A week had passed since the dinner, and Stella was finally starting to feel more at ease—until a strange letter arrived.
It was an elegant envelope sealed with a familiar crest: Lady Saira's. Stella's eyes narrowed slightly. Lady Saira?
She was one of the most influential noblewomen in the capital's social circle… and also the same woman who once spread cruel rumors about Ruby. Stella remembered clearly—Saira had once said she didn't attend social gatherings because she was too "unsightly" to be seen in public. But those whispers had died down the moment she appeared at Arthur and Ruby's wedding, dressed in grace and beauty that had stunned the crowd. Saira must've hated that.
And now, she was inviting Stella to a tea party?
She must be trying to fix her image by getting close to me now, Stella thought, frowning. Saira wasn't one to bow her head easily—this invitation must mean she was desperate to regain her reputation.
Stella thought about it the whole day. Finally, after much debate, she decided: Fine. Let's see what game she's playing. She would attend the tea party.
Two days later, Stella stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a soft sky-blue gown with delicate ribbons tied around her waist and sleeves. It was graceful and elegant, showing off her slender figure without being too flashy—but enough to make a statement. After all, this wasn't just a tea party. It was a battlefield.
When she arrived, she was greeted not by Lady Saira herself, but by her head maid. How rude, Stella thought. As a host, Saira should've greeted her personally—especially when inviting a royal guest.
Still, she said nothing and followed the maid inside.
The room was already filled with a few noble ladies chatting among themselves. But the moment Stella entered, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations paused. Eyes turned. Some sparkled with admiration—others, with envy.
Lady Saira approached her with a sweet smile, clearly forced. "Princess Stella, how lovely of you to join us."
Stella smiled politely. "Thank you for the invitation."
They took their seats and the gossip began—starting, of course, with praise.
"You look beautiful today, Princess."
"So elegant… no wonder Duke Kayden agreed so quickly."
Stella smiled, nodding graciously.
"People used to say you were too sick to attend events," one lady added, "but perhaps there was a misunderstanding…"
Saira sipped her tea quietly, offering no defense. Stella noticed it—how she let others do the talking, waiting for her moment.
Then, a voice chimed in: "I heard about your engagement, Lady Stella."
Stella smiled. "Yes, it's true. Of course, an official announcement will be made soon. You're all invited."
Excited murmurs followed. The ladies leaned in, asking questions like curious schoolgirls.
"What's the duke like in private?"
"Do you love him already?"
"Is he romantic?"
Stella answered carefully, her words polite yet charming. She hadn't had such open chatter in a long time—it almost felt… nice.
But not everyone was pleased. Stella caught Saira's tight smile and narrowed eyes. A few of her closest friends were glaring.
Then one of them finally snapped.
"If it weren't for Lady Stella," she said with a venomous sweetness, "I believe Duke Kayden and Lady Saira would have been married by now."
Silence.
Stella's teacup paused mid-air. She met the woman's eyes calmly—but inside, she remembered everything. The bullying. The jealousy. The whispers Saira once spread because the duke liked Ruby, not her.
Now Stella was the one engaged to him.
She smiled faintly and sipped her tea, and placed her teacup down and offered a sly smile."Oh… really? That's almost cute," she said sweetly, tilting her head ever so slightly. "Must be nice to have a puppy love in the past."
Gasps were muffled by teacups. Lady Saira's eye twitched, the corners of her smile faltering.
"The Duke is engaged to me now, ladies," Stella continued, her voice as smooth as the porcelain she held. "And the wedding is set to happen this year. Duke Kayden treats me very well—there's no need to doubt the engagement."
She sipped her tea again, ignoring the bitter taste that came with the memory of Kayden's lingering love for Ruby. She swallowed it—both the tea and the ache—and smiled.
But Lady Saira wasn't done.
"Yes, but…" Saira said, her tone dipped in condescension, "Lady Stella is so… delicate. I don't believe someone so weak could manage the heavy responsibilities of a duchess."
The room fell into an awkward silence. Some ladies shifted uncomfortably. But to Saira's shock, others immediately spoke up in Stella's defense.
"Princess Stella is much more capable than she appears."
"She's graceful, not weak."
"She holds herself with such composure."
Stella's lips curved with satisfaction as she looked Saira straight in the eyes."I'm not that weak," she said, voice low but steady. "Managing duchess duties is something I can handle. But Lady Saira," her gaze sharpened, "why are you so invested in the Duke's household?"
Lady Saira flinched.
She's cornering me, Saira realized, her mask cracking ever so slightly. I'm losing my composure…
"We're just… worried about Your Highness," Saira finally replied, eyes narrowing. "I've heard Duke Kayden isn't a very kind person. He might not be so merciful if the Lady were to make a mistake… I also heard he was once in love wi—"
She didn't get to finish.
The door creaked open.
Every head turned.
In stepped Duke Kayden.
The air thickened.
Lady Stella and Lady Saira both stood immediately, but Kayden's gaze didn't even brush Saira. He walked straight to Stella, calm and commanding, as if this entire event had been scheduled around his arrival.
"My Lady," he said, tone soft yet firm, "forgive the interruption. I came to escort you. I heard you may not be able to sit too long… and I hoped we might spend a little time together before the engagement is formally announced."
The room exploded—not literally, but with excited whispers and gleeful squeals from the other noble ladies.
Lady Saira tried her best to look charming, as if his presence had thrilled her, but he didn't even glance in her direction.
He's here because of the rumors, Stella realized, observing him with calm eyes. Because he's afraid I might be hurt… and to stop Saira before she says something dangerous.
But still, she smiled politely."I'd be happy to leave with you, Duke Kayden."
The two of them bid their farewells. Many of the ladies curtsied again, some even shyly asking Stella to write to them. She had gained allies today—and that mattered.
As they walked out together, Stella stepped into the carriage. Kayden followed silently and sat beside her.
He didn't speak right away.
And neither did she.
But in that quiet moment, as the wheels began to turn and the outside noise faded away, there was an unspoken understanding between them.
He came for her.
Even if it wasn't for love… it was still enough, for now.