Katelyn’s gaze turned frosty as she whispered, “Your cousin probably doesn’t know you’re trying to win over Vincent, does she?”
“What?”
Instantly, Annie’s expression darkened. She glanced at the drink on the table and pushed it toward Katelyn without hesitation.
Katelyn moved swiftly to avoid it, but some of the liquid still splashed onto her clothing.
With a smug smile, Annie said casually, “That wasn’t intentional.”
Katelyn’s eyes sparked with cold fire. “Apologize.”
She reminded herself that she was still within the palace walls, under the king’s watchful eyes. Despite the need for restraint, she refused to let the insult go unnoticed.
Vincent and the others noticed the disturbance.
“I’ve already told you it was an accident,” Annie said impatiently.
Her arrogance seemed even more pronounced here than outside the palace. As a countess, she held more status, while Katelyn, with no title, was merely a commoner. Challenging her seemed futile.
“Apologize!” Katelyn demanded again, her tone firm, her patience running out.
Annie’s frustration showed as her brow furrowed, the eyes of many upon her. With a slight cough, she tried to mask her irritation. “It’s just a drink. You can change your clothes. I’ve already told you it was unintentional.”
She was curious to see how Katelyn would react under pressure. Latest content published on find{n}ovel.net
Katelyn’s eyes grew colder. Her fists clenched without her realizing.
“Is this what passes for nobility in a countess? Intentionally causing a scene and then refusing to apologize?”
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Her words struck Annie like an unseen blow. Even within the palace, Annie was no princess—just a countess with a title.
Annie’s face twisted with rage. “How dare you disrespect a countess?”
Katelyn replied with calm defiance, “I single you out because it seems, among all these nobles, you alone forget the basics of decency.”
Vincent’s gaze grew cold as he looked toward the king. The recent events had unfolded under their watch, making it clear who was in the right and who was not. Yet, the king remained silent, his stance on Katelyn uncertain despite summoning her several times—possibly influenced by Vincent’s engagement to Ryanna.
“Is this how you treat guests? If such incidents continue, perhaps we should withdraw and not impose further,” Vincent remarked, rising from his seat, unable to watch Katelyn suffer any longer.
The king, noticing the shift in the room, finally spoke. “Annie, offer your apologies to Miss Bailey immediately.” Their nation’s ties with the Adams family were vital, and offending Vincent could jeopardize critical alliances. With no substantial military power, their wealth was vulnerable to foreign exploitation.
Annie, glaring at the king, protested. “I’ve told you, it wasn’t intentional.”
The king cut her off with a stern look. “Apologize!”
Annie, clenching her hands and seething with resentment, muttered reluctantly, “I’m sorry.” The apology was forced, evident from her tone.
Katelyn, maintaining her composure, responded, “It’s okay.” She had to tread carefully, considering both the countess’s rank and the royal decorum. Yet, she was more intrigued by the king’s deferential behavior toward Vincent. What power did Vincent hold to command such respect—or was it fear—from the king himself?
The king, asserting his authority, instructed, “Take Miss Bailey to the guest room for a change of clothes at once.”
Barry nodded promptly, bowing as he addressed Katelyn, “Miss Bailey, if you would follow me, please.” Katelyn gave a nod and followed Barry.
The palace was vast. The third floor housed the royal family, while guests were typically accommodated on the second.
Barry escorted Katelyn to a room near the entrance. “Please wait here, Miss Bailey. We will bring you some attire shortly.”
“Thank you,” Katelyn replied.
She didn’t have to wait long. Soon, two servants arrived, carrying traditional Yata garments.
After expressing her gratitude, Katelyn began to prepare to change, but just as she was about to do so, she suddenly heard…
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