The noble crowd are waiting for a drama to unfold since all the main characters of their novel fantasy are present. While the Carlyle couple walk in the middle to approach the Astrid couple, the two seems busy whispering at each other that they didn't notice the Crown Prince and Princess were already behind their back.

"Ahem, Your Majesty. The Crown Princess would like to greet both of you". Hugo made his presence known.

The Ducal couple turned around while Sebastian's arms still attached to Rachel's waist.

"I greet his Majesties, the Duke and Duchess of Astrid. Please accept my warm best wishes to your wedding".

Ara curtsied, bow down her head and waited for the Ducal couple to acknowledge her greetings. Rachel is waiting for Sebastian to give the Crown Princess the permission to settle but her husband didn't say anything. She looks at him, but Sebastian just gave her a grin, so she has no choice but to impose her authority.

"Be at ease Crown Princess. We accept your warm greetings". Rachel smiled modestly showing her regal status.

(Excerpt: The Dukedom of Astrid has a royalty status equal to the King of the South. All subjects beneath must wait for the permission to be acknowledge before they are allowed to stand)

Ara's lips trembled to restrain her anger for she has to bow down and waited to be acknowledge by her ignorant cousin. Looking at Rachel now, she exudes confidence like a queen. She snickers inside for she thinks that her glory is temporary.

"Her Majesty, the Crown Prince and I felt worried that the wedding invitation have not reached our Kingdom, so we failed to attend your wedding".

Ara showed her worried innocent face, and she then followed a pitiful enactment to finger point the blame to the Duchess.

"Do you still blame me for what happened a year ago? This Crown Princess have already forgotten about it and looking forward to reunite our family". Her lips trembled as though trying to stop a tear from falling from her eyes.

Looking at the Crown Princess fake tears, Rachel restrained herself from laughing.

'So, this is the female protagonist? Her innocent appearance hides her devious character. Wow she certainly doesn't waste any time to set me up. This is the reason why I never like your character'.

Since she's a little bit lightheaded and uninhibited, she will play her game. In her previous life, Rachel grew up in the upper east side of Manhattan and was surrounded by meanies and bullies. She knew very well and learned how to play the bitches game.

Sebastian was about to respond when Rachel pinches his arm to stop him from butting in. She then changed her face reaction into someone who has been bullied.

The onlookers saw how the Duchess interrupted the Great Duke of Astrid, and they now somehow believe that his Majesty is under her sphere of influence. What a stunning revelation is this!

Rachel step near to the Crown Princess and holds her hand. "My Dear Cousin, it was not our intention to exclude the Carlyle family. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and my husband's decision to keep it discreet and modest, I'm just a wife who is following her husband's wishes".

She then replicates Ara's facial reaction, fakes wipe her tear and added the line, "Who would question the authority of my husband, the Great Duke of Astrid?". Rachel releases her hand and put it in her heart as if she was wronged.

Ara can't believe what just happened. She planned to humiliate Rachel in front of the southern nobilities so she would lash out just like how she did in the past but her ignorant cousin reversed the situation and made her look like she was trying to undermine the authority of the Duke.

And Sebastian? He just let Rachel humiliate her and didn't do anything. It's as though he is enjoying his wife's dramatic play. He didn't even pay an ounce of attention to her but instead he keeps grinning looking like a pathetic fool not to miss his wife reaction.

A commotion can be heard from the noble crowd. "Is the Crown Princess having the right to question his Majesty's decision for his wedding? What is happening with the hierarchy now a days?

"What a bold statement. The rumor is true then that she has become rude. She doesn't even know her position offending his Majesties."

The murmuring continued and Ara made the decision to save her face and humble down to avoid her downfall. She clenched her fist and bowed down to the Duchess.

"Please, Your Majesty. Pardon this mere subject for her impudence. I beg your Majesties mercy for I am still lacking in my position due to my humble background".

She hangs her head down and sobs, as if she were the one who had been wronged. Using sympathy and pity as her trump card in an effort to salvage the messy situation she caused.

Rachel saw her intention and chuckle. 'Oh! You're still not giving up, hm? Alright game on!'

The crowd are on edge and excited what will be the Duchess response. Is she going to use her power and authority to put the Crown Princess in her place? They stop breathing and anticipated the Duchess will lash out. But contrary to their expectation, a calm and regal Duchess appear to be unshaken.

"Please rise, my Dear Crown Princess. Your humility allows you to acknowledge your flaw. May you continue to learn what it means to be in authority because it carries a significant amount of responsibility. As the Duchess of Astrid, I am benevolent enough to excuse your lack of insight on this matter".

Rachel showed great concern and assist Ara to stand. "We are family with a great responsibility on our hands, and it is our duty to show mercy to our humble subject".

The Duchess' eloquence and wisdom left the audience speechless. Her discipline style demonstrates taking responsibility for your own mistakes. In other words, don't blame your lowly upbringing for your ignorance. On the surface, the Duchess may have seemed to applaud the Crown Princess for accepting her humble mistake, but the underlying message is actually a slap at her disrespect for authority.

Hugo was surprised at Rachel's response. Since when did she become capable? He has to step in before his wife further humiliate herself as the crowd started to give unfavorable response.

The Crown Prince bows down to Sebastian. "Forgive my wife, Your Majesty. The Crown Princess was used to his Majesty's brotherly affection that she gets comfortable at times".

Sebastian gave them a straight face. "Do what the Duchess says. Mind your conduct and supervise her royal etiquette manners". Sebastian indirectly warned the Crown Prince and used his authority to dismiss the subject.

"Then, we will leave you in peace." Hugo retreated but his wife remained unmoved in her position.

"Your Majesty, will you do the honor to dance with me? For old times' sake?"

Ara will not give up! She somehow must win on this part. Since she failed to humiliate her, she will crush her spirit through Sebastian.

She will let Rachel know that she still own's Sebastian heart.

Rachel felt a painful pinch in her heart. She looks at the two and realized that Ara has a special place in Sebastian's life.

Why did she forget this important part of the story? Because she made herself believe that Sebastian has feelings for her.

Her careless hope to hold onto that fantasy cause her heart to shutter into pieces.

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Author's note: Guys please calm down for the villain has entered the scene 😂 🤣. Happy 30k! Thanks for all the votes, comments and to my dear readers 😍 🥰 😘