Aunt Marie handed a plate of freshly baked cookies to Famoura. Just then, Prince Philip walked in.
Prince Philip: "Those smell delicious… quite good cookies indeed."
Famoura: "These are my cookies. Mama made them for me. You'll have to wait—she'll bake some for you too."
Aunt Marie: "Sorry, Philip. These were made only for Famoura."
Prince Philip: "You both are such cheaters!"
He said this with a playful grin before leaving the room. Aunt Marie and Famoura burst into laughter, clapping their hands together.
A moment later, Catherine entered.
Catherine: "Are you two done laughing? Come outside now—it's the last day of the year, and yes, we still have to settle the accounts."
Aunt Marie: "The last day of the year is always the most tiresome day."
Famoura: "It's my first time seeing this day properly! Last year, they sent me off to school before it even started. I'm actually excited."
---
A man's voice called from the courtyard:
Man: "Prince Philip, Princess Marie, and their three sons—please, take your seats in the front row."
He paused and read out the names again.
"First Prince Henry… and the twin brothers—the elder by a minute, Prince Lucien, and the youngest, Prince Louis."
Then he continued:
"Prince Charles, Princess Catherine, and their daughter, Princess Marie."
Famoura suddenly stood up and shouted,
Famoura: "My name isn't Marie!"
The crowd turned. Prince Philip smiled gently and said,
Prince Philip: "Forgive my daughter—she's not in the best mood today."
Man: "Everyone seated behind Prince Philip's family, please."
Famoura tugged at her mother's sleeve.
Famoura: "Mama, I want to sit with aunt Marie."
Catherine: "Please, sweetheart, be quiet for your grandmother's sake."
Famoura's face fell. She went silent, hurt by her mother's tone.
Catherine: (softly) "I'm really sorry, my dear. I didn't mean it that way." King Francis: "Minister, present the yearly report — and include the accounts of all the villagers."
Minister William: "Your Majesty, the records show that most of the wealth has ended up in the hands of the Verinz family. There's been some sort of corruption. The poor have become poorer, while the rich have grown even richer. Something is definitely wrong here."
King Francis: "But who could be behind such deceit?"
Prince Henry: "It's quite simple, Minister William, tell me — which family holds the most wealth right now?"
Minister William: "The Verinz family, Your Highness."
Prince Henry: "Then the answer is clear. They must be the ones responsible. Summon the head of the Verinz household immediately." Minister William: "Mr. Alexander Verinz, you stand accused of manipulating the royal accounts and stealing money meant for the people."
Famoura (angrily): "What nonsense is this? Being rich doesn't make someone a criminal! If wealth is a sin, then our family should be punished too, because we're the wealthiest in this entire town!"
(The villagers began murmuring among themselves.)
Villagers (whispering): "She's right… that makes sense, doesn't it?"
Prince Henry: "Princess Famoura, please calm yourself. We have evidence — every detail is recorded in the royal ledgers."
Famoura: "Then show me the proof."
King Francis: "The decision has already been made. Alexander Verinz will be sentenced to death."
Famoura (furious): "Without showing any proof? How can you make such a grave decision? This is a man's life! He's someone's father, someone's brother, someone's son. His family must be waiting for him — depending on him. What will they feel when they hear, 'He's been executed'?"
A heavy silence filled the castle hall. Everyone stood speechless, shaken by Famoura's words.
Minister William leaned toward the King and whispered, "Your Majesty, you should be cautious of this girl."
King Francis: "Our decision is final. We've acted not only for Alexander's family but for the good of the entire town. You may all leave now."
Prince Charles: "Famoura, that's enough! From now on, you are not to appear at any family gatherings."
Famoura: "And what was so wrong about what I said? If people had any sense, they'd know I spoke the truth."
Prince Charles: "Catherine, tell her to be quiet."
Catherine: "Enough, my dear. There's nothing more we can do."
Famoura: "We can do a lot, Mother — if only someone dared to try."
King Francis: "Enough discussion! Minister William will be executed tonight."
---
Preparations for the execution began. The people gathered to witness it.
Famoura (determined): "I won't let this happen."
As she rushed toward the door, Prince Henry quickly shut it, locking her inside.
But Famoura refused to give up. Tearing a piece of fabric from her gown, she tied it with another to form a makeshift rope. Climbing out through the window, she escaped silently into the night.
She reached the stables, helped Minister William onto a horse, and rode away into the dark woods. There, she hid him safely before returning quietly to her room.
The guards searched everywhere but couldn't find him. Suspicion naturally fell on Famoura. When the royal guards entered her chamber, she sat calmly, pretending to read.
Prince Henry: "She's here… it couldn't have been her."
But the next night, Famoura slipped away again. Carrying food, she went to the riverside — where William was hiding.
Days later, she returned with the real financial records and witnesses. Standing before the King and the council, she laid the evidence on the table.
Famoura: "Here are the true accounts and the proof of his innocence. Now apologize to Alexander Verinz — and ask the King to set him free."
King Francis (after reading the papers): "Forgive us. It seems there was indeed a mistake. The records must have been miscalculated — perhaps by my grandson, who lacks experience. That is why such confusion arose."
Peace returned to the court. Justice was restored.
As everyone began to leave, Prince Henry stepped closer to Famoura, his eyes dark with warning.
Prince Henry (coldly): "I'll deal with you later, Princess."