"Bring a towel and a blanket for the princess!", ordered Countess Sahara to the servants, who quickly ran into the mansion.
Chaos spread rapidly after the accident in the lake. Lucian was drenched, his long golden hair glued to the body, and the white shirt totally transparent revealed a beauty that made many of the ladies present blush. But he didn't care about it. His focus was on Miss Jupiter, next to whom he stood, making sure she was okay.
"My goodness, Lucian! I would like you to stay away from danger", commented Cassander, taking off his coat and putting it on Lucian's shoulders, covering his almost nakedness.
"I can't pretend to be blind when a young woman is in danger", replied Lucian, always calm. "How do you feel, miss?"
Lucian wore the coat he had given to Cassander before jumping into the water to cover Miss Jupiter's shoulders. The young woman, now bereft of her former majesty, shrank slightly and replied timidly:
"I'm fine... thank you, Your Highness."
"This is absurd!", exclaimed Dahlia, firmly holding Raven's shoulders and casting a furious look at Miss Jupiter. "How dare you push a princess into the lake? That's treason!"
"Did I push her?" hit Miss Jupiter, her voice now firmer, defending herself. "It was an accident! Her Highness clung to my arm, don't blame me for that!"
"Do not try to shirk responsibility! Guards!"
The imperial guards, who were there to protect the princesses, exchanged glances before they approached, ready to arrest the young woman. The atmosphere was tense, and Lucian knew he needed to intervene. With his usual charm, he took on the role of mediator:
"Well, Dahlia, is this really necessary?"
"Don't meddle, Lucian!" replied Dahlia, visibly irritated.
"Will you have me arrested for disagreeing with you?", Lucian rose an eyebrow, challenging her with a calm and controlled look.
Dahlia opened her mouth to answer, but the Countess Sahara, host of the event, intervened quickly, trying to impose her authority.
"It was my mistake to assume that someone like Miss Jupiter was worthy of attending this meeting. I did not expect that the Jupiter family failed to teach good manners to their daughter... I just wish everyone could congratulate the Second Princess on her impending wedding."
The Countess's words were spoken with clear contempt, but before Lucian could intervene, the Imperial Consort, Cassander, raised his hand, silencing the guards before they could act.
"Please, Countess Sahara", began Cassander, his voice firm and controlled. "I understand your desire to celebrate the future of Princess Dahlia, but so far nothing has been confirmed."
"What?!", The Countess turned, her face red with indignation. "Didn't His Majesty tell you? We have already chosen the best partner for our daughter! After all, it is my duty, as the princess's mother, to decide with the Emperor."
"On the contrary", Cassander replied, his expression unperturbed. "I know these discussions are taking place, but the imperial decree has not yet been signed. The Emperor has not given his formal approval."
"It will come! And as the mother of the Second Princess, I have the right to announce Dahlia's engagement. I believe that His Majesty the Emperor has not been completely honest with you, Your Majesty" continued the Countess with a poisonous smile. "Which makes me wonder if the imperial marriage is really as united as it seems."
Murmurs spread among the guests. Countess Sahara was clearly provoking Cassander, insinuating tensions between him and the Emperor. Although Lucian considered the comment bold, he refrained from taking sides.
Cassander, on the other hand, kept calm, but his eyes glowed with a sharp glow.
"I must say that this meeting turned into a festival of discourtesy" he commented, his voice now more grave. "I'm disappointed to see people acting so rudely, even in front of royalty."
Alpha pheromones began to emanate from Cassander, filling the air with a dominant and inescapable aroma. All present hybrids shuddered. Even Lucian felt his body tremble involuntarily, almost bowing to the power emanating from the Consort.
Lucian's clear eyes rose, gazing at the icy countenance of Cassander. He was the only one who remained impassive, while all around him were forced to bow to his presence.
"Have you forgotten who you serve, Countess Sahara?" Cassander's voice resounded with indisputable authority. "Even being the mother of the Second Princess, remember that I'm the one who is married to the Emperor. Belittling me is the same as dishonoring the crown."
The Countess clenched her fists, her face stained with shame. Being publicly rebuked was a blow to her pride. Cassander's tone, though cold, was unforgiving.
"We can agree that no one here acted according to their social status. It is prudent to close the event for today. Each should reflect on their behavior. In addition, Countess Sahara, the Emperor expects you to reveal the name of the suitor chosen for your daughter. Otherwise, he may suspect collusion with Geledel."
"What?!", gasped the Countess, the fury and panic fighting for control in their expressions.
