Before her eyes filled with tears, the princess turned and walked away in the opposite direction of the couple. But since she didn't know the place well, she quietly asked Lady Irin where she could go for some fresh air, so she decided to accompany her, as she noticed that Becky didn't seem very happy.

"You seem upset, it's the first time I've seen you like this, dear," Lady Irin told her once they were alone.

The princess was slow to respond, as she was trying to undo the lump that had formed in her throat. She told herself that she shouldn't fall into despair, that things like that could happen, because Freen wasn't hers, she was free to marry any man from that kingdom.

"I heard something I shouldn't have heard, that's all."

"And does that something have to do with Miss Sarocha?" asked Lady Irin, with a questioning look.

"With Fr... with Miss Sarocha? No, it has nothing to do with her."

"You're really bad at lying, you know that? What you feel has been noticeable for some time now."

The princess gave a discreet laugh. Clearly Lady Irin knew how to read her perfectly, that's why she had always liked her and was able to make friends with her.

"Am I that obvious?"

"You are. But don't worry, I would never give you away, love has mysterious ways of manifesting itself. Maybe you should go back to the party and show that you have nothing to fear."

"What are you talking about?"

"My dear, I know all the women of high society. Not only that, I also know the secrets of some. Perhaps I can introduce you to some interesting ladies," Lady Irin told her with a mischievous smile.

Princess Becky laughed as she shook her head.

"I will be delighted to meet them, Lady Irin," she replied, grabbing the arm of her friend, with whom she returned to the hall.

Queen Nam, who was currently entertaining herself at the table where there were all kinds of snacks, noticed the princess next to Lady Irin, then looked in the direction of Miss Freen, who seemed to be having an argument with her best friend, because she didn't he looked happy.

In fact, Freen was trying her best not to show that she was upset with Seng, but she got totally distracted when she saw Becky laughing with another lady whose name she couldn't remember, who clearly seemed interested in the princess, it even seemed like her eyes were shining. How had she not noticed before? There were several women like her and Becky in high society, the revelation of her hit her like a bucket of cold water.

"Freen, can we talk in the garden for a moment? There are fewer curious people there. Please" Seng's voice brought her back to reality, when she felt his hand rest on her shoulder.

Her gaze drifted for a few seconds to Becky, who was genuinely laughing with the young woman in question. She decided to go out into the garden, she was furious, she felt trapped by the idiot of her friend, unable to do anything to have the princess's absolute attention.

It was true that there were fewer people in the garden, it was generally quiet, some seemed to be talking about astronomy, others were speaking quietly, so Freen allowed herself to cross her arms and shoot an angry look at her friend.

"What's on your mind, Seng? Why do you suddenly want to marry me, is this some kind of joke?"

"Lower your voice a bit, will you? It's not a joke, I'm serious. You would have total freedom, you could carry on with your life as it has been until now, continue dedicating yourself to art and all that. Wouldn't that be great?"

"You're like a brother to me, why would I marry you? Has no sense."

Seng laughed before answering.

"Believe me, the feeling is mutual. Don't worry, we don't even need to have children, that's what my brothers are for. It's just that as the head of my family, it's time for me to get married.

Freen sensed that he was hiding something from her, Seng always made plans, he was a sensible man, he liked to win, so he used to rule out anything that didn't benefit him in some way, including people.

"What will you gain by marrying me? And it had better be a good reason or..."

"Lord Seng!" The viscount's housekeeper appeared at that moment, so Freen couldn't get the answer she wanted, left alone in the garden.

Her head kept spinning, seeing Becky flirting with other ladies, Seng's ridiculous proposal, nothing made sense at the time, it was too frustrating. She wished, from the bottom of her heart, that she had been born in another place, or even in another time, where she could be truly free, be with the woman she loved, without having to worry about the ridiculous society she was from and was part.

She clenched her fists, and went back into the mansion, she wouldn't leave without clarifying things with the princess or with Seng, who apparently had suddenly decided to include her in his life. In the great hall, the dance had already begun, so it was difficult to move among with so many people that surrounded the space where they were dancing. Becky was nowhere to be seen, nor was her childhood friend. She circled the entire ballroom, until she accidentally bumped into Queen Nam, to which she gave a quick apologetic bow, she was really embarrassed.

"If you're looking for the princess, she went to the back garden accompanied by Lady Friend," the monarch told her, smiling.

Freen hesitated for a few seconds, how did she know she was looking for her? She decided to ignore that detail and go to the back garden, luckily she knew that mansion well. She used the corridor where the library was to get there faster, when she was passing through it, a man came out of there, who didn't notice her presence and kept walking in the opposite direction of Freen.

A moment later Seng came out, who did notice Freen's presence.

"Who was he?" Freen asked questioningly.

"He is a friend. Lord Saint. Why are you here and not in the living room?"

"I was on my way to the back garden. But... now that you're here, I want you to know that I'm not marrying you."

Seng raised both hands to his head, desperately rubbing his face.

"Freen, please. I swear that nothing will happen to you, you will only be my wife before the law, nothing more. I've always supported you, haven't I? Would it really kill you to do me this favor?"

"This doesn't sound like a favor at all, Seng, it's a marriage. Also, you had no interest in getting married, why suddenly yes?"

Seng sighed before answering.

"I don't think you understand, Freen. Our society works like that, you know? You can't change anything, you have to play the same rules as everyone else to progress. I do this for my family, and also for you. You are an "eccentric", what do you think will happen if you do not manage to get married? Think about it. Not even a prince has convinced you, do you plan to be a burden to your mother all your life because of your selfishness?"

"What? Do you think I'm selfish for being an artist?"

"Yes you are. Think of your mother, that at least you still have her. Do you have any idea what kind of trouble having a daughter like you causes her? If we get married, none of that will matter. You will stop being a problem for your mom, and I will finally be a true viscount."

Freen weighed Seng's words, remembered the conversations she had with her mother about giving up the brush, how much it annoyed her when they commented on her daughter's hobbies. Despite everything, her mother allowed her to be an artist, even though it was sometimes more difficult to do business with certain members of society.

"Let me think about it, Seng."

Seng smiled hearing her, after all, he had a chance.

"Alright. I am sure that you will do the best for your family."

Saying that, he went back to the hall, after all, he was the host. Freen stayed in the corridor, meditating on Seng's words. He had offered her a fair deal, they would be married only by law, yet she would be free to be the artist that she was. In fact, she was sure that her mother would probably be happy for both families to come together.

She suddenly remembered that she had actually come that way to talk to Becky, so she hurried towards the garden. To her surprise, the princess was alone, watching the starry sky.

"It's a beautiful garden, isn't it?" Freen said by way of greeting, regretting it immediately afterwards.

Becky turned to look at her, the moonlight illuminating her face, her eyes had a dull glow, and though she looked beautiful, Freen felt a pang of fear. Her instincts told her something wasn't right.