A Bizarre Demand

Rosalie guided Elis into a comfortable guest chamber, where she arranged for the young woman to take a refreshing bath and change into a lovely nightgown.

As Elis went through the preparations, a solemn expression clouded her face.

Sensing her distress, Rosalie inquired, "What's troubling you, Miss Canton?"

Elis shook her head sorrowfully.

"I don't think this is right, Mrs. Foster. I'm not the person Kiev believes me to be. He would be repulsed by me if he knew the truth about my identity."

"Why would you think that? His Highness publicly declared his favour for you. He even won the duel for you, and I can see that you address him by his first name. I believe it's safe to say you have feelings for him too," Rosalie remarked.