"With the ongoing investigation into the Seventh Prince and his ties to Geledel, the Emperor wants to ensure that the suitor of Dahlia has no... dubious provenance. You have four hours to present yourself at the Imperial Palace."
The humiliation of the Countess was evident. The tea, which should be a triumphal event, ended with her deeply shaken image. Not even being a former mistress of the Emperor would protect her from this fall.
Cassander then turned to Dahlia.
"Return to your palace and wait for Emperor's call for you" ordered, in a dry tone. "As for the First Princess, Raven, take care of your health. I will send the court doctor to ensure that this unfortunate incident does not bring further consequences."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you so much for your generosity" replied Raven, bowing her head as the soaked hair dripped on the dress.
The guards began escorting Raven to the carriage, while the ladies whispered, fueling rumors that Raven's "tragedy" had been pushed into the lake. Lucian realized that the truth was being distorted, and Miss Jupiter's reputation was in the hands of cruel gossip.
"Come on, Lucian" called Cassander, already ready to go.
"I would like Miss Jupiter to accompany us, Your Majesty", suggested Lucian, extending his hand to the young lady.
Miss Jupiter looked at him incredulously, but accepted the offer, encouraged by Lucian's warm smile.
Cassander observed for a moment before sighing.
"So be it. We must give explanations to the family and avoid misunderstandings."
Internally, Lucian was celebrating. What looked like an act of kindness was actually a golden opportunity. The birthmark on Miss Jupiter's wrist, the symbol of the Baroness of Jewels, suggested an important connection with the underworld. Maybe it wasn't the young woman, but someone in her family was certainly involved.
Ah, Raven had given him a unique opportunity, and Lucian could not wait to tell Magnus. He would certainly praise him.
The imperial carriage took them to the house of the Jupiter's family, in the noble neighborhood. It was not a sumptuous mansion like that of other nobles, but it was grand enough for someone in his position. When the carriage stopped in front of the house, attention was instantly attracted. The door of the house opened, and a couple rushed out to receive them.
Lucian came down, escorting Miss Jupiter, and smiled politely at the astonished parents as they saw her hair wet. In addition, the presence of Cassander also made the couple shudder and become nervous and confused.
"Forgive our intrusion, but could we talk?", he asked.
"Your Highness! Of course, please come in!" replied the father, visibly nervous.
Lucian and Cassander were led inside, as the mother hugged her wet, confused daughter.
"What happened? I thought you were at the tea of Countess Sahara... Why are you all wet?"
"Your Majesty...?", whispered the father, waiting for an explanation.
Cassander smiled kindly and gave a gentle pat on Lucian's back.
"There was a small incident in the tea. Miss Jupiter fell into the lake, and the Eighth Prince rescued her. He wanted to ensure her safety by bringing her back home."
The young girl's parents looked at Lucian, surprised and grateful as Lucian told them about what happened. Made it clear that there was also fault on the part of the lady, but Cassander was also generous in ensuring that she would not be punished for expressing her opinion.
"I apologize for the rude behavior of our daughter. Indeed we erred in teaching him the proper courtesy and etiquette to behave at such social events."
"Thank you for understanding", said Lucian, bending slightly. "Although this accident may generate some... gossip in the future. I only advise that you act discreet and avoid major problems."
"My goodness!" exclaimed the mother, horrified.
"We will not forget your kindness, Your Highness", added the father.
Lucian smiled innocently, though inside he was elated. Yes, please don't forget this day, he thought. For he would use this moment to his advantage, approaching the Baroness of Jewels and her network in the underworld.
While the couple Jupiter retired with their daughter to recover, Lucian observed the environment around them with astute eyes. He knew that episode would leave deep marks, both in social gossip and power relations among the nobles. Beside Cassander, he reflected on the course of events, his mind always calculating his next steps.
"You seem to be having fun with all this", commented Cassander in a low tone, but with a restrained smile.
Lucian answered with an astute look.
"Every incident is an opportunity, Your Majesty." He looked at the great house of the Jupiter's family. "And Miss Jupiter... can reveal us much more than we imagine."
Cassander stared at him for a moment, with an enigmatic expression. He said nothing, but Lucian noticed the brightness of understanding in the Imperial Consort's eyes. They both knew that was not the end of the fight, but only the beginning of something much greater.
When they finally withdrew from the house of Jupiter, Lucian could not avoid the feeling of satisfaction that settled in his chest. The game of intrigue and power was just beginning to unfold. And he, as always, would make sure to be one step ahead.
Now all he needed to do was wait for the next move.