Eden wasn't the only one struggling to keep his composure.
Tanya's hands trembled slightly as she replaced Grace's plate—just enough for a single tear to escape, splashing onto the fine porcelain in front of Grace.
"How can you bear to sit here, smiling, while he takes another woman as his bride?" She whispered, low enough that only Grace could hear.
Grace's expression remained serene, her voice light but deliberate. "Why shouldn't I?"
Tanya snatched up the used plate, her grip tightening. "Sister Grace, we're both women. I know what you feel for Werner. But you're too much of a coward to admit it—so you just sit here, pretending it doesn't tear you apart inside." Her gaze flickered toward the newlyweds, her voice dripping with venom. "That woman… she's nothing. Just some earl's daughter."
Grace arched a brow. "'Just'?"
Tanya's jaw clenched as she watched the couple toast in the distance, her eyes burning. "You know what I mean, Grace. You have status, influence, what's more important, you've stood by Werner's side for years. And yet…" She swallowed hard. "That woman becomes his consort after a single meeting? If anyone deserves him, I would feel better if it's you."
Grace dabbed her lips with a napkin, her smile untouched. "How kind of you, Tanya. But I'm afraid I'll let you down. I have no such feelings for Werner."
Tanya stared at her, disbelief twisting into something darker. But Grace's poise never wavered—leaving Tanya to wonder if she was lying… or simply better at hiding the pain.
Tanya's lips twisted into a sneer. "You're so hypocritical, Grace."
Then, as if steeling herself, she lifted her chin—a woman resolved. Her voice dropped, quieter now, almost as if she were convincing herself more than Grace.
"I'm braver than you. Prince Werner and I… we met when he was at his lowest. This so-called princess could never understand what we've shared for over ten years." A sharp exhale. "Just wait and see. I won't be a maid forever."
With that, she clutched the tray of used cutlery and strode away.
Grace barely spared her a glance before turning back to the noblewomen gathered around her, her laughter light and effortless, as though the exchange had never happened. She caught the wrist of a familiar lady, tracing the lines of her palm with theatrical fascination.
"Congratulations, my lady." She smiled, eyes glinting with amusement. "You're with child."
A gasp. Then a flurry of excited chatter erupted around her, the women buzzing like delighted bees.
The noise drew Evelyn's attention. She glanced over—and there was Grace, radiant at the center of the crowd, an exotic jewel among courtly finery. Something about her tugged at Evelyn's curiosity.
As if sensing the gaze, Grace looked up.
Their eyes met.
Grace's lips curved—warm, knowing—and Evelyn felt an unexpected flush rise to her cheeks.
Evelyn nodded her head as a greeting and continued to receive guests with Prince Werner.