Aunt Marie handed a plate of freshly baked cookies to Famoura. Just then, Prince Philip walked in.
Prince Philip said, "Those smell delicious… quite good cookies indeed."
Famoura said, "These are my cookies. Mama made them for me. You'll have to wait—she'll bake some for you too."
Aunt Marie said, "Sorry, Philip. These were made only for Famoura."
Prince Philip said, "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 said, "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 said, "The last day of the year is always the most tiresome day."
Famoura said, "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.
The man said, "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 said, "My name isn't Marie!"
The crowd turned. Prince Philip smiled gently.
Prince Charles said, "Forgive my daughter—she's not in the best mood today."
The man said, "Everyone seated behind Prince Philip's family, please."
Famoura tugged at her mother's sleeve.
Famoura said, "Mama, I want to sit with aunt Marie."
Catherine said, "Please, sweetheart, be quiet for your grandmother's sake."
Famoura's face fell. She went silent, hurt by her mother's tone.
Catherine said softly, "I'm really sorry, my dear. I didn't mean it that way."
King Francis said, "Minister, present the yearly report — and include the accounts of all the villagers."
Minister William said, "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 said, "But who could be behind such deceit?"
Prince Henry said, "It's quite simple, Minister William, tell me — which family holds the most wealth right now?"
Minister William said, "The Verinz family, Your Highness."
Prince Henry said, "Then the answer is clear. They must be the ones responsible. Summon the head of the Verinz household immediately."
Minister William said, "Mr. Alexander Verinz, you stand accused of manipulating the royal accounts and stealing money meant for the people."
Famoura said 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.
The villagers whispered, "She's right… that makes sense, doesn't it?"
Prince Henry said, "Princess Famoura, please calm yourself. We have evidence — every detail is recorded in the royal ledgers."
Famoura said, "Then show me the proof."
King Francis said, "The decision has already been made. Alexander Verinz will be sentenced to death."
Famoura said furiously, "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.
Minister William leaned toward the King and whispered, "Your Majesty, you should be cautious of this girl."
King Francis said, "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 said, "Famoura, that's enough! From now on, you are not to appear at any family gatherings."
Famoura said, "And what was so wrong about what I said? If people had any sense, they'd know I spoke the truth."
Prince Charles said, "Catherine, tell her to be quiet."
Catherine said, "Enough, my dear. There's nothing more we can do."
Famoura said, "We can do a lot, Mother — if only someone dared to try."
King Francis said, "Enough discussion! Minister William will be executed tonight."
---
Preparations for the execution began. The people gathered to witness it.
Famoura said determinedly, "I won't let this happen."
As she rushed toward the door, Prince Henry quickly shut it, locking her inside.
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 Alexander 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 said, "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 said, "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 said 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 said coldly, "I'll deal with you later, Princess."