Chapter 15
At the palace, Empress Elena was in the private garden surrounded by a group of ladies from high society. On the marble table lay an elegant porcelain service, the steaming tea gave off a soft flower scent, and the women, as was custom, shared the latest gossip of the Empire of the Rose.
Among stifled laughter and fans that disguised gestures, one of the boldest ladies decided to formulate the question that everyone whispered but no one dared to utter.
"Empress, forgive my boldness, but… is it true what is said about the Delacroix family?"
Elena arched an eyebrow, elegantly serene.
"I am not aware of any rumor, but if you explain it to me, perhaps I can clear your doubts."
The woman smiled with malice.
"It is said that the Crown Princess surprised Duke Maximiliano in a compromising situation with the governess of his adopted children, Miss Marian. That, seized by fury, young Valeria struck the girl until she was disfigured."
The other ladies made a murmur of astonishment, enjoying the tension they had provoked. But before the Empress could respond, Duchess Renata and her daughter Valeria made their entrance. The Empress had invited them, although the delay in arriving had fed the suspicions of those present.
Valeria heard the last part of the rumor and could not contain herself. A clear and musical laugh escaped her lips.
"Pardon, pardon…" she said amidst laughter. "It is just that I find what I have just heard most amusing."
She bowed before the Empress with respect and affection.
"How are you, godmother? Forgive the delay. The children did not want to be left alone, so we had to bring them."
"Do not worry, dear." Elena gave her a warm smile. "Renata, Valeria, welcome."
The ladies present, uncomfortable, bowed to greet them.
"Greetings, Crown Princess. Greetings, Duchess Delacroix."
Duchess Renata, with her natural elegance, took a seat beside the Empress.
"We had no intention of interrupting your talk, ladies," she said with a kind gesture.
Elena intervened immediately.
"We were just talking about the rumor that is circulating about you."
Valeria tilted her head slightly, curious.
"Rumor? I am not aware of any."
The same bold lady repeated what she had said before, embellishing it even further. Valeria listened to her without interrupting, until, at the end, she could not contain another burst of laughter.
"Is that what is being said of me?" she laughed ironically. "I must admit that people's imagination knows no bounds."
The ladies looked at one another, surprised by the confidence with which the princess took it. The Empress, amused, nodded.
"My child, do you wish to clarify this matter so that it may be closed once and for all?"
"Of course, godmother." Valeria straightened up, her tone acquiring firmness. "In the first place, I never found my father in 'situations' with anyone. What I did notice were the inappropriate attitudes of Miss Marian. While the other teachers delivered performance reports to my mother, who is the one in charge of my siblings' education, she insisted on seeking out my father. She always tried to cross paths with him and requested private appointments. It seemed evident to me what her intentions were."
A murmur of discomfort traveled around the table. Valeria continued without hesitating.
"I confronted her. I warned her that she should not approach my father, but she responded that it was he who sought her out, that he requested her company. A blatant lie. In that very instant, I fired her. She said my father would never allow it, and then I told her the truth: that a man like him would never notice someone like her, that all his life he has despised upstarts and that he is madly in love with my mother. It was then that Miss Marian lost her temper and tried to attack me. I was faster. Yes, I punched her in the face, and that was all."
The room fell into silence. Renata, proud and amused, took her daughter's hands.
"Oh, my child, but did you not hurt those beautiful hands?"
Valeria smiled.
"I am fine, Mother. I only put someone who asked for it in her place."
The ladies exchanged uncomfortable glances. Duchess Renata, with her firm voice, decided to put an end to the subject.
"I hope that with this it is made clear. My husband never paid attention to that woman other than to review his children's assignments. And, unlike other men in this society who spend their time on gambling and brothels, my husband devotes every moment to his children and to me. I warn you of something: be careful with what you say. Because if Maximiliano hears of these rumors, I do not want to imagine what will happen to the poor soul who spreads them. It is not for nothing that they call him the most feared Duke in the Empire of the Rose."
A shiver ran through the ladies. No one dared to reply. One by one, they excused themselves and left the meeting. As soon as they were alone, Elena, Renata, and Valeria burst into laughter.
"Renata, dear, you are frightening when you set your mind to it," Elena said, amused.
"Did you see the terrified look on their faces?" Valeria laughed.
