At the Royal Palace of Belvorn, in the study of one of the residential side homes.
"Father, Aunt has invited Carmen’s daughter for this year’s festival as one of the selected perfumers. Has she recognized her own granddaughter?" Garwin Everthorn asked his father, Howard Everthorn, who was the Queen’s brother and Caryn’s uncle.
"If she had known about it, she wouldn’t be this quiet," Howard replied. "My sister believes her daughter is dead—she even saw the dead body of a little girl back then. This is just a coincidence that her granddaughter happens to be among the invited perfumers."
"But now that Carmen is alive, and she warned us about her return, she would definitely send her daughter here and then come herself. What are we going to do?"
"Carmen can’t come here; she is too weak," Howard said, an evil smirk spreading across his lips. "It’s good that she’s sending her daughter into our territory on her own. It will make it easier to get rid of her."
Garwin finally understood. "You’re right, Father. Once she’s here, we’ll get rid of her, and then we’ll deal with Carmen. Charlotte is about to be announced as the Princess soon. I can’t let Carmen and her daughter, Natalie, ruin the years of hard work we’ve put into this. My daughter will be the Princess and then the next Queen."
"Rest assured," Howard said confidently. "Charlotte is destined to sit on that throne. It’s time we take complete control of this country."
While the two men were talking, someone stood outside the study, listening intently. The young woman, in her early twenties, was none other than Garwin’s daughter and Howard’s granddaughter—the currently named Princess of Belvorn, though not yet officially crowned—Princess Charlotte Everthorn.
Natalie? Carmen’s daughter? Charlotte’s mind raced at what she overheard. Is Carmen not dead? She’s alive and even has a daughter? Did I hear it right that they are coming back?
Her delicate, beautiful face, framed by her impeccably styled deep brown hair, was painted with worry. Her honey-colored eyes gleamed with a tinge of anger. I can’t let this happen. I am the Princess. I’ll ensure she never meets the Queen. I am the only granddaughter of the Queen and the rightful heiress.
With this thought, she turned sharply and headed toward her residence, the Princess’s quarters. Upon entering the drawing room, she immediately ordered her assistant, "Get me the list of the perfumers invited to this year’s festival."
The female assistant, dressed in formal attire, quickly handed over a tablet. Charlotte scrolled through the list, her eyes narrowing as they landed on a single name among the ten: Natalie Ford.
"Get me all the information on this woman named Natalie Ford," she commanded.
"Yes, Your Highness," the assistant replied and hurried off to fulfill the order.
A while later, the assistant returned with the requested details. As Charlotte read through the information, a mocking smirk curled on her lips.
I was worried for nothing. This girl is nothing but a disgrace to a royal bloodline. She’s no competition for me. Her disgusting record will disqualify her from ever taking the position of princess. She has no manners, no sense of style, nothing a princess should have. Such a disappointment. But still, I can’t take any chances. I have to stop her from meeting the Queen.
Charlotte set the tablet aside and rose to her feet. She decided to go to the Queen’s residence, located in the main residential part of the vast and majestic palace. As she made her way through the halls, guards and servants bowed respectfully.
Upon inquiry, she was informed that the Queen was currently in the garden. When she arrived, she spotted the Queen sitting under a beautifully ornate gazebo.
The elderly woman was dressed in an elegant light blue dress, her light brown hair styled neatly into a bun. Her graceful face bore wrinkles that framed her light brown eyes, giving her an air of wisdom and kindness. A light smile adorned her lips as she sipped her favorite freshly brewed tea.
Charlotte approached with poise and greeted her warmly, offering a radiant smile. "Good morning, Grandma."
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