Music recommendation: "Can't Help Falling in Love" (Cover by Kina Grannis)
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"Let's excuse ourselves for a moment," Grace suggested, taking Larissa by the arm and leading her to the summer garden, giving Adela and Kaiser a moment of privacy. The Baroness followed closely behind.
"What is it, Father?" Adela inquired, her cheeks losing their rosy hue as she composed herself with an expressionless mask.
"I requested Claude not to attend today," he revealed.
Her breath caught for a moment, but she managed to steady herself before exhaling.
Lately, her father had been addressing the Crown Prince in less formal ways, indicating a shift in their relationship, but asking Claude not to attend his cousin's wedding went far behind that, it was a direct insult to the crown.
She held her father's gaze, trying to understand his intentions.