"I only told the truth." Renata smiled mischievously. "If Maximiliano hears those rumors, there will be no palace to save them."
Meanwhile, in one of the private salons, Emperor Fernando was sharing sweets with Duke Maximiliano and the children.
"Now, tell me, which of all the desserts did you like best?" he asked in his jovial tone.
"The strawberry one!" Tomy shouted with enthusiasm.
"I liked them all," Lucas responded with his mouth full.
"The one with walnuts, though I do not know what it is called…" Sofia said timidly.
"They are walnuts, darling," Maximiliano explained, wiping her cheeks.
Little Mia, in the Emperor's arms, pointed with a greedy little finger.
"The one you are eating, Uncle, that one is my favorite."
Fernando smiled tenderly.
"Then we share the same taste. But, listen to me well, do not call me 'Emperor'. You may call me Uncle Fernando."
"Really?" the children asked, astonished.
"Of course. Only you can do it, because I authorize it myself."
Childish laughter filled the salon. Princes Diego and Damian entered shortly after, having been notified that the Delacroix family was there. Diego, especially, was anxious to see Valeria.
When they reached the garden, the children ran toward their sister.
"Sister! Fairy mommy!" they shouted, filling the place with hubbub.
Valeria leaned down to embrace them, carrying Lucas in her arms. Renata received Tomy, and Sofia ran toward Maximiliano. Empress Elena feigned a pout.
"And me? Is there no hug for me?"
The children, amidst laughter, surrounded her as well.
Fernando observed the scene with tenderness, while Diego kept his gaze fixed on Valeria. She, oblivious to everything, decided to take a walk along the paths of the imperial garden. The place was a paradise, full of flowers and cherry blossoms. Among the shadows, she discovered a passage of wooden planks that led to a secret corner. Intrigued, she followed it.
The path led her to some natural hot springs, hidden between rocks and waterfalls. The steam rose like an invitation. Valeria, marvelling, touched the water: it was warm. Without thinking too much, she began to undress so as not to get her clothes wet. Her fair skin glowed under the soft light.
But a noise in the bushes made her stop abruptly. She instinctively covered herself and shouted firmly:
"Who is there? Come out this instant, or I shall scream!"
Among the shadows, Diego held his breath, silently cursing his own boldness. He had followed her, unable to take his eyes off her.
Chapter 16
The Trip to the Institute
Diego decided to step out of his hiding place, turning his back to Valeria so as not to look at her directly. His voice sounded somewhat nervous when he spoke:
"Forgive me, Miss Valeria, but do not scream, please."
She looked at him with surprise, her cheeks still flushed from the embarrassment of having been discovered.
"You… what are you doing here? Were you spying on me?"
While she waited for an explanation from the Prince, Valeria had no choice but to dress herself again. The opportunity to take a dip in those magnificent hot springs had been ruined by Diego's untimely presence.
"I only followed you…" he hesitated, lowering his gaze. "It was not my intention to spy on you. I wanted to speak with you for a moment, about continuing to pretend to be engaged now that we are returning to the institute."
"And you could not come out before I undressed?"
The Prince's silence was a clearer answer than any word. Valeria understood it immediately and sighed with irony.
"Of course not…" she said to herself. Then she added with a firm voice, "Well, I am dressed now. You may turn around."
Diego did so slowly, completely blushing. He did not dare to look her in the eye.
"Well?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Are you going to speak?"
"Erm… yes…" he swallowed hard. "I only wanted to know why you do not wish it to be known that we are no longer engaged."
"Do not get any strange ideas, Prince." Valeria interrupted him coldly. "I do not wish to marry so young. I prefer to wait."
"And what ideas do you think I might be getting?"
"I do not know…" she said with a sarcastic smile. "Perhaps that I am still in love with you and intend to keep away the women who approach you."
Diego tensed. In his heart, that idea had crossed his mind. He longed to believe that she still saw him with affection, that the condition she had asked of his father hid a secret interest.
"And is that not so?" he asked, taking a step toward her.
"Of course not." Valeria immediately stepped back.
The Prince insisted, closing the distance.
"Then tell me, Miss Valeria, why are you so nervous to be near me?"
She continued to back away until she felt the damp stone at the edge of the pool. Then she changed the play. Instead of continuing to yield, she straightened up, fixed her eyes on his, and walked resolutely forward.
