' Nyasia thought.
Inwardly, Divya squirmed, glancing at Nyasia. The nerve to pass this chaos on to her? 'I've truly underestimated this girl's viciousness!'
"Is t-that the truth?" Divya said nervously, looking at the lady who was clearly from the princess's faction.
"Of course. Why would I lie?"
"Mrs. Nox..." Vanery's small voice trailed off. "You don't believe me at all?"
"Lady Kissell..." Mrs. Nox said.
'What to do?' She would offend both women if she took sides. But she still had plans to tie Maryan to the Third Princess. If she offended the princess now, Maryan might suffer.
*