"Who is nervous?" she asked, coming within mere centimeters of his face. "What are you playing at, Highness?"
Diego remained motionless.
"I am not playing, Miss Valeria."
His initial plan had been to provoke her, to make her uncomfortable. However, now the roles had been reversed. Before he could react, Valeria reached out with her hand and gently stroked his cheek.
"You are playing," she whispered with a dangerous smile. "First you despise me to the point of rejection, and now you follow me, you watch me. You wanted me to leave you in peace, and I did. Now tell me… what are you playing at?"
The Prince's heart beat strongly. The contact of her skin had left him breathless. He swallowed with difficulty, trying to maintain his composure, but he was lost in the proximity of that young woman.
Valeria, satisfied, leaned her face to his ear.
"I had better go. I see that even you do not know what you want. Just a piece of advice, Prince…" her voice dropped in tone, silky and firm. "Do not play with fire. You might get burned."
She left him paralyzed, confused and with his pulse racing. Then, with a mocking smile and a wink, she departed, leaving him alone among the vapors of the pool.
They returned to their families shortly after, who were already saying their goodbyes to return to their duties.
The days passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, the moment to depart for the institute arrived.
At the Delacroix Duchy, the atmosphere was somber. The children clung to their older sister as if their world depended on it. The Dukes, Maximiliano and Renata, shared the same silent sadness.
"Please, change those faces," Valeria asked, trying to sound cheerful. "I already told you that I can come on weekends. The institute is a day's journey away; it is not that far."
"Promise us you won't miss a single weekend," Tomy asked with a pout.
"And that you won't forget us," Lucas added with a trembling voice.
Valeria hugged them tight.
"Forget you? Never. You are my life. I will come every weekend, I swear."
After consoling her siblings, she finished preparing her luggage. Clara, her faithful companion, would accompany her to the institute, so she also finalized her bags. Soon, both were ready to depart.
The Dukes went out to see them off in the main courtyard. Maximiliano, with a concerned gesture, informed them that they would travel escorted by fifteen of the duchy's best soldiers.
At that moment, an imperial carriage arrived and stopped in front of the entrance. From it stepped, with a firm pace, Prince Diego.
"Greetings, godparents." He bowed with respect. "I come by order of my father. He wants Miss Valeria to travel with us, for greater safety. Besides, that way we can guide her when we arrive at the institute."
"Greetings, Aunt and Uncle," added Damian, who stepped down after him.
Renata arched an eyebrow, although she hid her surprise.
"Is that so? What a nice gesture. Then move everything to His Highness's carriage."
Valeria, annoyed, furrowed her brow.
"And why do I have to go in the same carriage? We are fine as we are. We can follow behind, but separately."
"Please, Valeria," Maximiliano intervened, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Do it for us. That way we will be more at peace."
"Yes, darling," Renata added. "Go with them."
She had no choice but to accept, though her face said it all: she did not like the idea at all.
"Very well…" she murmured with resignation, watching as the servants transferred her suitcases to the imperial carriage.
Valeria climbed in first, followed by Clara. Behind them entered Diego and Damian. The silence inside the carriage became dense, almost uncomfortable, until Valeria, seeking to lighten the mood, broke the stillness.
"Tell me, Prince Damian, what year are you attending at the institute?"
"Second year, Miss."
"And I suppose you, Prince Diego, will be in the same one as I."
"That is so. We shall share some classes."
"Oh…" she responded, not knowing what to add. Getting no further conversation from him, she took refuge in silence.
The journey passed slowly. Night fell, and the lights of the institute began to shine in the distance. Valeria sighed with relief.
"We are finally here…" she said dramatically, causing Diego to give a half-smile.
When they stopped in front of the great gate, Diego took control.
"Brother, take our things with the servants. I will help Miss Valeria with hers."
"Alright, see you later," Damian responded, leaving them alone.
Diego offered his hand to help her down.
"Come. Let us announce our arrival, and I will guide you to your room."
"Very well…" she accepted with a gesture of resignation.
The students watching from the entrance whispered among themselves. Everyone knew that Prince Diego had always shown contempt toward his fiancée, but seeing him now so attentive to Valeria raised doubts.
Had things changed between them during the holidays?
Perhaps, some thought, the relationship everyone believed broken was not so after all.